PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Monday June 3, 2013

Contact: Steven Maviglio, Parks Forward, 916-607-8340

California Natural Resources Agency, California State Park Officials Announce Sweeping New “Parks Forward” Initiative New Commission Created to Transform California’s State Parks System

SACRAMENTO , CA (Mon. June 3, 2013).--California Secretary of Natural Resources John Laird and California State Parks Director Major General Anthony L. Jackson, USMC (Ret.), today unveiled “Parks Forward,” a collaborative initiative to undertake a top-to-bottom evaluation to improve and sustain California's underfunded State Parks System. A distinguished volunteer panel, known as the Parks Forward Commission, will lead the new Parks Forward initiative, designed to implement the directives of the California State Parks Stewardship Act of 2012 and to revive and improve California’s State Parks. "Parks Forward is an exciting new initiative designed to bring out the very best in our state's storied parks. This esteemed group will work to improve efficiency, increase accessibility and meet the needs of our growing and changing population," said Secretary Laird. "California's State Parks will once again flourish and serve as prized destinations across our cities, mountains, valleys and coastlines." Currently, there are 280 State Parks covering 1.6 million acres that draw some 70 million visitors annually, returning an estimated $6.5 billion to the California economy and supporting 56,000 California jobs. This system has been the proud result of significant and sustained investment by not only the state and its citizens, but also philanthropic contributors and conservation organizations whose combined efforts built the system we know today. But under the weight of budget cuts, added acreage, rising populations, and outmoded systems, California’s parks system is struggling to meet the needs of its citizens.

“California State Parks are an essential part of Californians’ daily lives. They provide quality recreation and inspiration, and it is our intent to improve it for future generations,” said Director Jackson. “The expertise and knowledge of those representing State Parks and the Parks Forward initiative will provide a unique insight and best practices to ensure our parks move forward into the 21st Century and beyond. We are fully aware the eyes of Californians are on us, and I am committed to making this initiative open and transparent, and one that yields achievable results.” Signed into law last year, the California State Parks Stewardship Act of 2012, or AB 1589, seeks to improve management and funding practices at the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Parks Forward Commission, a panel of experts, citizens, and advocates will conduct an assessment of the parks system and recommend substantial improvements. This independent process will address the financial, operational, cultural, and population challenges facing state parks to ensure the system’s long-term viability, functionality, and relevance. The Parks Forward initiative will be supported by significant charitable funding, public agency commitments, the nonprofit community and other stakeholders. Secretary Laird will select the Parks Forward Commission members. The Parks Forward Commission is expected to present its final findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature in fall 2014. Learn more about Parks Forward at www.ParksForward.com and by following us on Twitter at @ParksForward and liking us on Facebook at Facebook.Com/ParksForward. ###

PRESS RELEASE - California State Parks

Jun 3, 2013 - California Natural Resources Agency, California State Park Officials Announce ... new initiative designed to bring out the very best in our state's.

280KB Sizes 1 Downloads 304 Views

Recommend Documents

PRESS RELEASE - California State Parks
Jun 3, 2013 - Page 1 ... New Commission Created to Transform California's State Parks System ... @ParksForward and liking us on Facebook at Facebook.

News Release - California State Parks
Dec 21, 2015 - California State Parks Begins New Year With First Day Hikes ... For a complete list and detailed information on the California State Parks First ...

NEWS RELEASE - California State Parks
Oct 1, 2013 - CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION. News Release ... For more information, visit www.parks.ca.gov/mttamalpais.

News Release - California State Parks
Feb 29, 2016 - www.parks.ca.gov ... CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION. Divisions ... For more information, please call Janea Elliot at.

News Release - California State Parks
Jun 5, 2017 - CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION. Divisions of ... For more information about the California State Railroad Museum ...

News Release - California State Parks
Mar 17, 2016 - Contact: Superintendent Aaron Wright. [email protected] ... The Forebay Aquatic Center will be re-opening in May for additional ... To confirm public accessibility of Lake Oroville recreational opportunities, call the ...

News Release - California State Parks
Feb 29, 2016 - at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds. PACIFIC ... (831) 646-6443 – please leave call back number for confirmation. A book ...

News Release - California State Parks
Oct 22, 2015 - comfort of their home computer and mobile devices. “We are excited to ... 360-degrees,” said California State Park's Director Lisa Mangat.

NEWS RELEASE - California State Parks
Mar 11, 2014 - monitoring and research. State Parks will also monitor the scarce birds and the management of corvid impacts, which will allow park managers ...

News Release - California State Parks
Aug 1, 2013 - California State Parks, in cooperation with the Sonoma/Petaluma State Historic Parks. Association, will present a brand new Junior Ranger ...

News Release - California State Parks
May 26, 2016 - law, public resource code §5099.12, the program is administered by the ... State Parks News via e-mail at [email protected] or via RSS feed.

News Release - California State Parks
Oct 1, 2015 - association to help fund the interpretive programs at the park. ... to California State Parks News via e-mail at [email protected] or via RSS feed.

News Release - California State Parks
Oct 28, 2015 - Page 1. Facebook.com/CaliforniaStateParks www.parks.ca.gov ... been revised to make the outdoor stairs easier to negotiate. “The public has ...

News Release - California State Parks
Aug 30, 2016 - 28 around picnic areas and creating a single boat access location. ... Visit State Park's website at www.parks.ca.gov/plankbsra. ... Making decisions about how to best provide high-quality recreation, while preserving the park.

News Release - California State Parks
Jan 13, 2017 - Caltran's website. ... in open water and even the best swimmers can misjudge the water and their ... o Do not build campfires on paved areas.

News Release - California State Parks
Mar 16, 2017 - New Reservation System Coming to California State Parks. This Summer ... More campsites available for online reservation. • Interactive ...

News Release - California State Parks
Jan 26, 2016 - history of California, such as the Alameda County Building and Loan .... Notices and agendas for Commission meetings are available online at ...

NEWS RELEASE - California State Parks
Jan 18, 2017 - CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION ... interactive maps of potential elements of the general plan, online and ...

News Release - California State Parks
Sep 17, 2015 - This family-friendly event combines 4x4 off-road recreation and geocaching, the global online scavenger hunt. Participants will receive free day ...

news release - California State Parks
May 22, 2013 - Contact: Craig Sap. (310) 699-1732. [email protected]. Park Officials Ask for Public's Help Protecting Newly Opened Areas.

News Release - California State Parks
Feb 19, 2016 - Page 1 ... New Port Beach, CA 92662 ... Facebook.com/CaliforniaStateParks ... its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating.

News Release - California State Parks
Feb 17, 2016 - Page 1. Facebook.com/CaliforniaStateParks ... tables; a new concrete pad, picnic table and a shade ramada to the ... extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating.

News Release - California State Parks
Jul 12, 2017 - Page 1. Facebook.com/CaliforniaStateParks www.parks.ca.gov ... and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

News Release - California State Parks
Feb 9, 2016 - Page 1. Facebook.com/CaliforniaStateParks ... closures and detours which are necessary while crews work to make much needed.