 Bringing you updates on California's Outdoors for All movement
May 1, 2026
Spring Weather Brings Hungry Bears to Tahoe
Keep Tahoe Bears Wild!
Story by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
 Photo: A black bear in Tahoe.
As snow melts across the Lake Tahoe region, black bears have emerged from their dens and are searching for food, signaling the start of a busy spring season for wildlife.
“What puts bears at greatest risk isn’t a lack of natural food, it’s access to ours. Encouraging close interactions, allowing bears to den under homes, or feeding bears (intentionally or unintentionally) leads to dangerous outcomes for both bears and people,” explained Bear Management Specialist Sarinah Simons with California State Parks. “If we want healthy bears on the landscape, we need to give them the space to stay wild.”
How Can You Help?
Residents and visitors can help reduce these risks by securing potential attractants and following the BearWise Six At-Home Basics:
- Never feed or approach bears.
- Secure food, garbage and recycling.
- Remove bird feeders when bears are active.
- Never leave pet food outdoors.
- Clean and store grills and smokers.
- Alert neighbors to bear activity.
California State Parks Launches Day-Use Reservations for McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Story by: California State Parks
 To reduce the impacts of overcrowding and to create a significantly improved visitor experience, California State Parks today began a pilot program requiring reservations to visit McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (Burney Falls) on Friday-Sunday and holidays during peak visitation season, starting Friday, May 15, through Sunday, September 27. The goals of this new day-use reservation system, which will not be required Monday-Thursday, are to alleviate the strain on the park’s resources and infrastructure, and to improve visitor safety during the busiest summer days, when large crowds often overwhelm the park and the surrounding area. The public can make reservations starting today, May 1.
Get Hooked: Trout Season 2026 is Here!
Story by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
 Photo of Crowley Lake
One of California’s most anticipated outdoor traditions of the year is now open -- statewide general trout season. Each year, the trout season opener reels in thousands of people to pristine trout fishing destinations such as Burney, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes and many other beautiful mountain communities across the state.
“Opening day is more than just the start of trout season, it’s a tradition that brings communities together,” said Nick Buckmaster, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Senior Environmental Scientist. “The early season warm up has resulted in more lakes than normal being open for this year's trout opener and there's plenty of fish to be caught! All lakes up to 10,000 feet are ice free, leaving anglers with more options on where to cast their lines. We’re excited to welcome anglers of all ages to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and make lasting memories on the water.”
Anglers are strongly advised to check specific area regulations and opening dates in the 2026 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (PDF)(external link) available online. All anglers 16 and older must possess a valid California sport fishing license to fish within state boundaries, which can be purchased at CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website(external link), through a licensed sales agent(external link) or through the CDFW License App.
THIS SUNDAY: California Love, California Strong Event in Los Angeles
Story by: First Partner’s Office and the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications
 This is California Love. Together, we are California Strong!
Join us this Sunday, May 3, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, for a day of connection, celebration, and impact. Explore our youth behavioral health programs while bringing together state and local leaders, youth ambassadors, and community members to connect with resources and one another.
Throughout the day, enjoy:
- Self-care experiences including dynamic stretching, dance, and more
- Community service activities that give back in meaningful ways
- An expansive resource fair
- Music by DJ Lady-Sha
- Complimentary meals
California Love, California Strong is a statewide initiative launched by First Partner’s Office and the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications to address California’s rising crisis of loneliness and social isolation through self-care in community, service, and social connection.
NEXT WEEK: Summits on Funding Strategies for Parks in the Central Valley
May 4 (Bakersfield), May 6 (Fresno), and May 8 (Stockton)
Story by: Trust for Public Land
 Trust for Public Land is excited to host three Park Funding Strategies Summits for parks in the Central Valley next week!
The goal of the summits:
- Share timeline, actionable information on what park and greenspace funding is available now -- and what's coming next -- at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Provide a space for parks practitioners from across the Central Valley to connect with and learn from peers.
- Connect fund seekers directly with funders and technical assistance providers.
