Sonoma Trails » California State Parks http://www.sonomatrails.org Share Advocate Steward -- Sonoma County Trails Council Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:12:32 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 SCTC Board of Directors Meeting — Monday, Dec. 5th http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/12/01/news/sctc-board-of-directors-meeting-%e2%80%94-monday-dec-5th/ http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/12/01/news/sctc-board-of-directors-meeting-%e2%80%94-monday-dec-5th/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:50:27 +0000 Geoffrey http://www.sonomatrails.org/?p=922 You are invited to join the upcoming Sonoma County Trails Council Board

Meeting on Monday, Dec. 5th at 6 pm at the Bike Monkey office in downtown Santa Rosa (640 3rd Street, Suite #C). Please note that we have moved the date to avoid the holidays. Meetings for 2012 will be moved to the 4th [...]]]> You are invited to join the upcoming Sonoma County Trails Council Board

Sunset at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

Image by ingridtaylar via Flickr

Meeting on Monday, Dec. 5th at 6 pm at the Bike Monkey office in downtown Santa Rosa (640 3rd Street, Suite #C). Please note that we have moved the date to avoid the holidays. Meetings for 2012 will be moved to the 4th Monday of each month unless otherwise noted.

 

 

These meetings, held once a month, are an excellent opportunity to learn about trail projects, park news and events. At this month’s meeting we will be discussing trail work opportunities, introducing new Board of Directors members, and updates from the new Sonoma County Parks Alliance, a group working to address the threatened State Park closures (which includes our local Annadel, Sugarloaf, Jack London and Austin Creek Parks).We recently modified the meeting agenda (attached) to encourage more community attendance. The first part of the meeting will cover projects, advocacy and news. You are also welcome to stay for the second part of the meeting, which will focus on SCTC organizational business.
Please let us know if you’d like more information about SCTC and the upcoming meetings. I hope you’ll join us!For current trail work opportunities check out th
e attached agenda.
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]]> http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/12/01/news/sctc-board-of-directors-meeting-%e2%80%94-monday-dec-5th/feed/ 0 Announcing the SCTC 2011 Annual Membership Meeting http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/09/23/news/announcing-the-sctc-2011-annual-membership-meeting/ http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/09/23/news/announcing-the-sctc-2011-annual-membership-meeting/#comments Fri, 23 Sep 2011 23:12:31 +0000 Geoffrey http://www.sonomatrails.org/?p=811 Want to get the inside scoop on what’s happening with Sonoma County parks and trails? Join us on November 8th, 2011 at 6:00 pm for the SCTC’s Annual Membership meeting.  If you’ve wondered what will happen to Annadel, Jack London, Austin Creek and Sugarloaf state parks, Dave Gould, Director [...]]]>
Austin Creek State Recreation Area, Sonoma Cou...

Image via Wikipedia

Want to get the inside scoop on what’s happening with Sonoma County parks and trails? Join us on November 8th, 2011 at 6:00 pm for the SCTC’s Annual Membership meeting.  If you’ve wondered what will happen to Annadel, Jack London, Austin Creek and Sugarloaf state parks, Dave Gould, Director of the new Sonoma County Parks Alliance, will speak about the Alliance’s efforts to keep our parks open.

This event is for SCTC members only, but we’ll be happy to sign you up at the door. Dinner and beverages provided, with a free SCTC t-shirt for new members. Join other trail advocates at the Sonoma County Driving and Riding Club on Aston Ave., just inside the south gate at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. RSVPs encouraged!

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]]> http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/09/23/news/announcing-the-sctc-2011-annual-membership-meeting/feed/ 0 AB 42 Waiting for Gov. Brown’s Signature http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/09/18/news/ab-42-waiting-for-gov-browns-signature/ http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/09/18/news/ab-42-waiting-for-gov-browns-signature/#comments Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:01:39 +0000 Geoffrey http://www.sonomatrails.org/?p=763 AB 42, the bill sponsored by the California State Parks Foundation to allow non-profits to operate State Parks, easily passed the Assembly and the similar Senate bill passed the in that chamber as well. The bill is now waiting for Governor Brown’s signature. It provides authority to Calif. Dept. of Parks & Recreation to enter [...]]]> AB 42, the bill sponsored by the California State Parks Foundation to allow non-profits to operate State Parks, easily passed the Assembly and the similar Senate bill passed the in that chamber as well. The bill is now waiting for Governor Brown’s signature. It provides authority to Calif. Dept. of Parks & Recreation to enter into operating agreements with qualified nonprofit organizations to operate part or all of a state park unit. The bill ensures transparency in the operations of a state park by a nonprofit by requiring that:

