Press Releases

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 Press Releases

Division of Boating and Waterways Encourages Boaters to Boat Sober this Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

SACRAMENTO – California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is urging all boaters to boat sober this coming Fourth of July holiday weekend. DBW and local law enforcement agencies will be participating in Operation Dry Water from July 4-6, 2025, a nationwide initiative to reduce boating under the influence (BUI) and to promote safe boating practices.

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.

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.

Division of Boating and Waterways Offers Grants for Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Programs

SACRAMENTO California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) today announced the availability of grant funding to help prevent the further spread of quagga and zebra mussels into California’s waterways. Funded by the California Mussel Fee Sticker (also known as the Quagga Sticker), the Quagga and Zebra (QZ) Mussel Infestation Prevention Grant Program expects to award up to $2 million across eligible applicants. Applications open Monday, March 10, and must be received by April 18, 2025, by 5 p.m. PDT.

Division of Boating and Waterways to Begin Annual Control Efforts for Aquatic Invasive Plants in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

SACRAMENTO – California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) announced today its 2025 control efforts for invasive aquatic plants in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its southern tributaries (Delta). Starting March 20, DBW will begin herbicide treatments on water hyacinth, South American spongeplant, Uruguay water primrose, alligator weed, Brazilian waterweed, curlyleaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, coontail, fanwort, and ribbon weed in the Delta. The treatment start date may change depending on weather conditions and plant growth/movement.