Route to Parks: A Transportation Lens to Park Access
Credit: Parks California Facebook
By: Myrian Solis Coronel, Director of Community Engagement, Parks California
This is part two of a four-part series exploring innovative approaches by Parks California to increase access to California’s state parks. As a statutory partner, Parks California has a simple mission—to help strengthen parks and inspire all to experience these extraordinary places.
Some fun facts about the 2020 Route to Parks grants program:
- The first round of grantees is comprised of 20 organizations from across the state.
- Collectively, they will connect more than 9,000 people to California’s state parks with experiences ranging from overnight to school field trips.
- The grantees range from outdoor education organizations to traditional park friends’ groups.
- The partnerships between grantees and parks will help cultivate the next generation of park visitors.
- Parks California successfully secured additional funding from an anonymous donor to match the public funds doubling the investments in grants.
You can learn about the 2020 Route to Parks grant finalist here .
While transportation approaches are not always relevant across the board, we can learn from each other. Parks California is committed to learning from the Route to Parks grantee community and sharing best practices. We understand organizations have limited resources and capacity, but if we learn from each other, we will be a stronger resource to communities. In addition to sharing these best practices, Parks California is dedicated to being a partner to our grantee community. We will seek recommendations to improve the grant process, offer webinars (topics informed by them) and provide a state-wide platform to share their story. Our goal is to support and strengthen those who inspire and connect all people to state parks.
The Route to Parks grants is a collaborative program between Parks California and California State Parks. The next grant cycle is expected to launch in spring 2021.
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COVID-19 INFORMATION
On January 25, 2021, Governor Newsome lifted California’s COVID-19 related Regional Stay at Home Order. In response to the lifting of the Stay at Home Order, State Parks is re-opening camping in a phased roll out. For additional information, please check the following link: State Parks Camping. Although the regional Stay at Home Order is lifted, COVID-19 related orders remain fluid and are in place at various levels from county to county. For more information regarding your county of residence or a nearby county you plan to visit please check here: County Status.
In addition to the Regional Stay at Home Order, the California Department of Public Health has issued new industry guidance and information specific to campgrounds, RV parks and outdoor recreation. This guidance is helpful in establishing protocols for health and safety; however, COVID-19 guidance, rules and recommendations are fluid as the pandemic continues, and we recommend checking your county’s status for any updates.
For additional COVID-19 related information, please visit the California Department of Public’s web-based resources at CDPH and California COVID-19.
Partnerships Division's Dennis Weber Retires from State Parks
By: Justine Kardad, Volunteers in Parks Program Analyst, Partnerships Division
Prior to COVID-19 and Governor Gavin Newsom’s Stay at Home Order, you couldn’t walk through the halls of State Parks Headquarters without seeing the friendly face of Dennis Weber. He was always willing to tell a story and share his Parks knowledge. Now, after 30 years of state service—with 20 of those years with State Parks—Dennis has now moved into relaxation mode in the land of retirement.
Dennis started his career with the state in 1990, working at the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) for 10 years in the Bureau of Home Furnishings, and later moved on within DCA to become a legislative analyst. In 2000, he made a big change and came over to State Parks to “live the parks life.” He first started in the Office of Historic Preservation, then in 2006, he transferred to the Facilities Management Unit. In 2011, former Deputy Director of Public Affairs Roy Sterns recruited Dennis because of his prior experience as a newspaper reporter. (Fun fact: Dennis wrote for many newspapers, including papers serving Modesto, Gilroy, Eureka and Grass Valley.) Dennis was part of the Communications team for six years working for Gloria Sandoval after Roy Sterns retired.
His final stop at State Parks started in 2018, when Dennis joined the Partnerships Division as manager of the Volunteers in Parks Program. In this position, he worked with his team of two analysts, supporting State Parks volunteers and field staff who work with volunteers. Dennis said that managing the Volunteers in Parks Program was an extremely rewarding experience: “I’m inspired by the incredible service our volunteers provide. We simply could not operate our parks and programs without the work they do. When they bring a smile to a child’s face, take pride in a task well done or quietly give of their time and energy, I am rewarded to be able to witness their service.”