  • All revenues generated in the park stay in that park and be directed toward that park’s needs
  • The nonprofit submit an annual report detailing its operating activities in the past year and hold a public meeting
  • No General Fund subsidy can be given to the nonprofit to operate the state park
  • The remainder of any concessions contract’s term be preserved by the nonprofit, and
  • Scientific and other specialized functions be conducted only by qualified individuals and subject to state oversight.

Gov. Brown has until Oct. 6 to take action on Assembly Bill 42.

 

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]]> http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/09/18/news/ab-42-waiting-for-gov-browns-signature/feed/ 0 New Series of CA State Park Posters Supports Annadel State Park http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/09/18/news/new-series-of-ca-state-park-posters-supports-annadel-state-park/ http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/09/18/news/new-series-of-ca-state-park-posters-supports-annadel-state-park/#comments Mon, 19 Sep 2011 03:50:39 +0000 Geoffrey http://www.sonomatrails.org/?p=757 Folk4Parks.org is thrilled to introduce Annadel, the first in a new series of California State Park Posters. “We felt our first poster, ‘Annadel’, was a great place to start.” says director Christopher Grant Ward. “Sonoma County is especially hard hit by the closure list, and we wanted to provide an opportunity to support the [...]]]>

Folk4Parks.org is thrilled to introduce Annadel, the first in a new series of California State Park Posters. “We felt our first poster, ‘Annadel’, was a great place to start.” says director Christopher Grant Ward. “Sonoma County is especially hard hit by the closure list, and we wanted to provide an opportunity to support the Parks Alliance of Sonoma County.” 



About the posters: The beauty and history of California State Parks is a timeless treasure and an important part of our state’s legacy. The California State Park Posters are a collectable series of aqueous color illustrated prints commemorating the beauty of selected parks across the state. Inspired by the Art Nouveau styles of the early 20th century, these posters remind us of a time when CA Parks grew and prospered. All posters are 12″ x 17″, aqueous color prints on premium acid-free recycled matte paper.

Highlights:
* Posters are scheduled to be released on a rolling schedule over the next several months.
* All posters to include an opportunity to donate to a non-profit organization supporting California State Parks.

Storefront: You can view our main page for the posters here: http://bit.ly/qVQI6l

About Folk4Parks: 
Folk4Parks is a network of California park advocates that brings thought leadership to the crucial gap between parks and politics, and defend preserved spaces across California and the rest of the world. http://folk4parks.org
Christopher Grant Ward
Director
Folk4Parks

About Parks Alliance:
In May 2011, the State of California announced the upcoming closure  of 70 State Parks, which means the state will remove it’s staff and resources from the Parks as of July 1, 2012.   Sonoma County was disproportionately hit by the closure list, with 5 of the 70 parks located here. The State Parks on the closure list not only provide recreation opportunities, camping and access to the outdoors for county residents, but are vital pieces of California history.
Press Contact: Christopher Grant Ward, Director 510 227 5127
Lauren Dixon
Deputy Director
Parks Alliance for Sonoma County
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]]> http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/09/18/news/new-series-of-ca-state-park-posters-supports-annadel-state-park/feed/ 0 Parks Alliance Formed to Keep State Parks in Sonoma County Open http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/07/05/news/parks-alliance-formed-to-keep-state-parks-in-sonoma-county-open/ http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/07/05/news/parks-alliance-formed-to-keep-state-parks-in-sonoma-county-open/#comments Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:27:23 +0000 Geoffrey http://www.sonomatrails.org/?p=660 In response to the threatened closures of Annadel, Jack London, Sugarloaf Ridge, Petaluma Adobe and Austin Creek State Parks, and also to the degradation of service levels at Sonoma Coast and all of the State Parks in Sonoma County, the Sonoma Land Trust, Sonoma County Regional Parks, and the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District have initiated the [...]]]> In response to the threatened closures of Annadel, Jack London, Sugarloaf Ridge, Petaluma Adobe and Austin Creek State Parks, and also to the degradation of service levels at Sonoma Coast and all of the State Parks in Sonoma County, the Sonoma Land Trust, Sonoma County Regional Parks, and the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District have initiated the Parks Alliance for Sonoma County. This will be a forum for all of the public agencies, nonprofit groups and individuals concerned about the threatened closures to come together, coordinate their actions, and keep the State Parks open and also improve their operations with volunteers, new funding and new ideas. The goal of
the Alliance is to work toward a sustainably funded, thriving system of parks throughout Sonoma County.

