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Recreation
- Details
- Written by: CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS
Named “Path Forward,” the strategic plan aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Equity Executive Order N-16-22, 30X30 and Outdoor Access for All initiatives and will guide State Parks in strengthening operations to focus on key priorities and directing energy and resources toward meeting the goals and objectives.
The themes, goals, and objectives in the plan are based on the foundational elements of access, inclusivity, and equity to provide optimal public service, strengthen partnership development, and empower the department’s workforce.
“The Path Forward strategic plan is about resilience and focusing on how we prepare the department for the century ahead,” stated State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “California needs these natural and cultural resources for everyone’s well being. State Parks leadership, employees, and partners are committed to caring for your California. This is where you live.”
An employee workgroup composed of more than 100 frontline staff, managers, and supervisors representing all field regions, headquarters, and all program areas, was assembled to develop the Path Forward Plan.
The vision, themes, goals, objectives, and core values were created and refined over several virtual meetings and reviewed by a partner and stakeholder advisory committee, employees, commissions, and executive staff along the way.
The input and perspective of stakeholders and partners helped to inform the final version of the plan and to ensure that the future of State Parks reflects the diverse experiences and priorities represented in the State of California.
Two factors set Path Forward apart from previous change efforts. Department staff from all levels developed the plan with input from partners, rather than an executive team taking a top-down approach.
The second factor will begin in winter 2024 and involves an actionable implementation plan led by a committee made up of key leaders representing all program areas. The implementation plan includes interdisciplinary teams to carry out and manage projects tied to the goals and objectives of the plan.
These teams will use a designated project management tool to develop specific plans, timelines, and evaluation metrics to achieve each goal. The teams will provide regular progress and status updates.
By using this strategic plan as a guide, a course of action has been developed to support State Parks in meeting challenges. The plan will also create new strategies for institutional growth and optimization.
With 280 park units, California’s State Park System is a world-class network of incomparable lands, waters, and features vitally important to the well-being of the state’s environment, economy, and people. State Parks manages these precious natural and cultural resources while providing hundreds of recreational and conservation programs and services for millions of Californians and visitors from all over the world.
The Path Forward Plan is available in English and is translatable to several other languages at https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30514.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Ensure your vehicles are rain and snow ready.
Brush up on these winter safety tips from recreate responsibly for a safe, fun outing in winter conditions:
Know before you go: Check the weather for your destination, road conditions, tire chain requirements, and potential closures. Avoid detours around road or other closures. Travel apps and online map services may not reflect the situation on the ground. You run the risk of getting lost or trapped. Instead, use the Caltrans QuickMap.
Be prepared: Check tire pressures and tread. Top off windshield fluid. Carry tire chains, ice scraper, extra blanket, water and provisions in your car in case you get stuck roadside.
Share your plans: Tell someone where and when you’re going. Stick to the plan.
Play it safe: Know your limits. Slow down and be ready to turnaround. Rain and snow can change slopes, trails and roads quickly.
Check snow conditions on the slopes: Before heading out to ski or snowboard, check conditions and operating status. Keep in mind conditions can change fast. Please follow all safety guidelines. Use Ski California - Avalanche Safety for a refresher on mountain safety.
Be cautious on ice: Areas that appear solid may quickly thaw and become impassible. Avoid skating, fishing, or trekking on frozen lakes, ponds, rivers or reservoirs. Consider indoor skating as a safer alternative.
Finally, be avalanche aware: If you’re heading to the backcountry, exercise extreme caution, travel in groups if possible, carry proper avalanche equipment, and check the avalanche report ahead of time. Helpful resources: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Forecast, Sierra Avalanche Center for Lake Tahoe area and Mount Shasta Avalanche Center.
- Details
- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
The survey should take approximately two minutes to complete and will remain open until midnight on Feb. 21 and can be found online.
Per the National Marine Fisheries Service’s proposed 2024 Catch Sharing Plan, California recreational fisheries will be allocated 38,220 net pounds, with 500 pounds set aside for the area south of Point Arena.
Season dates, daily bag and possession limits and gear restrictions that apply to recreational Pacific halibut fishing off California will continue to be specified in Title 14, Section 28.20.
For more information on the Pacific halibut fishery in California, visit CDFW’s Pacific Halibut webpage.
- Details
- Written by: BLM Ukiah Field Office
The public must register to participate in the virtual public meeting at: https://ow.ly/1YB450QwvOk. Registrants will receive a link and phone numbers to join the meeting. Please contact the BLM for reasonable accommodations to participate.
“This public meeting will give off-highway vehicle users a chance to discuss with BLM staff ideas for changes or improvements that can help enhance outdoor recreation,” said BLM Ukiah Field Manager Nicholas Lavrov. “The BLM will use the public feedback to prepare grant applications to the California State Parks’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program for law enforcement, restoration, and ground operations and maintenance projects.”
The division supports well-managed, off-highway vehicle recreation in California by distributing more than $30 million annually collected from gas tax, entrance fees, and off-highway vehicle sticker registrations. Cities, counties, districts, federal and state agencies, educational institutions, federally recognized Native American tribes and nonprofit entities can apply for funds to develop, maintain and restore trails; provide law enforcement; and offer safety and training for riders.
Preliminary applications must be submitted to the California State Parks’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division no later than March 4 and will be available on the division’s website from March 5 to May 6 at www.ohv.parks.ca.gov, for additional public review and comment. The website will provide detailed instructions for accessing the preliminary applications and submitting comments.
Public comments must be submitted to both the California State Parks’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division and to the BLM Ukiah Field Office by May 6. Comments may also be emailed to the BLM at