Press Releases

Displaying 1 - 20 of 410 Press Releases

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Mono Lake Kootzaduka'a Tribe of California and Nevada and California State Parks Sign Memorandum of Understanding

NEAR MONO LAKE TUFA STATE NATURAL RESERVE — California State Parks and the Mono Lake Kootzaduka'a Tribe of California and Nevada (Kootzaduka'a) gathered on Aug. 29 on the shore of Mono Lake to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize a relationship to promote successful consultation, collaboration, and co-stewardship for the mutual benefit of the Kootzaduka'a and State Parks. State Parks manages two State Park units located within the traditional homelands of the Kootzaduka’a people – Bodie State Historic Park (SHP) and Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve (SNR).

September 04, 2026 Bodie SHP, Mono Lake Tufa SNR Read the Full News Release
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Nearly 79,000 People Participated in Arts in California Parks — 40% visiting for first time

SACRAMENTO — Nearly 79,000 people participated in Arts in California Parks events during 2025, according to an independent evaluation released today by California State Parks and Parks California. The findings document a program that is reaching people who have never previously set foot in their local park — and changing their relationship to it.

September 03, 2026 Partnerships Read the Full News Release
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California State Parks and Partners Host Nearly 200 Events Statewide in Celebration of California Biodiversity Day 2026

SACRAMENTO — The California Natural Resources Agency, California State Parks, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the California Academy of Sciences (CAS) and California Volunteers invite the public to join the celebration for California Biodiversity Day 2026.With more than 100 events taking place across the state from Sept. 5-13, the nine-day celebrationwill offer opportunities for all to connect with nature and learn simple ways to help protect and steward the environment. 

September 02, 2026 Read the Full News Release
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Put in the Work to Have a Safe Labor Day Weekend in California’s State Parks

SACRAMENTO – As the unofficial end of summer approaches, California State Parks is reminding visitors to recreate safely in the outdoors during Labor Day weekend. California’s 280 (and growing) state parks offer something for everyone. By following key safety tips such as wearing a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, avoiding alcohol, and practicing fire safety, you and your loved ones can enjoy a safe and memorable experience in the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system.

September 01, 2026 Read the Full News Release
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California State Parks Opens Applications for Nearly $190 Million in Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program Grants

SACRAMENTO— California State Parks is inviting eligible applicants throughout California to apply for Round 5 of the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP), funded by Proposition 4 (2024 Climate Bond). The competitive grant program is designed to expand access to outdoor recreation by funding new parks and improvements to existing parks in critically underserved and climate-vulnerable communities. Approximately $188.5 million is available statewide, and applicants may request up to $8.5 million per project. Applications are due Dec. 17, 2026.

August 28, 2026 Read the Full News Release
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California State Parks Opens Applications to Expand Outdoor Spaces Through Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants

California State Parks is inviting eligible public entities across California to apply for funding through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program, which is offering approximately $27.5 million in grants. The program helps agencies acquire land and develop parks and recreational amenities that support the health and wellness of communities. Applications are due by Jan. 14, 2027.

August 18, 2026 Read the Full News Release
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California State Parks Opens Applications for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Grants

SACRAMENTO — California State Parks is inviting eligible public entities across California to apply for the federal Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program aimed at expanding access to outdoor recreation in underserved communities. In the eighth round of this competitive National Park Service (NPS) grant program, approximately $120 million in funding is available nationwide and applicants may request up to $15 million per project. Applications are due by Aug. 28, 2026.

July 30, 2026 Read the Full News Release
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California State Parks and Peninsula Open Space Trust Announce Permanent Conservation of San Gregorio Ranch and Planned Expansion of State Beach by 50%

PALO ALTO— Beachgoers along the San Mateo County coast will soon enjoy expanded access at San Gregorio State Beach following the recent acquisition by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) of 238-acre San Gregorio Ranch, which sits at Highway 1 and Highway 84. While POST plans to donate this $10-million property to California State Parks (State Parks) later this year, visitors will be able to access the property as an extension of the state beach beginning July 29.

July 13, 2026 San Gregorio SB Read the Full News Release
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Tips to Safely Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in California’s State Parks

SACRAMENTO – Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary this Fourth of July holiday weekend is the perfect opportunity to have fun in the sun at one of California’s (and growing) state parks. Whether you’re interested in swimming, hiking, boating, recreating in an off-highway vehicle, or watching fireworks over San Francisco Bay, the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system has something for everyone. Following simple safety precautions, such as wearing a properly-fitted life jacket in the water, wearing sunscreen, and avoiding alcohol, can help you and your party have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend outdoors. 

June 30, 2026 Read the Full News Release
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California State Parks Arrests Suspect in Connection with Old-Growth Redwood Poaching at Humboldt Redwoods State Park

WEOTT— California State Park Peace Officers (rangers) arrested a suspect in connection with the recent theft of old-growth redwood from Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Christopher David Guffie, 63, of McKinleyville, was taken into custody on June 10 and booked at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on multiple felony charges, including PC 487(a) Grand Theft. The second suspect, caught on remote camera, has been identified. State Parks submitted an arrest warrant through Humboldt County’s District Attorney’s Office and is on the lookout for the second suspect.

June 26, 2026 Humboldt Redwoods SP Read the Full News Release
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California State Parks and Kakoon Ta Ruk Band of Ohlone-Costanoan Indians of the Big Sur Rancheria Sign Memorandum of Understanding

SACRAMENTO — California State Parks and the Kakoon Ta Ruk Band of Ohlone-Costanoan Indians of the Big Sur Rancheria (Kakoon Ta Ruk) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on May 15 to formalize the coordination and partnership between the Kakoon Ta Ruk and State Parks for the state parks within the tribe’s ancestral lands.

 

June 26, 2026 Read the Full News Release
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California State Parks Statement on Criminal Charges Against Former Employee

SACRAMENTO —  California State Parks takes these charges against former employee Kevin Pearsall very seriously and has fully cooperated with law enforcement through every step of the investigation. Upon being alerted to these serious criminal allegations, State Parks immediately contacted the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and requested an investigation. Pearsall no longer works for the department and retired shortly after the CHP served search warrants.

June 24, 2026 Bolsa Chica SB Read the Full News Release
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Governor Newsom Announces Special Free Pass to California’s State Historic Parks in Honor of Juneteenth and America’s 250th Anniversary

SACRAMENTO —California is making the incredible sites that preserve the state’s complex history free to visit through a special limited-time pass. In celebration of Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California State Parks is offering a special free version of its Historian Passport — normally $50 for the year — for admission of up to four people per pass at more than 30 state historic parks throughout the state. 

June 17, 2026 Read the Full News Release