Category Archives: California

News, State Parks

California State Parks launches Parks Forward Commission

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Press release from the California State Parks:

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.

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News, State Parks

Morro Bay State Park in the news

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Mother Nature Network visits Morrow Bay State Park.

From the California State Park website:

Morro Bay State Park features lagoon and natural bay habitat. The bay’s most prominent landmark is Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The park museum has exhibits that cover natural features and cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography. The park also has a colorful marina and an 18-hole public golf course. On the bay’s northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population.

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Activities, Kayaking, State Parks

Want to learn to kayak in Ventura Harbor?

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Friends of Channel Coast State Parks, a nonprofit organization serving the Channel Coast area of the California State Parks, is launching a new kayak education program on June 9th.

Kayak lessons include all equipment, water safety lessons, and an educational tour of the harbor and run $40 (all fees associated with this program help to support educational programs and projects in Ventura and Santa Barbara county state parks). Continue reading →

Activities, Adventures, Geocaching, Kayaking, National Forests, National Parks, Off Roading

National Get Outdoors Day – June 8, 2013

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

In celebration of National Get Outdoors Day, the U.S. Forest Service is offering a fee-free day Saturday, June 8.

Fee-free days are offered four times a year to encourage people to reconnect to the forest for some healthy, active outdoor fun. If you didn’t get out to the first free day this year (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), then this is your chance!

From the U.S. Forest Service website:

The pilot effort of National Get Outdoors Day was launched June 14, 2008, through a partnership between the Forest Service and the American Recreation Coalition. The partnership built on the success of More Kids in the Woods and other efforts to connect Americans – especially children – with nature and active lifestyles. Go Day, as it sometimes called, now includes federal, state and local agencies, key organizations and recreation businesses to create activities across the country.

Forest Service lands, which include 155 national forests and 20 national grasslands, offer something for everyone, from the casual hiker to the thrill-seeking recreationist. There also are opportunities and programs for children, from Discover the Forest that helps kids learn what to do outside to becoming a Junior Forest Ranger that comes with special access to the online “JFR Clubhouse.”

If you can’t make it to the parks this weekend, then try to schedule some time during the next couple of free days: September 28th (National Public Lands Day) or November 9th through the 11th for Veterans Day Weekend.

You can read more about National Get Outdoors Day HERE.

National Parks

The Great Outdoors: Yosemite’s Scott Gediman on national parks and public affairs

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The Public Relations Society of America has posted a great introduction to Scott Gediman – a terrific guy, who also happens to be the assistant superintendent for public & legislative affairs at Yosemite National Park.

From the article:

Scott Gediman is the assistant superintendent for public & legislative affairs atYosemite National Park. He manages all of the park’s media relations, legislative affairs, special events and dignitary visits. He has been in this position since 1996 and is a 23-year veteran of the National Park Service (NPS).

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