 Bringing you updates on California's Outdoors for All movement
July 2026
Tips to Safely Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in California’s State Parks
Story by: California State Parks
 Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary this Fourth of July holiday weekend is the perfect opportunity to have fun in the sun at one of California’s 280 (and growing) state parks. Whether you’re interested in swimming, hiking, boating, recreating in an off-highway vehicle, or watching fireworks over San Francisco Bay, the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system has something for everyone.
Here are some helpful tips to have a safe visit to California’s state parks during the holiday weekend:
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Plan ahead: Dress for the weather, bring plenty of water, and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Have a back-up plan in case your destination or activity is unavailable. Cell connectivity in many outdoor spaces is limited or non-existent.
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Stay safe around water: Wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, avoid diving into unfamiliar water, and know how to respond to rip currents. Always supervise children by appointing a designated adult "water watcher."
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Avoid alcohol while recreating: Never operate a boat or off-highway vehicle while impaired, and check park-specific alcohol restrictions. As part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign (July 3-5), boaters can expect increased law enforcement patrols, safety inspections and educational outreach on waterways across California.
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Practice fire safety: Fireworks are prohibited in state parks. Keep campfires small and never leave them unattended, while making sure to fully extinguish them before leaving.
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Leave no trace: Pack out all trash, dispose of waste properly, and respect wildlife and natural habitats.
Experience a safer outdoor adventure with the OuterSpatial app—your ultimate guide to California's state parks. Navigate through a user-friendly interactive map, receive accurate directions, and stay updated in real-time for secure park exploration. OuterSpatial integrates with what3words to allow visitors to communicate precise locations in emergency situations, even in remote areas.
Celebrate America’s 250th with One of Our Oldest Pastimes: California Free Fishing Day on July 4
Story by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
 To celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife invites you to go fishing without a sport fishing license by taking advantage of the first of two 2026 California Free Fishing Days on Independence Day, Saturday, July 4. One of the oldest pastimes enjoyed by Americans, fishing gets you outside to experience, explore and appreciate the great outdoors.
While no sport fishing license is required, all fishing regulations — including bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures — still apply. The department encourages potential anglers to check rules and regulations for each water they plan to fish.
Chinook Fishing to Reopen on Klamath, Trinity and Sacramento Rivers After 3-year Closure
Story by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
 Photo: An adult chinook salmon
In the Klamath River Basin and the Sacramento River, salmon fishing is returning for summer and fall 2026 after three consecutive years of closure. More adult Chinook Salmon have returned to the Basin, increasing the number of fishing opportunities, hatchery production, investments in salmon research, habitat restoration projects, and good water years with dam removals.
“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is incredibly encouraged to see our public and private collaborative efforts pay off, allowing us to expand opportunities for California’s dedicated angling community while maintaining a steadfast commitment to long-term population recovery.” – CDFW Director Meghan Hertel.
Klamath Basin Salmon Fishing Schedule
Late Spring-Run Chinook
- Klamath River: July 1 – August 14
- Trinity River: July 1 – August 31
Fall-Run Chinook in
- Klamath River: August 15 – December 31
- Trinity River: September 1 – December 31
Central Valley Salmon Fishing Schedule
- Fall-Run Chinook General season: July 16 – December 16 (some river sections vary)
Secretary Speaker Series: The World Works Better With Us: The Power of Leaders with Disabilities
Tuesday, July 14 I Noon to 1 p.m.
Story by: California Natural Resources Agency
 July is Disability Pride Month, an annual celebration of differing abilities that connects back to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, a ruling prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities. This is a time to honor and uplift the identities, resilience, and contributions of disabled people across our country.
As we celebrate this month, we invite you to join the upcoming Secretary Speaker Series titled "The World Works Better With Us." Through personal stories and discussion, Secretary Wade Crowfoot and panelists will explore how perspectives from the disabled community strengthen workplaces, communities, outdoor recreation, and public policy. They will reflect on the progress achieved, the impact of recent federal policy changes, and the shared responsibility of building a California where everyone can participate, contribute, and thrive.
Special thanks to the California Department of Rehabilitation for their partnership and invaluable contributions to launch Disability Pride Month.
First Partner Siebel Newsom Celebrates the Annual Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day in Sacramento
Story by: Governor Newsom's Press Office
 To conclude Mental Health Awareness Month, on May 29, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and state officials joined students, athletes, coaches, mental health professionals, and community members at Street Soccer USA in Sacramento to celebrate the fourth annual Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day This event was hosted in partnership with the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being. Similar celebrations took place across the state the same day spanning from Grass Valley to the Bay Area to Los Angeles.
"Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day is a reminder that caring for our mental and physical health can start with simple daily practices – from getting outside, staying active, connecting with one another, and taking moments to reset. By encouraging healthy habits early, we can help build stronger, more resilient communities across California.” – First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom
The Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind initiative provides Californians of all ages with interactive ways to explore the connection between movement, mindfulness, and overall health. Launched in 2023 by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being, the California Department of Health Care Services, and the California Department of Public Health, this statewide campaign expands access to resources to help Californians of all ages lead healthier lives.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT! Sign up at the link below to receive e-mail updates on news, events, tips, and resources to help you and ALL Californians Move Your Body and Calm Your Mind.
2026 Delta Leadership Program Recognized by Delta Protection Commission
Story by: Delta Protection Commission
 The Delta Protection Commission honored the 2026 cohort of the Delta Leadership Program on Monday – the culmination of four months of seminars, leadership skills-building, and teamwork for this group of emerging Delta leaders.
Participants worked on team projects to benefit the Delta, which they presented to the Commission on Monday:
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Youth Explorers Program highlighting Delta outdoor experiences for youth.
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National Heritage Area Road Trip Itinerary highlighting suggested stops for Delta region driving tours through a created brochure.
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M-5: Multi-Benefit Habitat Restoration in the Delta proposing a locally informed design process to habitat restoration in the North Delta that benefits agriculture and recreation as well as flood protection.
California State Parks Pass Programs Reach Major Milestones During Last Week to Download the Free Historian Passport
Story by: Governor Newsom's Press Office
 Photo: Governor Newsom, First Partner Siebel Newsom, and their children explore the giant sequoias of Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
With the Fourth of July holiday weekend fast approaching, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom are reminding Californians to download a free Historian Passport and explore the largest and most diverse state park system in the country.
Since Governor Newsom and the First Partner’s announcement two weeks ago of a special free pass to California’s state historic parks, more than 360,000 people have downloaded the free Historian Passport. Additionally, other efforts to expand access to California State Parks recently reached major milestones:
- More than 100,000 downloads of the free California State Parks pass for fourth graders over the life of the program.
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Ongoing funding in the state budget for the California State Library Parks Pass.
Created during the Newsom administration to expand access to California’s 280 state parks (and growing) — these free park passes are a cornerstone of the Outdoors for All initiative, Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s commitment to equitable park access, ensuring all Californians can enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of being in nature.
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FREE fourth grade pass: Championed by and in partnership with the First Partner and the California Natural Resources Agency, the free California State Park Adventure Pass recently surpassed 100,000 downloads since its launch in 2021. The pass has empowered students from every county in California and their families to visit 54 iconic participating state parks.
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FREE California State Library Parks Pass: The 2026-27 state budget signed by Governor Newsom, and in partnership with the Legislature, includes $6.75 million ongoing from the General Fund to make the California State Library Park Pass a permanent program. That means library cardholders can continue to check out a pass from any public library for free vehicle day-use entry at 200-plus state parks. There are 33,000 passes available at public and tribal libraries throughout California. These passes have become so popular that they are one of the most checked out items in the entire State Library system, and select libraries also offer backpacks with outdoor exploration tools, including binoculars, compasses and wildlife guides.
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FREE Historian Passport: The response to this free pass in honor of Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was immediate, with downloads averaging more than one pass per second over the first few days. Attendance has been noticeably higher at participating parks. Supported by donations from the California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, the Historian Passport (typical cost $50) is valid for the rest of 2026 at more than 30 state historic parks throughout California, where visitors can immerse themselves in the state’s unvarnished, complex history. Download your pass for free by July 6!
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Golden Bear Pass: The new and improved Golden Bear Pass Program — which allows residents on public assistance programs to receive free vehicle day-use entry at more than 200 state parks — is a prime example of how greater government efficiency under the Newsom administration is delivering real results for Californians. Thanks to a streamlined application process that eliminates the need for burdensome paperwork, this program has experienced exponential growth, going from a couple thousand free passes a year to more than 146,000 Golden Bear Passes over the past few years.
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Moving forward: California State Parks will soon offer even more to explore. Governor Newsom announced State Parks Forward on Earth Day, a bold effort to establish three new state parks and expand existing parks by more than 30,000 acres by the end of the decade. This is the biggest expansion of the State Park System in decades and is providing more access to parks in the Central Valley.
