California announces plans for 3 new state parks
San Francisco Chronicle • • nation
Key Points:
- California plans to open three new state parks and expand several existing ones, marking the largest expansion of the state park system in decades under the initiative called State Parks Forward.
- The new parks include nearly 2,000 acres along the Feather River in Yuba County, a historical park commemorating California’s Dust Bowl labor camp near Bakersfield, and an 874-acre park along the San Joaquin River near Fresno.
- Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized a shift from a scarcity to an abundance mindset in park expansion, contrasting California’s environmental efforts with the Trump administration’s policies.
- Recent land acquisitions have added hundreds of acres to existing parks, with a goal to add 30,000 acres to the state park system by 2030.
- The new parks will be managed efficiently by nearby existing park staff and aim to increase access and connection for Californians, bringing the total number of state park sites to 283.
