Press Releases

Displaying 1 - 10 of 413 Press Releases

Dos Rios Opens Additional Trails and Expands Outdoor Recreation Opportunities Beginning Friday, June 6

MODESTO — Nearly a year after its official opening and just in time for the peak summer season, California State Parks is opening new hiking trails at Dos Rios. Located just 8 miles west of Modesto, California’s newest state park will also host a number of events for the fourth annual California State Parks Week in June. Nearly 10,000 people have visited Dos Rios since its official opening in June 2024, and the park has steadily increased public access to the approximately 1,600-acre property.

June 03, 2025 Dos Rios Read the Full News Release

Nominations for 2024 California State Parks’ Golden Bear Awards Open Through June 30

SACRAMENTO — The California State Park and Recreation Commission (SPRC) is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Golden Bear Awards. These awards honor and celebrate individuals and organizations acting in support of the California Department of Parks and Recreation and its mission to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. The nomination period is open through Monday, June 30, 2025.

May 29, 2025 News Release, California State Park and Recreation Commission, California State Parks, Events/Celebrations, Public Participation Opportunities Read the Full News Release

Division of Boating and Waterways Offers Boating Infrastructure Grants for Marina Operators

SACRAMENTO – California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting letters of intent (LOI) from public and private marina owners interested in applying for the federal Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program. These grants can fund up to 75% of total project costs, with a maximum grant award of $1.5 million. Once potential projects are identified, applicants will be invited to submit full proposals. LOIs will be accepted starting today, May 23, through Friday, June 13, 2025.

May 23, 2025 Read the Full News Release

Celebrate Memorial Day Safely and Responsibly in California’s Diverse and Abundant State Parks

SACRAMENTO — California State Parks invites Californians and visitors from around the world to kick off Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, safely and responsibly.

May 20, 2025 Calaveras Big Trees SP, Anza-Borrego Desert SP, Cardiff SB, Silverwood Lake SRA Read the Full News Release

California State Parks Offers Free Admission to Veterans, Active and Reserve Military Members on Memorial Day

SACRAMENTO — California State Parks is honoring the service of veterans and active and reserve military members by offering free admission to 142 participating state park units on Memorial Day – Monday, May 26. The full list of participating park units can be found at parks.ca.gov/MemorialDay2025. 

May 16, 2025 California Citrus SHP, Clay Pit SVRA, Pismo SB Read the Full News Release

Celebrate National Safe Boating Week May 17–23

SACRAMENTO —California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) invites all boating enthusiasts to observe National Safe Boating Week from May 17–23, 2025. This annual event emphasizes the importance of responsible boating practices and water safety awareness as Californians prepare for the summer boating season. This year also marks the full implementation of the California Boater Card requirement for all motorized vessel operators.

May 14, 2025 California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways, Events/Celebrations, Safety Tips, News Release Read the Full News Release

Golden Mussels Discovered During Boat Inspection at Folsom Lake

FOLSOM – The new vessel inspection program at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area uncovered an infestation of invasive golden mussels on a boat Tuesday at Beals Point. During an inspection, California State Parks staff identified several live golden mussels attached to a vessel. The vessel, which had recently been in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, was stored for further inspection. State Parks is working with the owner and other agencies to safely decontaminate and quarantine the vessel.

May 07, 2025 Folsom Lake SRA Read the Full News Release

California State Parks, California Highway Patrol and Allied Agencies Launch Public Safety Operation in Big Sur and Point Lobos Ahead of Summer Travel

CARMEL – California State Parks and California Highway Patrol, in coordination with CAL FIRE and Caltrans, is launching an enforcement and education operation on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. between Carmel River State Beach and Rocky Creek in Big Sur. This operation aims to bring public awareness to safety concerns with pedestrian and vehicle traffic along Highway 1 from Carmel to Big Sur near Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (SNR), Garrapata State Park and other popular destinations.

May 06, 2025 Carmel River SB, Point Lobos SNR, Garrapata SP Read the Full News Release