Resighini Tribe of Yurok People and State Parks Sign Historic Agreement to Steward and Co-Manage Cultural and Natural Resources in Ancestral Territories
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division and Dena Mitchell, Cultural Resources Division
 Top left: Resighini Tribe of Yurok People Leadership and State Parks Leadership at the MOU signing in Klamath on Wednesday, February 14. Back row (left to right): Resighini Council Treasurer Kendra Jones, Tribal Affairs Analyst Dena Mitchell, Resighini Vice Chair Moonchay Dowd, Resighini Frank Spa-ghe Dowd, North Coast Redwoods District (NCRD) Superintendent Victor Bjelajac and NCRD Tribal Liaison Greg Collins. Front row (left to right): Resighini Tribal Councilmember and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Kathy Dowd, Resighini Tribal Chairperson Fawn C. Murphy, State Parks Director Armando Quintero and North Coast Redwoods Deputy District Superintendent Shelana deSilva. Bottom left: Director Quintero and Resighini Tribal Chairperson Murphy sign the MOU. Bottom right: Director Quintero, Resighini Tribal Chairperson Murphy and Resighini Council Treasurer Jones. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
California State Parks and the Resighini Tribe of Yurok People this week announced the signing of a historic agreement to protect the natural and cultural resources in state parks within the Tribe’s traditional territory.
Signed at the Resighini Tribal headquarters in Klamath on Wednesday, February 14, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlines the mutual responsibilities of State Parks and the Resighini Tribe of Yurok People to promote a successful cooperation,
co-management and collaboration between the parties. This includes incorporating Indigenous traditional knowledge to better protect and preserve state parks and ensuring consultation and meaningful dialogue take place sufficiently in advance of final decision-making on what may affect the cultural and natural resource management.
The Resighini Tribe of Yurok People is one of three North Coast Tribes that formally designated, under their sovereign authority, the first Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area (IMSA) in the United States—the Yurok-Tolowa Dee-ni’ Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area. Through this MOU, State Parks will also work with the Resighini Tribe of Yurok People to educate the public about the significance of the IMSA and its importance to cultural and natural resource protection, as well as its contribution to meeting the State of California’s goals to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030 (30x30).
To learn more, view our press release.
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission Meets in San Bernardino County, Visits King of the Hammers
Story and photos from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 OHMVR Commissioners and staff from State Parks visited the King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley and met interpreters from the OHMVR Division’s Statewide Outreach Team. Kneeling (left to right): Interpreter I Michelle Claassen and Don Schmidt. Standing (left to right): Interpretation and Education Division Chief Heather Holm; Interpreter I Kevin Schmidt; Commissioners Nicholas Mueller, Diane Ross-Leach, Edward Petrovsky, Patricia Ureña, Roger Salazar, Kat Anderson, Shaun Flanigan and Tommy Randle; State Parks Chief Deputy Director Liz McGuirk; Director Armando Quintero; and Deputy Director of the OHMVR Division Sarah Miggins. Not pictured: Commissioner Tom Lemmon.
As vehicles left the highway 50 miles southeast of Barstow, California, a sea of campers, trailers and assorted recreational vehicles emerged from the high desert landscape in Johnson Valley. “Hammertown,” the basecamp for the King of the Hammers off-highway motor vehicle race, was a beehive of activity as State Parks staff, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Commissioners and members of the public stepped from their vehicles. The visit on Wednesday, January 31, preceded the Commission’s recent meeting on February 1 in nearby Hesperia. While the King of the Hammers does not take place in a state park, the department provides public safety and law enforcement support for the event, in close collaboration with other federal, state and local agencies.
Described as the toughest off-highway vehicle (OHV) race in the country, King of the Hammers takes place at the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is the second-largest special recreation permit event held on BLM land, after Burning Man in northern Nevada. The number of participants during the two-week event fluctuates depending on the day, but total attendance is estimated at 60,000 with a direct economic impact to the area of nearly $25 million.
The tour began at the Incident Command Post, home to teams from State Parks and the other agencies monitoring safety in Hammertown and along the racecourse. In the vendors area, tour participants met with interpretive staff from OHMVR’s Statewide Outreach Team. The team provides safety information and hands-on activities about the natural history of the region, including plant and animal life, as well as information about State Parks’ nine state vehicular recreation areas.
The following day, the Commission met for its first meeting of the year. The agenda included program reports from the BLM and U.S. Forest Service and presentations by the Acquisition and Real Property Services Division on the process of how the department acquires new property and the Strategic Planning Division about the OHV Access Initiative and OHV-related planning projects.