Speakers will include representatives from Trust for Public Land staff, local city and state agency representatives, funders, and community partners about creative park and greenspace funding through panel presentations, breakout discussions, and technical assistance workshops. Coffee and lunch will be provided, and we hope to see you there!
June 3-5 in Eureka: California Outdoor Economy Summit
Story by: Geneviève Marchand, Cal Poly Humboldt
 The California Outdoor Economy Summit is a new statewide convening focused on the role of outdoor recreation in economic development, workforce pathways, conservation, and community resilience, with particular attention to rural communities. The inaugural summit will take place June 3–5 in Eureka and is hosted by Cal Poly Humboldt in partnership with Redwood Region RISE and the Humboldt County Economic Development Division.
Participants will include leaders working at the intersection of outdoor access, economic development, Tribal collaboration, conservation, business development, and public policy. The goal is to create a practical, collaborative space to exchange ideas, highlight real projects, and explore how investments, recreation infrastructure, and partnerships can strengthen communities across California.
May: Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month
Story by: California Natural Resources Agency
 May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month—a time to celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities across California and beyond.
This year’s theme highlights resilience, connection, and the richness of AAPI traditions. At the California Natural Resources Agency, we recognize the important role AAPI communities play in caring for our natural resources and shaping a more inclusive, sustainable future for all.
In celebration of Earth Day, Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom announce plan to create three new state parks
In the face of federal threats, California is advancing conservation and expanding access to the outdoors
 Click here to watch a video about State Parks Forward.
On Earth Day, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced a plan to create three new state parks in the Central Valley — setting forth a bold vision to rapidly expand the nation’s largest and most diverse State Park System through State Parks Forward.
As Trump sells out America’s national parks, California is doubling down on protecting the Golden State’s natural beauty. Today, through the State Parks Forward initiative, we’re expanding our park system with three new state parks, creating new outdoor recreation opportunities for Central Valley communities, deepening our conservation commitments, and preserving our lands for generations of Californians to come.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Earth Day reminds us that our planet is a shared home and that our state parks belong to all Californians. With three new state parks through State Parks Forward, we are partnering across agencies to expand access to the outdoors so more children and families can connect with California’s unmatched natural beauty.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom
Key highlights of State Parks Forward:
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Pathway to New Parks: California State Parks has begun the planning and acquisition process for three new parks, spanning approximately 330 miles from one end of the Central Valley to the other. All parks are publicly held and can be acquired at little to no cost to the state.
- Feather River Park (Olivehurst, Yuba County)
- San Joaquin River Parkway (Fresno and Madera counties)
- Dust Bowl Camp (Bakersfield, Kern County)
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Expanding Existing Parks: Coinciding with the new state parks, work is underway and accelerating to add thousands of acres of public land by expanding the footprint of existing state parks — totaling 30,000 acres of added State Park lands by the end of the decade.
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Join the Movement: State Parks will be seeking input from surrounding communities and stakeholders to help shape the future vision for these parks. Public engagement will begin this summer, with both in‑person and online opportunities. Following this process, State Parks will submit a visioning report to Governor Newsom this fall outlining key recommendations and next steps.
Breaking Ground on the California Indian Heritage Center
Story by: California Natural Resources Agency
 A new California Indian Heritage Center is coming to West Sacramento, with construction now underway. State and tribal leaders broke ground last month on the first phase of the center—a new cultural and educational site along the Sacramento River that will include gathering spaces, exhibits, and areas for cultural events led by California Native American Tribes.
The project has been developed through years of partnerships with tribal nations to ensure the space reflects Native voices, histories, and living cultures—not just the past, but ongoing traditions and leadership.
The groundbreaking followed the Tribal Nations Summit, where tribal leaders and state officials met to strengthen government-to-government relationships and advance shared priorities—from protecting cultural resources to supporting tribal-led projects across the state.
Governor Newsom, CNRA launch state’s first new conservancy in 15 years to help accelerate Salton Sea restoration
Story by: California Natural Resources Agency
Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Natural Resources Agency announced last month the creation of the state’s first new conservancy in more than 15 years, marking a major step forward in delivering lasting benefits to Salton Sea communities by supporting long-term habitat restoration efforts at the Salton Sea.