State Parks protects the best of California’s natural and cultural history; more than 340 miles of coastline; the tallest, largest and among the oldest trees in the world; and deserts, lakes, rivers and beaches. There are more than 5,200 miles of trails, 15,000 campsites, 145,000 acres for off-highway vehicle recreation, plus prehistoric and historic archeological sites, ghost towns, historic homes and monuments – all waiting for you.
Fifth Annual California State Parks Week: This is Where You Live
Story by: Sai Trivedi, California Natural Resources Agency
 Photos from State Parks Week events.
From the redwood forests to the sandy beaches of San Diego, state parks throughout California celebrated the fifth annual California State Parks Week, held from June 10-14.
This year’s tagline was “This is Where You Live.”
There were 172 total events across five days, with five spotlight events located in Cardiff State Beach, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Sue-meg State Park, Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, and Great Valley Grasslands State Park. Each event focused on one of these themes: explore new experiences, nourish your health and well-being, support climate resilience, celebrate community and culture and care for our shared lands.
At the Great Valley Grasslands State Park event, participants celebrated the completion of a major floodplain restoration -- the San Joaquin River was reconnected to more than 200 acres of historic floodplain habitat, restoring safety for threatened and endangered species while protecting one of California’s most vital river systems. This project supports efforts to expand outdoor access for communities in Merced County. State Parks welcomes public input as it continues developing a plan for the park.
Wildlife Conservation Board Approves $80.4 Million for Wildlife Connectivity, Salmon Recovery, Biodiversity and Public Access Projects
Story by: Wildlife Conservation Board
 The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) approved $80,450,797 in grants for 23 projects across 16 counties to protect biodiversity, restore wildlife habitat, and expand public access to nature.
Investing in the Governor’s Salmon Strategy
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$29.3 million to remove the Sunset Weir on the Feather River, restoring fish passage to 28.5 miles of habitat for Chinook salmon, steelhead and green sturgeon.
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$4 million to restore 500 acres of tidal marsh habitat at Cannibal Island in the Eel River estuary, benefiting coho salmon, Chinook salmon and steelhead.
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$2.96 million to restore 27 acres of floodplain and riparian habitat on Salt Creek, a Klamath River tributary, improving salmon and steelhead habitat.
Enhancing Biodiversity, Resilience and Public Access
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$8 million to acquire and conserve 1,688 acres near Markleeville, protecting habitat for native fish and wildlife while expanding public recreation access.
Protecting Connected Landscapes in Southern California
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$5.9 million to acquire and protect 1,226 acres near Jamul, strengthening wildlife corridors and habitat for threatened species.
Expanding Pollinator Habitat and Connectivity
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$1.87 million to restore 100 acres of pollinator and riparian habitat and establish 26,000+ feet of hedgerows in Fresno County.
Parks California Launches “Caring for California, Together” Campaign to Highlight Shared Stewardship
Story by: Parks California
 On May 7, Parks California announced the launch of "Caring for California, Together," a new statewide digital campaign that highlights how people, communities and partners across California are working together to care for the state’s natural and cultural places.
The central idea: California’s public lands are not cared for by any one organization alone, they are shaped and sustained through shared stewardship.
Five steps Californians can take:
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Share the Campaign Video using the templated social media posts.
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Tell Your Story: Share your voice and experiences. Use prompts such as: a place in California that shaped your connection to nature, what caring for California looks like to you, how you show up for parks, communities or natural spaces, or what gives you hope for the future of these places.
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Use the Campaign Hashtag: Join the statewide conversation by using #CaringForCaliforniaTogether hashtag. Include the hashtag in your posts so we can see and amplify your content. Tag @ParksCalifornia when possible to help us reshare your story.
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Highlight Your Work and Impact: Show how you or your organization, program or community is caring for California. Feature your programs, participants, or partners. Share behind-the-scenes moments, milestones, or everyday impact. Connect your work to the broader theme of care, access, and stewardship.
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Keep It Going: This is not a one-time campaign — it’s an ongoing invitation to share and connect. Participate when it feels relevant to your work or audience. Share stories across seasons, programs and moments.
California State Parks and Parks California Award $2.4M in Career Pathways Grants to Prepare Next Generation of Park Leaders
Story by: Parks California
 Parks California has awarded $2.4 million to 13 community and tribal organizations across the state as part of the Career Pathways grants program.
