EAR TO THE GROUND News and notes from the outdoor industry

Castle Rock State Park Expands

California State Parks and the Sempervirens Fund have expanded Castle Rock State Park in Los Gatos, California, with the acquisition of six properties for $4.21 million. This marks the first land acquisitions by the state agency in the Santa Cruz Park District since 2011. The newly added 222 acres include the Robert C. Kirkwood entrance, built by Sempervirens Fund in 2019, which led to increased park visitation. The partnership aims to protect and expand this scenic redwood forest for the benefit of future generations. The acquisitions were made possible through donations, including from The Kirkwood Family, The Joseph and Vera Long Foundation, and REI Co-op. Sempervirens Fund has played a crucial role in the establishment and expansion of Castle Rock State Park since 1968, contributing to the conservation of over 4,200 acres. castle-rock. adventuresportsjournal.com

Deb Haaland Celebrates Great American Outdoors Act

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland traveled to Yosemite National Park (YNP) in August as part of a month-long tour to celebrate the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), a bipartisan investment that improves visitor experiences, bolsters climate resilience and invests in the economy by creating good-paying jobs in our national parks, wildlife refuges, recreation areas and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded schools.

The GAOA established the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (GAOA LRF) which provides $1.6 billion annually for critical projects such as infrastructure repairs and accessibility improvements. Haaland’s recent visit to YNP highlighted GAOA’s impact, including a $120 million investment in Yosemite for improved campgrounds and safety upgrades at the Ahwahnee Hotel. gaoa-ynp.adventuresportsjournal.com

New Gray Wolf Pack Confirmed In Tulare County

A new gray wolf pack has been discovered in California’s Tulare County, marking a significant wildlife milestone in wildlife conservation efforts. The discovery was announced by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). This pack, the southernmost in the state, is located more than 200 air miles away from the nearest known pack. The CDFW’s investigation was initiated after receiving a wolf sighting report from the Sequoia National Forest. Following genetic testing of collected samples, it was confirmed that the pack consists of at least five individuals, including one adult female descendant of California’s first documented wolf, OR7. The wolves are protected by both state and federal Endangered Species Acts, making it illegal to intentionally harm them. To report sightings or for more information, visit CDFW’s Gray Wolf Program webpage at wildlife.ca.gov graywolf.adventuresportsjournal.com

$44 MILLION TO NATIONAL PARKS

On August 8, the Department of the Interior announced the allocation of over $44 million from the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America Agenda. This funding aims to address crucial needs for ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning within the National Park Service for fiscal year 2023. This announcement continues to uphold President Biden’s historic conservation agenda and investments to enhance community resilience, restore our nation’s lands and waters, and advance the America the Beautiful initiative—a goal to conserve 30% of lands and waters by 2030. 44-nps.adventuresportsjournal.com

Protecting Western Joshua Trees

California’s Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, signed by Governor Gavin

Newsom, aims to protect the iconic Joshua tree while facilitating the state’s transition to clean energy and housing expansion. This aligns with California’s ambitious climate goals, including a clean electric grid and carbon neutrality. The law permits controlled removal and trimming of the trees, especially for clean energy and housing projects, with fees directed toward conservation efforts. Collaboration with Native American tribes is emphasized, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will create a conservation plan by late 2024. Public involvement is encouraged through feedback and meetings. jtca.adventuresportsjournal.com

Otter 841 Avoids Capture

Officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife have been addressing reports of a 5-year-old female southern sea otter located in Santa Cruz, California. The otter is known as Otter 841, and her behavior has garnered attention, as she has been approaching people participating in water activities like surfing and kayaking, which is an unusual behavior for sea otters. Otter 841 has been able to avoid capture since mid-July. This situation highlights the importance of responsible wildlife interaction. It’s crucial to remember that wild animals need their space and should not be fed or encouraged to approach humans. otter-psa. adventuresportsjournal.com