Since recently retiring, Dennis has enjoyed doing landscaping projects, which included building a sitting area with a fountain and pebble stones for his wife, Bev. He has purchased a bike and enjoys riding the trails and always looks forward to spending time with his grandson when he is able to visit him.
Lastly, Dennis would like to continue to live a life of service, hopes to become a volunteer at a state park and wants to get involved with a food bank and Habitat for Humanity.
We would like to thank Dennis for his many years of service to State Parks—we have all been so fortunate to work with you. Enjoy your next chapter and everything that comes with it.
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COVID-19 Relief Grant Available for Nonprofits and Small Businesses
The first round of Small Business Covid-19 Relief Grants concluded on January 8, 2021. However, a second grant round will open February 2, 2021. Check CAReliefGrant.com for the latest information.
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A New Dawn on Boating- A Positive Future for the Marina Industry
By: David Block, Concessions Specialist, Partnerships Division
Americans love boating. Marinas have always served as a beneficial source of recreation for people across the United States, especially in California. The six marinas Lake Oroville (Bidwell and Lime Saddle), Folsom Lake, Lake Clementine (Auburn Boat Club), Millerton Lake, Silverwood Lake) within the California State Park System offer numerous services, from motorized and non-motorized boat rentals to food and beverage concessions. These recreational opportunities offer a tremendous respite for people looking to get away and spend time on the water. When California and the rest of the nation reopens from the COVID-19 pandemic, people will continue to flock to marinas as a safe and effective way to get fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors.
The boating industry shows that marinas should experience a tremendous rebound after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. The National Marine Manufacturers Association reports that there was a significant decrease in marine sales during the first period of COVID-19 in 2020 . With the lifting of restrictions, marine sales ballooned in May and then hit record highs by June. Marine sales numbers were actually higher in May and June 2020 than for the same period in 2019. These high marine sales were at levels not seen since before the Great Recession of 2008.
These numbers suggest that once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted completely, people will be interested in resuming their boating activities. Trends also show that people who have not previously engaged in boating activities may now be more eager to do so. If following proper health and safety guidelines, boating can also be one of the safest ways to enjoy time out of the house during COVID-19.
When the proper precautions are being taken, boating allows for people to maintain a safe distance from others while enjoying their time on the water. General safety tips for responsible boating include:
- Not beaching or docking your boat right next to another.
- Maintaining distance at the fuel and loading dock, and remembering to wash your hands.
- Keeping your distance on the water.
- Having only immediate family members of the same household on your boat.
- Avoiding unnecessary contact with others when going from home to the marina and back.
The future certainly looks bright for marinas. As Covid-19 restrictions are gradually lifted and California State Parks continue to open, people will find that marinas offer a safe and responsible way to experience the outdoors and have fun doing so.
Credit: Bidwell Canyon Marina
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Inspiring the Next Generation of Park Champions
By: Scott Shepherd, Staff Services Analyst, Interpretation and Education Division
The sun bears down on La Purísima Mission on the Central Coast of California. A 9-year-old boy and his father stomp and squish barefoot through soil, manure and dried hay, creating a traditional building material called “adobe.” After hours of back-breaking work that left his hands, feet and face caked with dried adobe, the young boy is aware of his sweat soaking through his homespun shirt and rough trousers. Turning to his equally exhausted father, he wonders about jumping into the cool water of the fountain. Within moments he is exhilarated, sloshing through chilly, clear water.
 What might sound like something from 1800s-era California is a memory from Parker’s childhood. At age 9, he became a junior docent and began a lifelong passion for historic resources. Parker is now a California State Parks interpreter for the PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students) program at La Purísima Mission State Historic Park and at Gaviota State Beach.