The new Salton Sea Conservancy – a result of Governor Newsom signing into law Senate Bill 583 (Padilla) – will take on a critical role to solidify the state’s efforts to protect residents’ health, sustain the operation and maintenance of large-scale habitat restoration, and increase public access.
The Salton Sea Conservancy’s first meeting will be held on Thursday, May 14, at 9:30 a.m. in person at Imperial Irrigation District’s La Quinta Boardroom and online.
With a Landmark Report and Historic Investments, California Doubles Down on Ocean Health
Story by: California Natural Resources Agency
 At a time when federal actions are putting coastal waters and public lands at risk, California is moving in the opposite direction. On March 24, the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC), in partnership with the California Ocean Science Trust, released the 2026 California Coast and Ocean Report – the first comprehensive, science-based assessment of coastal and ocean health in California history. The report describes not only the pressures facing California’s coast and ocean, but also the historic progress that our state is making to support resilient marine ecosystems and thriving coastal communities.
California State Parks Week Returns for Fifth Year with More Than 170 Events Statewide, June 10-14
Story by: California State Parks, Parks California, Save the Redwoods League, and California State Parks Foundation
 As California continues to celebrate 175 years of statehood, join California State Parks and partners in celebrating the unparalleled diversity and beauty of the nation’s largest state park system with more than 170 events during the fifth annual California State Parks Week, June 10-14.
Hosted by State Parks along with California State Parks Foundation, Parks California and Save the Redwoods League, this year’s weeklong celebration has the tagline “This is Where You Live” and features 171 events statewide. The festivities, all at no additional cost, make it easier than ever to reconnect with nature or try a new activity, whether at a favorite state park or while exploring new places. Reservations are highly encouraged and are now open on CAStateParksWeek.org, which offers a full list of events, participation details and information on this year’s student poster contest, now expanded to include transitional kindergarten.
Jobs First Symposium of Practice for Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
Photo provided by: Erin Murphy, Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access Foundation
 Last week, outdoor organizations gathered at the California Natural Resources Agency for the California Jobs First “Symposium of Practice for Tourism and Outdoor Recreation." With 50+ participants, their time together was incredibly productive as they collectively developed a wide array of recommendations for state leadership to help move tourism and outdoor recreation projects forward to implementation.
$5 Million Awarded to Add a New Park in Bell Gardens
Story by: San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy
 Last month, the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) Governing Board approved a $5 million grant to Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI) for the Our Resilient Rio: Phase 2 Project. This project, located along the Rio Hondo in the city of Bell Gardens, will transform an underused golf course into a vibrant, ecologically sustainable public park.
In the two-mile radius around Bell Gardens, there are 250 acres of golf courses and only 75 acres of parkland. In Phase 1 of the project, KDI engaged more than 1,000 community members to envision the future of the site. They overwhelmingly supported creating a public park and worked with KDI to develop a park concept plan. RMC funded elements will include a nature center, interpretive nature trail, shaded picnic area, native desert garden, and retention pond/wetland, while additional elements will include dog parks and a flexible sports field. Guided by the vision of the Lower LA River Revitalization Master Plan and the California River Parkways Act of 2004, the park will leverage its location along the Rio Hondo to provide direct access and connection to the existing Rio Hondo bike trail while expanding recreational opportunities and meaningful environmental benefits for the entire community.
California Tahoe Conservancy Board Approves $200,000 in Tahoe for All Grants
Story by: California Tahoe Conservancy
 Pictured above: Members of the Birding for Everyone Fellowship program. Picture from the Golden Gate Bird Alliance.
During the March 2025 Board Meeting, the California Tahoe Conservancy Board authorized funding for three new Tahoe for All (TFA) Grants to improve equitable access to Lake Tahoe’s beaches, trails, and mountains. Although Lake Tahoe is a world‑class outdoor recreation destination, many people continue to face economic, social, and physical barriers to accessing its outdoor opportunities. This year’s grant awards build on the success of eight previous TFA grants approved in 2022 and 2023, supporting projects that serve historically underserved communities.
