Latest News:

Latest E-Newsletter

• Link to Stewards' Advocacy web page
  

• The Governor's 2010-1011 Budget - Pitting Environmental Groups Against one Another - 1/10/10
  The Governor's 2010/2011 budget proposal was again disappointing but we're getting used to it and will be ready for a re-run of 2009 as far as advocating to legislative officials in Sacramento goes.
• New Hope for State Parks: California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 - 11/6/09
  It is with great hope that we report that a significant step towards sustainability for our State Parks was taken this week by the California State Parks Foundation and partners. On November 3rd a proposed statewide ballot measure was filed with the Attorney General's office. The "California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010, would create a stable, reliable and adequate source of funding to protect state parks and conserve California wildlife."
  

News Archives:

2009

Russian River District Service Reductions - 10/12/09
While our Governor has said he will not close any State Parks, the reality is that we are going to see partial and seasonal closures, closed restrooms, new iron rangers for fee collection where they haven’t been before and the bottom line is that the millions of visitors who come to Sonoma County year-round to visit our State Parks will not have access to all that our parks have to offer in the coming months.

Will Legalities Keep our Parks Open - 9/18/09
Well, it sure has been an interesting and frustrating week in regards to news about PARK CLOSURES!
We thought we would finally hear about which parks are closing after the list made it to the Governor's office, but then we heard the announcement was again delayed. There was lots of speculation about why and what was going on. Then yesterday, the reasons became more clear when an internal State Park memo was leaked to the organization, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

Can we Save our State Parks - 7/28/09
Well, now we know what we face! The Governor has cut an additional $6.2 million from the State Parks budget bringing the total to $14.2 million for the 2009/2010 fiscal year.This is devastating news for our parks statewide. We can expect to see the closing of about 100 State Parks after Labor Day.

Budget Deal Reached - 7/20/09
State legislators and the Governor have reached a budget deal. For State Parks it means a $8 million cut, allowing the majority of state parks, beaches and attractions to stay open. We do expect to see some park closures and/or a reduction in services.

Governor Proposes to Remove Core Funding for State Parks - 5/22/09
Stewards is dismayed to pass on depressing news in regards to the State Park budget as we get ready to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend. Stewards will be shifting gears once again and take up the fight to advocate for our beloved State Parks. After last year, you know that we will not rest until we can be assured that our parks will continue to be open and available to all of us who treasure them for solace, recreation and their incredible beauty.

2008

• Biological Opinion issued by NMFS
  Seal Watchers are concerned about a 15-year plan, called a Biological Opinion, aimed at helping restore endangered coho salmon, Chinook salmon and steelhead in the Russian River and Dry Creek, which was released by National Marine Fisheries Service on Friday, September 26, 2008 and mandates sweeping changes to the way local and federal agencies operate Russian River water supply and flood control projects.

• The Jenner Headlands is within our grasp!
  From the Sonoma Land Trust website

  The Jenner Headlands is a spectacular 5,630-acre coastal ranch, described by Sonoma County Supervisor Mike Reilly as being the “whole tiara” among a string of jewels along the coast. After nearly four years of complex negotiations, the Sonoma Land Trust has secured a contract with the landowners to purchase the Jenner Headlands. This will be the single largest conservation land acquisition in Sonoma County history.

• Stewards Support the State Parks Access Pass
  Stewards expresses their strong support for the California State Park Access program announced by Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz). The new program will bring over $200 million annually in new funding to support the state park system, while providing free day-use access to California state parks.
• Willow Creek Public Meeting
  Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods (Stewards) and California State Parks invite public participation in a scoping meeting on Tuesday, October 14, at 7pm at the Jenner Community Club to review plans for a new bridge in the lower Willow Creek watershed.
• Success - State Park Closures Off the Table
  Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods is very pleased that the Governor responded positively to the people of California and reversed his proposal to close state parks. The people of Sonoma County should feel very proud of their efforts because we were noticed, and if the Governor didn't know about Armstrong Redwoods and Austin Creek before this, he sure does now!
• Economic Impacts of Closing Armstrong Redwoods
  Armstrong Redwoods is one of the 48 state parks proposed by the Governor to close. The economic impacts to the Russian River area would be in the millions.