Credit: La Purisima Mission SHP Instagram
“My parents would often say, ‘Don’t ask Parker about the missions because you’ll never get him to stop talking!’” Parker reflects with laughter.
After 10 years of volunteering, during a docent training in Santa Barbara, Parker discovered that his great-great-great-great-grandfather was born at La Purísima Mission in 1816.
“Finding that out almost a decade after I’ve had this total inspiration to connect to this mission and this place is really amazing,” Parker said.
When you ask him about his work, Parker’s passion is immediately evident. “It means a lot to me to be in a place that I’ve loved for so long and to be able to interpret that for visitors and students.”
Through PORTS, Parker connects K-12 students to virtual field trips to his park. PORTS empowers K-12 communities to connect with our California state parks through PORTS Home Learning and PORTS On-Demand Programs. In 2003, PORTS began connecting teachers and students in their classrooms to parks through educational video-conferencing programs. Seventeen years later, the program calls to question, how can we empower young people to connect with parks in 2020 like Parker as a child?
For PORTS Interpreter Nikki Kohls, personal connection is key. At Van Damme State Beach, Nikki finds a thank you email from a parent with a request for a birthday card for his daughter, Molly, who enjoys Nikki’s PORTS Programs from home. Before packing up, Nikki sends a quick email wishing Molly a happy birthday. Within moments, Molly’s dad writes back ecstatic with excitement, “You are amazing! I can’t thank you enough!”
A few days later, an email from Molly pops up in Nikki’s inbox. Sporting a wide grin in her video message, Molly says, “Thank you so much for the postcard and the video!” Proudly displaying her birthday present in a photo, Molly exclaimed, “This is my Ranger Nikki doll! I love your programs so much!”
Memories from this pandemic will be long-lasting, especially for children and young people. What might seem a simple personal connection may, in fact, inspire a lifelong passion for California’s state parks—a passion that may shape Molly’s future to share state parks resources, as Nikki does today. These authentic connections only become more relevant with each passing day of this pandemic, and PORTS will be there to play in, learn about, serve and share our California state parks with K-12 communities.
The demand for PORTS is growing and fall numbers are record-breaking. PORTS received more than 2,700 On-demand Program requests since September, and counting. With our new passPORTS program, teachers are taking advantage of our opportunities to reimagine the school field trip, and more letters like Molly’s pour in each day.
To learn more about PORTS program’s efforts to support teachers, students and families, connect with California State Parks by visiting www.ports-ca.us.
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The New Normal- Creative Ways to (Re) Open Food Service Businesses
By: Kevin White, Concessions Specialist, Concessions Specialist, Partnerships Division
There is nothing better than enjoying a fine meal away from home especially when you’re on vacation or trying to get away from it all. However, to follow Governor Gavin Newsom’s stay at home order and to ensure the health and safety of the public and staff, many food service businesses have been temporarily closed.
Due to the pandemic, restaurants have been challenged to find alternative ways to serve and maintain clientele. Here are some ideas that have been expanded or changed the way some restaurants are doing business:
- Online ordering for take-out
- Delivery service within the community
- Curbside pick-up
- Drive-through (if available)
- Menu simplification
- Gift card promotion
- Third-party apps for delivery service (e.g., GrubHub, DoorDash, UberEats, etc.)
- Pre-fixed family meal package options for take-out or delivery
Ideas for specialty restaurants and food establishments include:
- Create a cookbook of specialty items and recipes.
- Record a weekly (podcast) cooking show specializing on unique food items, events and industry trends.
- Develop a specialized app that provides specific information, recipes, merchandise, information, easy ordering and delivery, etc.
It is difficult to make these changes for restaurants but these changes can perhaps not only help them now but in the future.