The following organizations received TFA grant funding:
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$110,000 to Lake Tahoe Community College – Washoe Partnership Program. Purpose: Co-develop a wilderness education program with the Washoe Tribe Education Advisor for Washoe youth and young adults ages 15–25. This program honors the Washoe connection to the Tahoe Basin and supports ongoing Tribal engagement with the college. Funding will support three years of programming, serving up to 72 participants.
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$60,000 to City of Richmond – Pathfinders: Youth Outdoors Program. Purpose: Expand the city’s community-based program designed to reduce barriers to outdoor recreation for underrepresented youth. Funding will support camping trips to the Tahoe Basin over three summers, where youth will learn about the natural and cultural resources in the Tahoe Basin, serving up to 90 youth from Richmond, CA.
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$30,000 to Golden Gate Bird Alliance – Birding for Everyone Fellowship. Purpose: Support an educational fellowship that develops the next generation of BIPOC conservation leaders by fostering skills, confidence, and belonging in outdoor spaces through 12 months of birding and ecology classes. The grant will fund extended birding trips to the Tahoe Basin for underserved participants from the Bay Area, serving up to 30 fellows over three years.
California approves $60 million for biodiversity projects and public access to nature
Story by: Governor’s Press Office
 Pictured above: Watsonville Slough.
Almost $60 million in grants were approved for 27 projects across the state, including projects supporting the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future, and investing in wildlife corridors, biodiversity, and expanding public access to nature.
Wildlife Conservation Board Releases 2025 Year in Review
Story by: Wildlife Conservation Board
 We are proud to share our 2025 Year in Review and the progress we made together to protect and restore California’s biodiversity. None of this work happens without your partnership, trust, and commitment. We are truly grateful to each of you who helped move this work forward. Your support makes a lasting difference across the state. We are excited for what we will accomplish together in the year ahead.
City of Fresno Secures $2 Million in Federal Funding for San Joaquin River Parkway Development
Story by: San Joaquin River Conservancy
 Pictured above: San Joaquin River Conservancy’s Chief Executive Officer Kari Kyler Daniska and Fresno City Council President Mike Karbassi.
The San Joaquin River Conservancy is proud to announce the award of $2 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Economic Development Initiative (HUD-EDI) program. This significant investment will advance the development of the San Joaquin River Parkway by enhancing public access and recreational opportunities along the river.
Specifically, the funding will help extend the Lewis S. Eaton Trail and open additional Conservancy owned properties, making the river more accessible to the public. Planned improvements include ADA-accessible entry points, recreational and public use facilities, and restoration efforts, ensuring that the Parkway remains a safe, inclusive, and sustainable destination for generations to come.
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Passport Program Kicks Off
Story by: Delta Protection Commission
 Pictured above: Dignitaries do the honors of the first Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Passport Program stamp. Shown from left to right: Delta Protection Commission Chair Diane Burgis, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi, Delta NHA Advisory Committee Vice Chair Elizabeth Patterson (Photos by Delta Protection Commission/Jada Portillo)
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area (NHA) is now part of the nationwide Passport to your National Parks program! There are 27 locations throughout the NHA where visitors can get their passports stamped.
The program - a way to commemorate your travels to the nation's most beautiful, historic, and culturally significant places - kicked off Saturday, February 28, at RioVision Gallery in Rio Vista.
Congressman John Garamendi celebrated the occasion with a ceremonial first passport stamp: “This exciting new initiative will inspire a new generation to explore the Delta’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant communities,” said Congressman Garamendi.
California has replaced asphalt with trees, shade, and protection from extreme heat at 215 schools statewide
Story by: GO’s Press Office
 Picture above: Before and after pictures of transformed school yards.
Last month, Governor Newsom highlighted CAL FIRE's Green Schoolyards program and the progress it's making across California. For millions of kids — especially in low-income communities — the schoolyard is a barren, heat-trapping asphalt space that can exceed 150 degrees on a hot day. This program is already beginning to change that.