During OHMVR Division Deputy Director Sarah Miggins’ report, she invited Amy Granat from the California Off-Road Vehicle Association to share a video highlighting the organization’s collaboration with the California Outdoor Recreation Foundation, Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area and Hollister Hills Off-Road Association. The organizations have provided free dirt bike-riding classes for fourth grade students and their families in conjunction with the California State Park Adventure Pass. Staff also provided reports on recent law enforcement, grant and interpretation activities and the Commission elected Commissioner Roger Salazar as its new chairperson and Commissioner Edward Patrovsky as its new vice chairperson.
For more information about this and previous Commission meetings, including available podcasts and informational videos, please visit the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division website. If you missed this meeting, a recording is available at Cal-Span.org.
 Left: Michelle Claassen from Oceano Dunes and Interpreter I Joleen Ossello from Prairie City SVRA engage visitors on a variety of topics at King of the Hammers. Top right (left to right): Commissioners Diane Ross-Leach, Kat Anderson and Nicholas Mueller prepare to explore the backcountry with a visit to Chocolate Thunder, a rock-climbing trail in Johnson Valley. Bottom right: Using various types of off-highway vehicles, State Parks rangers work in close cooperation with multiple agencies to prevent incursions into the racecourse and nearby military training areas.
Off-Highway Vehicle Interpretation Goes to King of the Hammers Race in Johnson Valley
Story and photos from: Kevin Schmidt, Interpretation and Education Division
 Top left: Interpreter I Michelle Claassen speaking to race fans at Chocolate Thunder, a place along the racecourse. Top right: The Outreach team (left to right): Interpreters I Joleen Ossello, Kevin Schmidt and Don Schmidt (retired annuitant). Bottom left: Joleen Ossello speaking to people in Hammertown. Bottom right: Ultra4 race car out on the racecourse.
After driving for over an hour east into the high desert from Victorville, California, you can start to see the dust cloud that has settled over Johnson Valley. For about 60,000 people this means they have arrived at one of the largest off-road races in the world, King of the Hammers. Along the racecourse, fans packed in to view races all week as Ultra4 cars raced across the desert floor and climbed over dumpster-sized boulders in the mountains. Each year the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division Outreach Team heads to this location to talk to the off-highway vehicle (OHV) community, who gather here from around the world.
From January 30 through February 3, the Outreach Team went down to hand out maps and information, teach people the Tread Lighty! principles and talk to the fans about good OHV safety practices. The Outreach Team worked along the racecourse and in the temporary town erected for the two weeks of the race, Hammertown.
This year the team was joined by U.S. Forest Service team member Adam Leidy, who helped us staff the booth inside Hammertown for the duration of the event. The event this year was marked by rain, turning the desert into mud, and high winds, which proved to be a real challenge. Through it all, the team was able to reach over 1,000 people spread out across the 56,000-acre valley and along the 60-mile racecourse.
Adventure Pass Exploration LIVE! Goes to Will Rogers State Historic Park
Story from: Daniel Williford, Interpretation and Education Division
 Like many, you have probably heard of Will Rogers, but do you really know who he was? Come and find out on Friday, February 23, when Adventure Pass Exploration LIVE! will be visiting Will Rogers State Historic Park (SHP) at noon.
Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, this park is full of fun fourth grade-friendly activities. Hiking on trails, inspiring vista points, discovering local wildlife and going on an engaging guided tour of the historic Ranch House are just some of the things to do at this special state historic park located on the edge of Los Angeles.
With the recent State Park Adventure Pass Program expansion from 19 to 54 parks, Will Rogers SHP is one of the newly added parks. In collaboration with the First Partner’s Office and the California Natural Resources Agency, State Parks offers the Adventure Pass, providing free day-use entry for fourth graders and their families to 54 amazing state parks throughout the state.
Our monthly broadcast is aimed to educate fourth graders, their families and the general public about this incredible program. These informative virtual park visits can be viewed on either the department’s Facebook page or the PORTS: Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students® Facebook page and YouTube channel.
To learn more about the Adventure Pass, go to California State Park Adventure Pass.
Take a moment to transport yourself on a worthwhile trip to Will Rogers State Historic Park!
Interpretation and Education Division Hosts PORTScast 'Float the California Coast & Learn About King Tides!'
Story and photos from: Cryssie Moreno, Interpretation and Education Division
 PORTS Program Interpreter Jennifer Kubel presented from the shoreline of Refugio State Beach.