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Philanthropic Trends: Some Optimistic Data for Philanthropic Partners
- Even amid a public health pandemic, recession, civil unrest and a divisive political climate, a recent study by Fidelity Charitable found that 43% of donors plan to continue supporting their usual charities.
- The latest Blackbaud Institute Index found that 25% of donors plan to increase their donations, while 54% plan to maintain their giving levels.
- Americans who have been laid off or furloughed are among the most likely to donate (62%), according to LendingTree research.
- Across all nonprofit subsectors, there has been a 36% increase in online giving year-over-year from April through June 2020 compared to the same time period in 2019 (Blackbaud Institute Index). Significant jumps during May 2020 suggest a shift to digital platforms and momentum from GivingTuesdayNow (May 5, 2020).
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Secretary Speaker Series
On Dec, 16, 2020, the California Natural Resources Agency hosted its final virtual event, “From California to Kunming: The Global Effort to Tackle the Nature Crisis.” The talk was part of Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot’s Speaker Series, which are discussions with leaders from across California to discuss emerging natural resources issues. They are held in an open forum, allowing for new and different perspectives about how we can best steward California’s resources.
The December speaking event discussed the “biodiversity challenge impacting the world and how states like California can make a difference.” To view this virtual event, please click here. For a full list of links to past series events, please click here.
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California State Parks' Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students Program Creates Virtual Event for Girl Scouts
By: Dennis Weber, Former Volunteers in Parks Program Manager, Partnerships Division, and Jennifer Langer, Program Coordinator, Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) Program
 Girl Scouts from across the U.S. virtually visited California state parks September 12-13 during the annual Girl Scouts Love State Parks (GSLSP) event. Only in its second year, the event was originally designed to allow Girl Scouts to visit local parks in person and participate in a variety of activities. Upon completion, Girl Scouts earn the coveted Girl Scouts Love State Parks patch.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the on-site activities, but California State Parks stepped in with a virtual alternative headed up by its PORTS, or Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students Program. PORTS Coordinator Jennifer Langer worked in collaboration with State Parks interpreters and local Girl Scouts councils to develop virtual programming on relatively short notice.
PORTS staff met many times with all participating California Girl Scouts councils and collectively created a robust weekend of live programming taking Girl Scouts on a journey across our diverse State Park System. There were 10 programs offered over two days, including Monarch Butterflies, Mysteries of the Deep, Miwok Culture, Desert Life Today and Yesterday, and Nature in the City Hearst Castle.
Each scheduled program comprised of one Girl Scouts council member to host the program and one park presenter to provide a virtual tour of the park. Together they cohosted a 30-45 minute live park experience. To create a more inclusive event, Girl Scouts councils reserved program registration for local troops, while simultaneously going live on Facebook to give Girl Scouts from other regions, and across the nation, the opportunity to participate in the statewide tour as well. The result of this approach was impressive. More than 2,100 California Girl Scouts registered for the GSLSP programs and 800 Girl Scouts joined Facebook Live, which reached well over 17,000 views. Many, if not all of these girls, received their Girl Scouts Love State Parks patch for their participation in these programs.
Connecting Girl Scouts to state parks is a meaningful and often memorable experience. One Girl Scout who participated in the Miwok Culture program at Indian Grinding Rock State Park commented, “I love learning about people’s lives that are different from mine in a respectful way and I’d love to learn more. Thank you so much for sharing, this was great!"
The legacy of Girl Scouts and the outdoors is profound. Studies show that 71% of members ages 8-14 tried their first outdoor activity through the organization, and half would not have had access to outdoor activities and programming if not for Girl Scouts. In collaboration with the National Association of State Park Directors, Girl Scouts started the event in 2019 with programs at state parks in all 50 states for girls to explore what the parks have to offer and to participate in select activities, such as working on a badge or Take Action project, camping overnight, and much more.
California State Parks, PORTS, the Interpretation and Education Division, and the Partnerships Division are proud to partner with Girl Scouts USA and look forward to continuing the collaboration in the future.
