SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) reminds recreational boaters to avoid alcohol this Fourth of July holiday weekend, a time known for increased boaters on the waters where alcohol use is prevalent, as are subsequent boating incidents and fatalities. To combat impaired boating, law enforcement agencies across the country are intensifying their efforts July 1-3 as part of Operation Dry Water. In California, more than 44 law enforcement entities across California will increase patrols and/or carry out BUI checkpoints.

California State Parks and Friends of Lakes Folsom and Natoma (FOLFAN) invite the public to the second annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 17,at Black Miners Bar, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The celebration is also part of the second annual California State Parks Week which runs from June 14-18, 2023.

California State Parks Gold Fields District’s K-9 Rex has received a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K-9 Rex’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”

California State Parks urges visitors to exercise extreme caution while enjoying Lake Natoma, a subunit of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, over the next several days. Significant water releases are expected from both Folsom and Nimbus Dams as the next storms approach the Sacramento area. As releases at Folsom Dam increase, water levels may raise rapidly resulting in strong currents that are unsafe for recreational activities on or around the lake shore. The strong currents may also prompt park officials to close parts of the lake starting Friday, December 30, and continuing until the water and currents recede.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The California State Park and Recreation Commission today voted unanimously on a temporary name change of a day-use area, identified as Negro Bar within Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, to Black Miners Bar. This name change is part of a multistep recommendation. 

California State Parks is urging visitors to Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) to help protect historic resources by not handling, removing, or destroying artifacts or ruins along the lakebed. Artifacts once belonging to immigrants seeking fortune along the American River are now exposed due to historic low-water levels. These sites and artifacts are protected by both federal and state laws that prohibit disturbing the sites in any way, including removing or relocating artifacts.

California State Parks is asking visitors to be cautious while enjoying Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA), as low water levels have left four of the five boat ramps dry. There will also be a 5 mph maximum speed limit established for the entire lake starting this Thursday, October 22, for public safety due to hazards and the low water conditions.

California State Parks continues to make good progress to repair and reopen the American River Bike Trail, also known as the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail. Starting next Monday, October 7, State Parks will remove loose debris from the bluff, repair the trail and enhance public safety near the Orangevale Bluffs.

California State Parks has recently become aware of suspected incidents of harmful algal blooms (HABs) within both the Auburn and Folsom Lake State Recreation Areas. As California confronts the realities of climate change, HABs have become increasingly common in rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and they can be especially dangerous to children and pets. State Parks is encouraging recreational users of all bodies of fresh water in Auburn and Folsom Lake State Recreation Areas to be aware of the potential for cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (HABs).

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California State Parks will be part of the more than 40 California marine law enforcement agencies joining hundreds of enforcement agencies across the United States to increase patrols and/or carry out Boating Under the Influence (BUI) checkpoints on July 5-7 over the Independence Day holiday weekend. Dubbed Operation Dry Water (ODW), the enforcement program’s goal is to help reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related accidents and fatalities and foster a stronger, more visible deterrent to boating under the influence.