Since 2022, the Newsom administration— in partnership with the Legislature— has invested more than $156 million in Green Schoolyards projects through CAL FIRE — improving conditions at more than 215 school campuses statewide, reaching 94,000 children, and planting more than 6,000 trees to create safer, greener spaces to learn and play.
Meet Adventure Risk Challenge
 Click here to view a video from Adventure Risk Challenge. Learn how they empower underserved youth through transformational literacy, leadership, and outdoor experiences. Their vision is that all youth become stewards of their own future, their communities, and the environment.
Thanks to Adventure Risk Challenge for believing in the power of an Outdoors for All!
www.AdventureRiskChallenge.org
A list of all California Grant opportunities can be found online at www.grants.ca.gov..
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National Forest Foundation: Collaborative Capacity Program for Forests and Communities funds collaborative activities that support wildfire resilience, recreation opportunities, land & watershed restoration, and rural economies, with a special focus on projects that bring together multiple perspectives to co-create solutions for forest stewardship or that increase tribal co-stewardship of National Forests and Grasslands. Deadline: May 4.
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Division of Boating and Waterways Offers Grants to Improve Inland Recreational Boating Access: California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways is calling on public agencies with facilities serving both motorized and non-motorized recreational vessels to apply for inland Boat Launching Facility grants. Approximately $11.8 million in grants are available. Funding can be used to design, engineer, permit and construct new public recreational boat launching facilities or for improvements to existing facilities. Deadline: No later than noon, May 22.
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Wildlife Conservation Board Launches New Project Portal for Grant Applications: The Wildlife Conservation Board is now accepting pre-applications and invited full applications through their new WCB Project Portal. This new resource has been designed to streamline the grant process from pre-application to award and final close-out. The state entity will no longer be accepting application materials submitted separately by email. To help applicants navigate the new process, WCB has developed written guidance materials and a recorded training tutorial. Learn More
Public Comment on Draft Regulations for Renaming Offensive and Derogatory Names
The California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names (CACGN), a committee within CNRA, is seeking input regarding draft regulations to clarify the Petition Process for Renaming Offensive and Derogatory Public Geographic Features and Place Names.
The proposed draft regulations provide a definition for “offensive and derogatory,” a procedure and petition process for identifying Offensive and Derogatory Public Geographic Features and Place Names, and a process for approving replacement names.
The draft regulations can be found on the CNRA website or at the link below. https://resources.ca.gov/Initiatives/CaliforniaAdvisoryCommittee/Offensive-and-Derogatory-Names.
CNRA respectfully requests written comments be received by June 5, 2026.
Please email the California Advisory Committee for Geographic Names at cacgn@resources.ca.gov with the subject line “Comment: Draft CACGN Regulations” to submit written comments.
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We invite you to attend our upcoming public meetings. Participation is open to all, and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities can take part. If you require an accommodation, please click on the links below for support.
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May 6-7:
- California Boating and Waterways Commission -- Agenda
- State Historical Resources Commission -- Agenda
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May 7: San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission -- Agenda
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May 11:
- Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Board -- Agenda
- Delta Protection Commission -- Agenda
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May 13: San Joaquin River Conservancy Board -- Agenda
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May 18: San Gabriel & Lower Los Angeles Rivers & Mountains Conservancy Board – Agenda
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May 20: State Water Board Annual Salton Sea Workshop – More Information
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May 22:
- Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy Board -- Agenda
- San Diego River Conservancy Board -- Agenda
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May 27: Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy -- Agenda
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May 28: California Wildlife Conservation Board – Agenda
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June 3-4: Sierra Nevada Conservancy Board -- Agenda
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June 16-17: Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission – Agenda
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June 18:
- California Tahoe Conservancy Board -- Agenda
- State Coastal Conservancy Board -- Agenda
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The Trailblazer newsletter is issued each month to deliver updates on the Outdoors for All Initiative. This initiative (movement) is expanding parks and outdoor spaces in communities that need them the most, supporting programs to connect people who lack access, fostering a sense of belonging for all Californians outdoors, and much more. For questions or comments, please contact: outdoors@resources.ca.gov.
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