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Wildlife Dispatch from Santa Cruz Mountain: Redwoods, Recovery, and Restoration
By: Matthew Shaffer, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Sempervirens Fund
A wildfire-damaged sign welcomes visitors Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Calif. – Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press
More California land burned in wildfires in 2020 than in the past three years combined. Redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains—and especially those in Big Basin Redwoods State Park—were hit hard by the August lightning wildfires, igniting more than 86,000 acres.
Redwoods are iconic trees for California and for the state park system. Their fate, and the fate of the ecosystems that thrive under their canopies, has been of great concern.
Fortunately, redwoods thrive in fire. Unique adaptations make them extraordinarily resistant to fire. Their thick bark is quite fire-resistant—several feet thick in old-growth individuals—and contain almost no flammable pitch or resin. As long as the cambium layer survives in most of the tree and the roots are still stabilized, the tree will likely recover very well after a major fire. Fallen trees become “nurse trees” that foster new growth. Learn more here.
While the damage to park, public land and private forestland infrastructure—such as buildings, roads, signs and culverts—is still being evaluated and assessed, redwood forests have already begun to show new growth. Even in high-intensity burn areas where fire reached or erupted above the crowns, ferns are emerging from the ash, and new trees are sprouting at the base of charred trees. Dr. Emily Burns shares 10 signs of redwood recovery here.
In the months to come we will all be on the lookout for hidden treasures. Fire can release long-dormant seeds. Unseen species can emerge, and important species can flourish in abundance. According to Valentin Lopez, chairman of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, in the year following the 2011 fire at Pinnacles National Park, redmaids, poppies, tobacco and other culturally significant native plants erupted. You can read more about Mr. Lopez’s perspectives on our relationship with the land here.
At Sempervirens Fund, we own and manage more than 10,000 acres of redwood forest lands burned by this year’s wildfires. Donors are already having a tremendous impact on redwood forest recovery and restoration, both across the region, and specifically at Big Basin. The factors that sparked the August wildfires may have been unexpected years ago, but we are now evaluating new approaches to future wildfire seasons. And we look forward to partnering with the State of California to rebuild Big Basin so it can once again pioneer the next era of state parks for all to enjoy.
The historic Big Basin headquarters, consumed by fire. – California State Parks
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Supporting Concession Business Partners in Their Time of Need
By Jared Zucker, Concessions Program Manager, Partnerships Division
California State Parks is unique in its ability to deliver public services in partnership with other public agencies, as well as private and nonprofit business partners. With a concession portfolio exceeding 200 concession operations in more than 80 parks throughout the state, California State Parks has taken unprecedented steps to ensure the continued viability of these operations as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. California State Parks, through close communication with concessionaires, the California Parks Hospitality Association, the Natural Resources Agency and the Governor’s Office developed a multipronged approach to address critical concessionaire issues in their time of need.
As the pandemic spread, park closures became more frequent to limit person-to-person interaction that could lead to increased transmission. As parks closed, most concession operations halted as well, thus impacting concessionaire’s ability to generate revenue, maintain its workforce and support their families. In April, and consistent with typical rent relief protocol, California State Parks committed to waiving concessionaire minimum rent requirements for at least one year. It soon became clear that the minimum rent waiver would not be enough and as park closures persisted, additional rent relief measures had to be considered.
In July, California State Parks rolled out a comprehensive rent relief package that included a reduction in performance bond requirements, the application of a sliding scale rent waiver for concessionaires that pay rent based on a percentage of their revenues, as well as the ability for concessionaires to request a contract extension to help with the amortization of capital improvements required by their contracts. To provide additional support for concessions with month-to-month contracts, California State Parks issued a moratorium on bidding or renegotiating their contracts through June 30, 2021, to provide reassurance that these concessionaires would not lose their contracts while they try to recover from the financial strain brought by COVID-19.