The Interpretation and Education Division hosted the eighth annual king tides PORTScast "Float the California Coast & Learn About King Tides!" in collaboration with the California Coastal Commission (CCC) on Friday, February 9. A total of 445 California students and members of the public tuned in to join the virtual expedition along the California coast. Participants had the unique opportunity to witness king tides and understand the natural phenomenon that occurred in real time along the coast.
The program offered an in-depth exploration of the science behind king tides and how these high-water events give us a glimpse into the future of sea level rise in California. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that drive tides and how the impacts of climate change will make king tides larger and more impactful in the future.
Starting in San Diego on the south coast, attendees virtually visited 10 state park locations across the state, finishing in Mendocino. They got a firsthand look at the extreme high-water events and witnessed the impact of sea level rise on our coastal ecosystems and infrastructure. Each interpreter had a unique story to tell about their park and how these parks are already being affected by sea level rise. A special scientist spotlight on researchers from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography's Coastal Processes Group highlighted the work scientists are doing to study how tides, currents and sea level rise are changing the coastline.
Attendees were encouraged to participate in the CCC's King Tides Project, a community science project that collects photos of high-water events each year. The webinar also served as a reminder of the importance of community engagement and collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by our changing climate. By coming together to learn and share knowledge, we can work toward a more resilient and sustainable future for our coastal communities and ecosystems.
Thank you to all the staff and scientists who participated in "Float the California Coast & Learn About King Tides!" Your enthusiasm and commitment to understanding, interpreting and protecting our natural world is truly inspiring.
To learn more about PORTScasts through the PORTS: Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students® Program, visit the PORTScast webpage.
 Interpreters wave hello to the 445 participants. First row (left to right): Derek Shultz at Morro Bay State Park (SP), PORTS Coordinator Jennifer Langer, Christina Furio at Carpinteria State Beach (SB) and Ashley Wemp at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Second row (left to right): Jennifer Kubel at Refugio SB, Isabella Brown at Asilomar SB, Kat Gabrielson at MacKerricher SP and Alex Anderson at Crystal Cove SP. Last row (left to right): Esme Plascencia at Mendocino Headlands SP, Sea Level Rise Project Coordinator and program host Cryssie Moreno at San Elijo SB and Laura Chaing at Torrey Pines SB.
Volunteers in Parks Program Members Recognized at Awards Dinner for Their Service
Story from: Sara Howlett, Monterey District
 Volunteer Coordinator Sara Howlett (left) presenting volunteers John and Carol O’Neil (center) their 30-year service rocker patches, with Volunteer Chair Sheila Fraser (right). Photo from Patricia Clark-Gray, volunteer.
Parks staff, volunteers and partners gathered at Carmel Woman’s Club in Carmel, California, to celebrate the annual contributions to Point Sur State Historic Park (SHP) by the Volunteers in Parks Program for 2023 on Saturday, January 27. The event was held in partnership with nonprofit cooperating association Central Coast Lighthouse Keepers, Monterey District and Big Sur Sector staff.
Staff presented 10 awards, as well as hour pins and rocker patches, for lifetime hours and years of service. We are lucky to have such a dedicated group of volunteers who contribute so many hours to Point Sur SHP. They work on park restoration projects, lead public tours and keep the facility running smoothly, as it is only open during volunteer-led public tours.
We had two volunteers who were recognized for their 30 years of service, John and Carol O’Neil. John received his 16,000-hour pin, and Carol received her pin for an amazing 19,000 hours.
If you happen to find yourself in Big Sur, please schedule a tour of Point Sur Lightstation or the historic Point Sur Naval Facility and meet some of our incredible volunteers.
 Top left: Exemplary Service Award presented to volunteer Bob Rice (center) by Monterey District Interpretive Programs Manager Lisa Bradford (left) with Sheila Fraser (right). Bottom left: Poppy Award for volunteer Ed Dodge (center) presented by Monterey District Superintendent Brent Marshall (left) with Sheila Fraser (right). Top right: John O’Neil (center) receiving his 16,000-hour pin from Sara Howlett (left) with Sheila Fraser (right). Bottom right: Carol O’Neil (center) receiving her 19,000-hour pin from Sara Howlett (left) with Sheila Fraser (right). Photos from Patricia Clark-Gray, volunteer.
State Parks Judges History Projects in Tulare County
Story and photos from: Steven Ptomey, Great Basin District
 The judges for History Day (left to right): Cultural Resources Program Supervisor Steven Ptomey; Lisa Monteiro, the executive director of Mineral King Preservation Society; and Tulare County Museum Director Amy King-Sunderson.