The funding supports paid training opportunities for approximately 380 participants seeking careers in parks and public lands. The training entails park operations and stewardship, such as wildfire resilience projects, trail building, habitat restoration and visitor services.
“Our joint efforts to expand access to the outdoors is doing more than just reducing barriers for visitors – it’s also creating pathways to grow a skilled and diverse workforce of the next generation of stewards. These grants help plant the seed that will blossom into deeply rooted careers caring for California’s parks and public lands.” – California State Parks Director Armando Quintero.
Career Pathways Grantees include:
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Lomakatsi Restoration Project – Northeastern California – Planning and Development grantee: Works with the Ahjumawi Band of the Pit River Tribe and State Parks to develop a tribal workforce training program and restoration plan at Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, focused on reducing wildfire risk, improving ecological health, enhancing First Foods and other cultural resources, and creating career pathways for tribal young adults.
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Foundation for California Community Colleges – Statewide – Planning and Development grantee: Works with community colleges and State Parks to create training and internship opportunities that help build pathways to careers in interpretation, education, facilities and maintenance.
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Borrego Village Association – Inland Empire – Implementation grantee: Provides high school students with hands-on training and internships at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, including field-based learning, park operations experience and industry-recognized certifications.
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Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps – Eastern Sierra – Implementation grantee: Offers a paid apprenticeship for corpsmembers to work alongside State Parks trail crews on large-scale projects, building leadership skills and hands-on experience to prepare for careers in park operations and conservation.
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy Awards New Wildfire Resilience and Recreation Grants; Starts Two New Grant Programs
Story by: Sierra Nevada Conservancy
 Photo: Shasta Trinity National Forest
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy approved nearly $1.5 million to new early action wildfire-resilience projects and just over $3 million to new projects to help boost recreation and tourism in the Sierra-Cascade.
Wildfire Resilience ($1.48 million)
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Grass Valley (Nevada County): $720,000 to reduce wildfire fuels on 240 acres.
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Mariposa County Fire Safe Council: $756,179 to reduce fuels on 192 acres and retreat existing fuel breaks
Recreation & Tourism ($3.15 million)
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Kern County: $479,263 to relocate the Whiskey Flat Trailhead and plan a pedestrian bridge.
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Placer County: $500,000 for a new 3-mile multi-use trail connecting Hidden Falls Regional Park and Big Hill Preserve.
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Van Norden Meadow (Placer/Nevada): $499,950 for trail improvements and habitat protection.
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Trinity County: $499,785 to assess recreation improvements across a 300,000-acre landscape.
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Butte/Tehama Counties: $500,000 for a 4.3-mile trail and trailhead infrastructure in Lassen National Forest.
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Mono County: $175,000 for mobile watercraft decontamination stations to prevent invasive golden mussels.
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Kernville: Pending $500,000 grant for environmental planning to convert a former Sequoia National Forest recreation site into a community park.
Tahoe Conservancy to Implement Visitor Improvements and New Trails at Van Sickle Bi-State Park
Story by: Tahoe Conservancy
 Photo of Van Sickle Bi-State Park.
On June 18, the California Tahoe Conservancy Board approved a pair of projects at Van Sickle Bi-State Park to improve visitor safety, connect the park to nearby neighborhoods and the Nevada state line with new shared-use trails, expand amenities, and improve access.
These projects include:
- New 0.4-mile paved trail connecting the park entrance to the day use area and state line.
- Park entrance plaza with two new picnic areas.
- State line monument.
- Stormwater and snow storage improvements.
- Wayfinding signage and interpretive exhibits.
- 0.35-mile segment of the Dennis T. Machida Memorial Greenway to connect park trails to a nearby neighborhood.
Oakland Goes Outdoors Celebrates 1,000 Field Trips in its Eight Fiscal Year
 Oakland Goes Outdoors recently celebrated their 1,000th field trip with a social media post, where Oakland Unified School District students expressed gratitude to all of its supporters.
Since launching in 2018, Oakland Goes Outdoors has expanded equitable access to outdoor experiences for Oakland Unified School District students by removing barriers such as cost, transportation, appropriate gear and access to trained guides. The program hopes to strengthen the positive social and emotional impact that interacting outdoors has on student’s physical and mental health, while also promoting advocacy for our environment and nature.