These extraordinary times have forced parks and recreation agencies across the country to adapt their visitor service strategies and their relationships with partners who contribute to those efforts. California State Parks, through its unprecedented relief efforts, reaffirms the commitment to its partners and will continue to do so as we continue together to navigate through an uncertain future. A sincere thank you to all who have contributed to the rent relief discussion.
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Celebrating California Native American Day
By: Sabine Talaugon, Analyst, Cultural Resources Division
The California Tribal Chairpersons Association sponsored three virtual events during November 2020 to celebrate California Native American Day, under the theme “Healing Nations – Protecting Elders, Women and Children.” Videos from tribes all over California were compiled and shared on the California Native American Day Facebook page, including cultural sharing of songs, oral history, discussions of sovereignty and cooking demonstrations.
During the livestream, the Governor Gavin Newsom’s Tribal Advisor Christina Snider shared the launch of the Native American Heritage Commission’s Digital Atlas, created in partnership with Dr. Jason MacCannell, special assistant to the director at California State Parks. The Digital Atlas is a free online tool to help students and the public visualize California before, during and after European occupation, with a focus on the California Native American experience. Snider also shared the call for nominations and consultation report for the California Truth and Healing Council to build out the promise of Executive Order N-15-19.
During this time, the governor released a Statement of Administration Policy on Native American Ancestral Lands to support tribal access, co-management and acquisition of ancestral lands under the ownership or control of the State of California.
The State Parks Tribal Affairs Program is happy to answer any questions regarding the Digital Atlas, Executive Order N-15-19 and the Statement of Administration Policy on Native American Ancestral Lands, and how they may affect our ongoing work with California Native American Tribes and communities at California state parks. Please email your questions to me, State Parks Tribal Affairs Program Analyst Sabine Talaugon, at sabine.talaugon@parks.ca.gov.
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Rocking Out for a Good Cause
By: Myrian Solis Coronel, Director of Community Engagement, Parks California
On November 21, Parks California and Stageit hosted a live web-based concert experience. The best part? Proceeds of this event benefited the wildfire relief efforts that will help open your beloved state parks quickly and safely.
We all have seen how wildfires have ravaged California for decades, but 2020 will stand out as one of the worst fire years ever. The immediate need in the State Park System is to reopen fire-impacted state parks as safely as possible and to protect natural resources.
Concert headliners included Ando San, Aloe Blacc, Bo Carper (from New Monsoon) and Lebo (from ALO), Brett Dennon, Eric Roberson, Fishbone, Fortunate Youth, G. Love, The Immediate Family, Karl Denson, Magic Giant, Morgan James, Rymo (from Slightly Stoopid), DJ Shortkut, DJ StartingfromScratch, DJ Qbert, Zac Barnett (from American Authors) and many more talented artists.
Each artist performed two to three songs and spoke to their love and appreciation for state parks. We also had special guest throughout the event. Many thanks to Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot, California State Parks Director Armando Quintero and Bay Area Sector Superintendent Maria Mowry for also participating in the event.
 Proceeds from the live concert will go to Parks California’s Wildfire Relief Fund to help:
- Clear roads to create safer access for maintenance crews.
- Clean up the parks to make them accessible to the public.
- Put up signs to provide proper warning and guidance to visitors.
Coping with the Times: Employee Assistance Program Available Free to State Employees
As a reminder, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is provided for free to state employees. During this unprecedented time, it is normal to feel anxious, stressed, worried and overwhelmed. State employees have access to great resources to help, including webinars and tip sheets to help mitigate those feelings and provide solutions to help make you feel as safe as possible
To view the list of the webinars and tip sheets, please click here .
If you or an eligible dependent are having difficulty coping with stress and anxiety or staying emotionally well, help is available. Call EAP at (866) 327-4762. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year long. Contact us to speak with a clinical professional. All services are free and confidential.
As a reminder, for all eligible state employees and family members, the toll-free number to access free, confidential EAP consultation services is (866) 327-4762.