The Sonoma Land Trust retained Dave Gould, a retired park superintendent from Sonoma, and Lauren Dixon, a policy analyst from Sebastopol, to staff the Alliance. Sonoma County Regional Parks, under the leadership of Caryl Hart, will provide office space for the Alliance. Initial members of the Alliance include the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association, the Sonoma County Trails Council, LandPaths, the Sonoma Ecology Center, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, and others.

For more information go to: http://www.sonoma-county.org/parks/parks_alliance.htm

]]> http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/07/05/news/parks-alliance-formed-to-keep-state-parks-in-sonoma-county-open/feed/ 0 State Parks Closures http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/05/14/news/state-parks-closures/ http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/05/14/news/state-parks-closures/#comments Sat, 14 May 2011 13:30:54 +0000 Geoffrey http://www.sonomatrails.org/?p=628 The California Dept. of Parks & Recreation released the list of State Parks slated to close yesterday (view at www.calparks.org). The closures hit Sonoma County hard — Annadel, Sugarloaf, Jack London, Austin Creek SRA and others made the list. In total, 70 parks will close permanently by July (25% of Calif. State Parks) [...]]]> The California Dept. of Parks & Recreation released the list of State Parks slated to close yesterday (view at www.calparks.org). The closures hit Sonoma County hard — Annadel, Sugarloaf, Jack London, Austin Creek SRA and others made the list. In total, 70 parks will close permanently by July (25% of Calif. State Parks) and many more will suffer service reductions. Closing these parks won’t simply mean we lose access, it also means a greater threat of vandalism and environmental damage due to pot growing operations, as has already happened at Austin Creek. The great trail stewardship work that the Annadel Half Marathon would fund over the coming months will also come to a screeching halt. There is a glimmer of hope in AB 42, introduced by Jared Huffman, which would allow nonprofits to enter operating agreements with State Parks without having to go through the legislative process. The bill has moved out of the Appropriations Committee and will come before the Assembly soon. Sonoma County Trails Council wouldn’t necessarily be in a position to manage any of our parks alone, but we may be able to work with other groups to help protect and preserve access to our treasured parklands. Please take action to preserve our parks!

Sonoma, Marin and Napa County Closures

  • Annadel State Park
  • Austin Creek State Recreation Area
  • Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
  • Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
  • China Camp State Park
  • Jack London State Historic Park
  • Olompali State Historic Park
  • Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
  • Russian Gulch State Park
  • Samuel P. Taylor State Park
  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
  • Tomales Bay State Park

 

]]> http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/05/14/news/state-parks-closures/feed/ 1 Annadel Stewardship with REI, April 30 — UPDATE http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/04/29/news/annadel-stewardship-with-rei-april-30-update/ http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/04/29/news/annadel-stewardship-with-rei-april-30-update/#comments Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:44:28 +0000 Geoffrey http://www.sonomatrails.org/?p=616 We are completely full for this Saturday’s trail stewardship event with REI and the Sonoma County Trails Council as we repair and improve a segment of North Burma Trail! This popular trail suffers from erosion in a number of places and one of the worst is just below a stream crossing roughly 100 yards above [...]]]> We are completely full for this Saturday’s trail stewardship event with REI and the Sonoma County Trails Council as we repair and improve a segment of North Burma Trail! This popular trail suffers from erosion in a number of places and one of the worst is just below a stream crossing roughly 100 yards above the end of the trail at Channel Drive. We will put down gravel and drains to keep the tread in place, similar to our 2009 project on Spring Creek Trail.