California State Parks took part in the judging of exhibits from students all across Tulare County in the National History Day competition on Thursday, February 8, with 215 students from elementary, middle and high school presenting over 100 projects.
Staff from the Tulare County Office of Education reached out to historic preservation professionals to help judge the projects, but also to help inspire young scholars to pursue careers in the field of history.
One of the standout exhibits was on the Prohibition by a junior high student from Kingsburg. The exhibit was a finalist in the junior division and moves on to the statewide competition.
 The "Prohibition" exhibit that will move on to the statewide competition.
Recent Storms Deposit 200-Pound Whale Jawbone at Seacliff State Beach
Story and photo from: Paul Karz, Santa Cruz District
 Left to right: Senior Interpretive Aide Paul Karz, Aptos residents Dusty and Johny Clark, and Senior Interpretive Aide Ryan Ortiz.
The recent tidal surges from the January 2024 storms were high enough to deposit large amounts of marine debris, including a 200-pound whale jawbone, onto the road over the seawall at Seacliff State Beach (SB).
To avoid the bone from being damaged by passing vehicles, Senior Interpretive Aide Ryan Ortiz and I and two local Aptos residents, brothers Dusty and Johny Clark, were able to move it from the street to the front of the Seacliff SB visitor center.
Seacliff SB has been severely impacted by the January storms of both 2023 and 2024. The pier leading to the SS Palo Alto was partially destroyed and had to be completely removed. The entire seawall, day-use picnic and recreational vehicle camping areas were all severely impacted and are still in the process of evaluation for repair and upgrade.
Valentine’s Day Report From Austin Creek State Recreation Area Trail Crew
Story from: Rich Lawton, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods
 SCR volunteer Paul Schwarz starting to work on a multiple-tree obstruction. Photo from Rich Lawton, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods.
What better way to spend a rainy Valentine's Day than to play in state parks? Eleven volunteers joined Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods (SCR) Operations Manager Scott Lawyer and Park Maintenance Worker I Louis Guglielmino for a wet day in Austin Creek State Recreation Area and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve to clear trails and complete repairs.
After our morning briefing and safety talk, we broke into three groups. The first group was charged with surveying the grove for fence damage. Louis and his State Parks crew had been up to their elbows in alligators, repairing broke waterlines and other park facilities all week and were unable to follow up after we cleared the trails last week. Hopefully we should be able to stage enough equipment to get back to fence repairs sooner rather than later.
Scott led a group of five up the Pool Ridge Trail from near the Colonel Armstrong Tree parking area while Louis led the other up from the West Picnic area. By the end of our workday, we had accomplished our mission. The 1.3-mile lower loop of the Pool Ridge Trail had been cleared of a dozen tree obstructions, most of which were multiple tree failures completely blocking the trail.
Both Scott and Louis pulled the “Trail Closed” signs, and the trail reopened for the public. Everyone went home safely and a little soggy.
 Left: Forget Waldo, where is the trail? Photo from Keith Flood, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods (SCR) volunteer. Top right: Rich Lawton clearing part of a "Pick Up Sticks" mess. Photo from Mike Skaggs, SCR volunteer. Bottom right: Keith Flood working on a big one. Photo from Mark Anderson, SCR volunteer.
 PARTNER NEWS
Introducing 2024 Route to Parks Grantees
Story from: Amanda Zhu, Parks California
Parks California is thrilled to announce the 29 nonprofit recipients of the 2024 Route to Parks grants program. Currently in its fourth year, the Route to Parks grants program helps address transportation barriers to encourage more people to connect with nature and visit state parks. This year, Parks California is awarding close to $1 million in grants to facilitate transformative experiences in state parks for over 5,300 participants.
In collaboration with California State Parks’ Waterway Connections Initiative, the program's expansion in 2024 includes an emphasis on water-related outdoor access. This year’s proposals were also notable for utilizing multimodal transportation methods, with a heavy focus on bike-commuting and public transit.
Located across California, this year’s grant recipients represent the diversity and reach of California's State Park System, with plans to visit parks in 17 districts this year.
Meet our 2024 Route to Parks grantees and learn about their initiatives. For further inspiration, hear from some of the participants of one of our inspiring grantees, Adventure Risk Challenge.
The Route to Parks grants program aligns with the goals of California Natural Resources Agency's Outdoors for All program and is made possible through the collaboration of State Parks, Parks California and the generous support of private donors.
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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