Displaying 1 - 20 of 408 Press Releases
SACRAMENTO — California fourth-grade families can now add a California State Parks pass to their back-to-school shopping list. And unlike the backpack, notebook and pencils, this pass is absolutely free!
SACRAMENTO —The future of three new Central Valley state parks starts with Californians. California State Parks is bringing communities together this month to help shape the future of three new state parks in the Central Valley through State Parks Forward workshops.
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.
SACRAMENTO— California State Parks is seeking community input in a new survey launching today that will help shape the future of three new state parks coming to the Central Valley: Feather River Park in Yuba County, San Joaquin River Parkway in Fresno and Madera counties, and Dust Bowl Camp in Kern County.
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.
SACRAMENTO – California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is urging boaters to boat sober, wear a properly fitted life jacket and make safety the priority ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
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.
SACRAMENTO – California State Parks is excited to announce the release of “(Re)Turning to the River,” a new podcast exploring powerful connections between people and water within the San Joaquin Watershed from its Sierra Nevada headwaters out to San Francisco Bay.
SACRAMENTO– California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting grant applications for the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Education and Outreach Grant Program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SACRAMENTO — California State Parks is inviting visitors to the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system this summer to “share your space” by entering the 2026 Photo Contest. Starting today through Aug. 1, Californians can submit their top pictures from any of the 280 state parks for a chance to win special prizes.
SACRAMENTO – California State Parks and nonprofit partner Parks California today invited community and tribal organizations throughoutthe state to apply for the 2027 Route to Parks Grants. The program will award approximately $1.1 million to help more people in underserved communities experience California’s state parks, the largest and most diverse state park system in the nation. Route to Parks supports the Newsom Administration’s Outdoors for All Initiative by helping reduce barriers for communities that have historically faced challenges accessing nature and outdoor recreation.
SACRAMENTO — California State Parks today is inviting the public to provide feedback on the draft application guide for a $188.5 million competitive grant program aimed at expanding access to parks and recreational opportunities in underserved communities throughout California. The Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP), now in its fifth round, supports the Newsom Administration’s Outdoors for All initiative by providing funding to help communities create new parks, improve existing parks and build more outdoor spaces where people can play, exercise, gather and connect with nature.
SACRAMENTO – California State Parks and nonprofit partner Parks California today announced the award of more than $2.4 million to 13 community and tribal organizations across the state as part of the Career Pathways grants program. The funding will support paid training opportunities expected to prepare approximately 380 participants for careers in parks and public lands and includes seven returning grantees and six new partners.
BOULDER CREEK — California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks are pleased to announce the return of the shuttle program at Big Basin Redwoods State Park for summer weekends and holidays in 2026, beginning this Saturday, May 23, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Building on the success of the shuttle service pilot program during the summers of 2024 and 2025, the program offers increased access during park redevelopment activities following the devastating 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire.
SACRAMENTO — As the unofficial start of summer kicks off, California State Parks invites Californians and visitors from around the world to enjoy Memorial Day weekend safely and responsibly. Whether you’re catching the waves at Crystal Cove State Park, riding the sandy hills at Heber Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area or hiking under the giant sequoia groves at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California’s 280 state parks offer a diverse array of activities for visitors eager to celebrate the holiday.
SACRAMENTO — California State Parks is honoring the service of veterans and active duty and reserve military members by offering free admission to 145 participating state parks on Memorial Day – Monday, May 25. The full list of participating parks can be found at parks.ca.gov/MemorialDay2026.