North Burma Trail

If you would like to join us for future events, please let us know — we’ll be working on this and other projects throughout Annadel on the 3rd Saturday of each month through November. Tell us which dates work for you and we’ll send out details shortly before the event(s).

Together we will help repair the trails we use and love.

Community. Stewardship. You.


.

 

]]> http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/04/29/news/annadel-stewardship-with-rei-april-30-update/feed/ 0 Park Advocacy Day, March 22, 2011 http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/02/24/news/park-advocacy-day-march-22-2011/ http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/02/24/news/park-advocacy-day-march-22-2011/#comments Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:20:44 +0000 Geoffrey http://www.sonomatrails.org/?p=555 Park Advocacy Day

March 22, 2011

Stewards has been a proud supporter of Park Advocacy Day for the past eight years. This year we will again take a group of people to Sacramento on March 22nd to advocate for our endangered State Parks. All the information that you need is on the California [...]]]> Park Advocacy Day

March 22, 2011

PAD

Stewards has been a proud supporter of Park Advocacy Day for the past eight years. This year we will again take a group of people to Sacramento on March 22nd to advocate for our endangered State Parks. All the information that you need is on the California State Parks Foundation website.

The deadline for registering has past. for more information visit the California State Parks Foundation website.

PAD

 

]]> http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/02/24/news/park-advocacy-day-march-22-2011/feed/ 0 Stewardship Opportunities with Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/02/24/news/stewardship-opportunities-with-stewards-of-the-coast-and-redwoods/ http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/02/24/news/stewardship-opportunities-with-stewards-of-the-coast-and-redwoods/#comments Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:17:04 +0000 Geoffrey http://www.sonomatrails.org/?p=552

Stewards supports many stewardship opportunities in our State Parks. Twice a month dedicated volunteers provide valuable assistance working on trails, building or removing fences, and replacing washed out coastal stairways, to name a few of the projects they undertake. Volunteers also conduct monthly marine debris monitoring cleanups. No experience is necessary and specialized training [...]]]> trailwork

Stewards supports many stewardship opportunities in our State Parks. Twice a month dedicated volunteers provide valuable assistance working on trails, building or removing fences, and replacing washed out coastal stairways, to name a few of the projects they undertake. Volunteers also conduct monthly marine debris monitoring cleanups. No experience is necessary and specialized training is provided by State Parks.

Don’t miss an opportunity to make a huge difference in our parks during these challenging budgetary times!

Armstrong Redwoods/Austin Creek Crew
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month

Sonoma Coast State Park Crew
Meets the 4th Wednesday of the month

Marine Debris Monitoring Clean-up – Call for dates

For more information and to sign-up for these worthwhile efforts contact Ruby Herrick at (707) 869-9177 X1# or rherrick@mcn.org.

Stewardship Flyer - Help Spread the Word – Please Post

 

]]> http://www.sonomatrails.org/2011/02/24/news/stewardship-opportunities-with-stewards-of-the-coast-and-redwoods/feed/ 0 Interactive Sonoma County Parks Map http://www.sonomatrails.org/2010/10/01/news/interactive-sonoma-county-parks-map/ http://www.sonomatrails.org/2010/10/01/news/interactive-sonoma-county-parks-map/#comments Fri, 01 Oct 2010 22:14:29 +0000 Geoffrey http://www.sonomatrails.org/?p=453 Brian of Manzanita Web Design is putting together a map of Sonoma County parks and open space preserves with links to the official park websites. Take a moment to check out Brian’s map


View Sonoma Hiking Trails in a larger map

]]> Brian of Manzanita Web Design is putting together a map of Sonoma County parks and open space preserves with links to the official park websites. Take a moment to check out Brian’s map


View Sonoma Hiking Trails in a larger map

]]> http://www.sonomatrails.org/2010/10/01/news/interactive-sonoma-county-parks-map/feed/ 0