“Thank you for believing that every young person deserves access to meaningful experiences in nature. Thank you for helping remove barriers and create opportunities. Thank you for showing up for Oakland youth.” – Oakland Goes Outdoors’ Instagram Caption
Oakland Goes Outdoors has developed a strong partnership with California's Outdoors for All initiative, as both groups strive to promote opportunities for all children to access our shared outdoor spaces. The program has also promoted the California State Park Adventure Pass, which allows free entry for fourth graders and their families at 54 selected state parks for a full year.
Below is a list of current grant opportunities offered by government and private entities. A list of all California State Grant opportunities can be found online at www.grants.ca.gov. Please review the eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each opportunity, and feel free to share this information with others who may benefit.
Due July 8
Due July 9
Due July 22
Due July 27
Due July 31
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Bell's Brewery Grassroots Grants Program provides funding for projects that protect ecosystem health and biodiversity, improve water resources and promote climate resilience.
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Parks California Route to Parks Grants: California community and tribal organizations can now apply for around $1.1 million in grant funding to improve transportation and access to California’s state parks for people in underserved communities. Applications for the 2027 grant cycle are accepted through Friday, July 31, at 11:59 p.m. Parks California anticipates awarding roughly 35 grants, with awards averaging around $30,000.
Due August 1
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Clif Family Foundation Grant Program supports general operating costs for projects focused on regenerative and organic farming, climate action, healthy food access and inclusive outdoor access.
Due August 17
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Clean Vessel Act Education and Outreach Grant Program: Through California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways, amaximum of $360,000 of federal funding per targeted region is available to organizations for educating coastal and San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary recreational boaters about proper vessel sewage disposal and the use of pumpout facilities and monitoring pumpout and dump stations.The deadline to submit applications is Monday, August 17, 2026, by 10 a.m. PDT.
Speak Up for the California Coast You Love
California's coast is one of our state's greatest treasures, supporting wildlife, recreation, local communities, and a thriving economy. The federal government has launched an unprecedented review of California's Coastal Management Program that could change how the state and the public help shape decisions about offshore drilling, coastal infrastructure, and other activities affecting our shoreline.
Californians have an opportunity to make their voices heard by participating in upcoming public hearings or submitting written comments. Public meetings will be held in August, with public comment due Aug. 22, 2026.
Virtual Youth Community Access Draft Guidelines Presentation
The California Natural Resources Agency is pleased to announce the opening of a 45-day public comment period for the Draft Youth Community Access (YCA) Grant Guidelines. The program is funded by the Youth, Education, Prevent, Early Intervention and Treatment Account, created by Proposition 64. Available funding for 2026 YCA awards is approximately $15 million. The Concept Proposal Solicitation (Step 1) is anticipated September 2026.
YCA serves youth from low-income and disadvantaged communities and provides access to natural and cultural resources. Awarded projects will provide California youth with field trips to national, state, and regional parks; cultural sites, events, and practices; and provide educational programming and workforce development opportunities in natural and cultural resource fields.
Public Comments will be accepted from July 1, 2026, to Aug. 14, 2026.
Applications Open for Delta Heritage Committee
The Delta Protection Commission is accepting applications for five seats and additional alternates on its Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Advisory Committee.
The committee, governed by this charter (PDF), advises the Delta Protection Commission about implementation of the National Heritage Area Management Plan (PDF) and acts as ambassadors to the diverse partners and communities in the NHA.
Interested members of the public may apply to serve on this committee through 5 p.m. July 20. The Delta Protection Commission is expected to make the appointments Sept. 17.
Committee members are expected to attend four quarterly in-person meetings per year, which are held in and around the NHA at rotating locations.
The Salton Sea Conservancy is Seeking an Executive Officer
The Salton Sea Conservancy is a new state agency within the Natural Resources Agency created by Senate Bill 583 (Padilla, 2024). Its work area is dedicated to the Salton Sea region. The Conservancy is seeking a new executive officer.
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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July 16: Delta Protection Commission -- Agenda
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July 20: San Gabriel & Lower Los Angeles Rivers & Mountains Conservancy Board -- Agenda
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July 22: Delta Conservancy Board -- Agenda
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August 3-4: California Boating and Waterways Commission -- Agenda
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August 5: San Joaquin River Conservancy Board -- Agenda
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August 6-7: State Historical Resources Commission -- 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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If you have a story, photo, or event that supports CNRA's Outdoors For All mission, we'd love to feature it in our newsletter! Please email outdoors@resources.ca.gov with your submission.
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