A New Training Resource: Bear in Mind for Partners
By: Jared Zucker, Concessions Program Manager, Partnerships Division
The Partnerships Division, in coordination with State Parks’ Human Right Office, released a new workbook to park districts on Nov. 3, 2020, to share with their park partners. “Bear in Mind for Partners” is a workbook modeled after the California State Parks’ internal training course to maintain a healthy, professional work environment, free from sexual harassment and discrimination.
To help our park partners comply with California law (particularly Senate Bill 1343) and department policy, the internal workbook was tailored to address park partner scenarios and is available for free as a self-guided training opportunity.
If you’re a park partner interested in obtaining the workbook, please contact your park district or the Human Rights Office at hro.support@parks.ca.gov.
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Friends of Antelope Valley Indian Museum - Cooperating Association Contract
- Friends of Antelope Valley Indian Museum renewed its five-year Cooperating Association Agreement with California State Parks to support the interpretation, education, operation and maintenance programs through raising and managing funds and financially assisting the department at Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park.
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Crystal Cove State Lifeguard Association – Cooperating Association Agreement
- Crystal Cove State Lifeguard Association initiated its first five-year Cooperating Association Agreement with California State Parks to support the interpretation, education, operation and maintenance programs through raising and managing funds and financially assisting the department at Crystal Cove State Park.
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· Parks California - Transportation Initiative Project
- California State Parks and Parks California entered into a three-year Transportation Initiative Project Agreement to define their respective roles, responsibilities and resource commitments relating to Parks California’s implementation of the following three programs, which constitute the Transportation Initiative: (1) the Re-imagining the School Field Trip – Increasing Student Access to Parks program, an environmental education program that meets curriculum and transportation needs in and for state parks; (2) the Outdoor Access Together (OAT) – Fresno Initiative, a pilot program designed to improve outdoor access in park-poor Fresno communities; and (3) the Transportation Initiative, Parks Access Grant Program, a statewide grants program that supports park access to disadvantaged communities.
· Parks California - Fundraising and Licensing Agreement in Support of the Transportation Initiative Project
- California State Parks and Parks California initiated a three-year Fundraising and Licensing Agreement in support of the Transportation Initiative Project to authorize Parks California to raise funds through the use of the department’s Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) program, a federally registered trademark, for the support and funding of the Re-imagining the School Field Trip – Increasing Student Access to Parks program, an environmental education program that meets curriculum and transportation needs in and for state parks.
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· Irvine Ranch Conservancy - Task Order for BFI Habitat Restoration Project
- California State Parks and Irvine Ranch Conservancy executed the task order for the BFI Habitat Restoration Project at Crystal Cove State Park. The purpose of this task order is to actively restore up to 8 acres of coastal sage scrub and native grassland habitat on a highly degraded, coastal bluff terrace in Crystal Cove State Park. The project will also include targeted weed control on approximately 87 acres of habitat in a buffer zone around the restoration site, yielding 95 acres of total habitat enhancement.
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- California State Parks and California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State), initiated the Operating Agreement through 2037 for operation of Sacramento State Aquatic Center. The purpose of this Operating Agreement is for Sacramento State to provide for the development, operation, control, and maintenance of the Sacramento State Aquatic Center at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and limited use of Lake Natoma and Folsom Lake by Sacramento State.
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Roots and Branches Conservancy Donor Agreement, Amendment 1
- California State Parks and Roots and Branches Conservancy executed Amendment 1 to amend the expiration date of the Donor Agreement from Oct. 31, 2024 to Oct. 31, 2026.
The purpose of the Donor Agreement is to authorize Roots and Branches Conservancy to operate the “Sound Summit” music and arts festival at Mount Tamalpais State Park and donate a portion of ticket sales to Mount Tamalpais State Park.
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Be sure to follow the Partnerships Division social media channels on Instagram and Facebook!
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