California Governor Gavin Newsom celebrated Earth Day with a lakeside press conference to lay out the details of State Parks Forward, a new initiative to add three new state parks in the Central Valley (pushing the statewide total to 283 parks) while growing existing parks by 30,000 acres by the end of the decade.
The State Parks Forward plan is the biggest expansion of the California State Park System in decades and is providing more access to parks in the Central Valley. Newsom was joined by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, California State Parks Director Armando Quintero, and local leaders will to announce the historic expansion of the State Park System (watch full press conference below).
“The bold vision laid out on Earth day by Governor Newsom sets California on a path to not just grow the State Park System but also provide more access and instill a greater connection and sense of pride for all Californians in their state parks.” —California State Parks Director Armando Quintero
Starting Earth Day 2026, State Parks will begin planning and acquisition for three new parks spanning roughly 330 miles across the Central Valley. All three sites 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)
EXPANDING EXISTING PARKS
Work is underway to add thousands of acres of public land by expanding existing state parks, with a goal of 30,000 new acres by the end of the decade. These no- or low-cost acquisitions are made possible through partnerships with local land trusts and conservation groups, along with streamlined processes established by SB 630 (2025, Allen) and AB 679 (2025, Pellerin), signed into law by Governor Newsom. The effort will help preserve sensitive ecosystems and protect key wildlife corridors adjacent to current parks.
• 453 acres added to Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve (Mendocino County)
• 218 acres added to South Yuba River State Park (Nevada County)
• 133 acres added to Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park (San Mateo County)
BUILDING ON KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
State Parks Forward builds on a series of initiatives under the Newsom administration aimed at conserving public land, expanding access to nature, and strengthening the State Park System.
Outdoors for All
California is expanding parks and outdoor spaces in communities that need them most. This includes three free access programs: the Golden Bear Pass for families receiving public assistance, the California State Park Adventure Pass for fourth graders and their families, and the California State Library Parks Pass. Together, these programs open access to the state’s natural and cultural resources for a broader range of residents.
30×30
California continues to lead the nation in conservation through its 30×30 initiative, which commits the state to protecting 30 percent of its lands and coastal waters by 2030. The effort, now codified into law, has added more than 2.5 million acres of conserved land and water over the past three years, roughly equivalent to the size of Hawaii’s Big Island.
Cutting Green Tape
This initiative streamlines permitting and funding to accelerate environmental restoration, conservation, and stewardship projects. Over the past four years, it has fast-tracked more than 500 projects, restored 300,000 acres of habitat, improved 700 miles of streams, and reduced permitting costs by $12 million.
Climate Bond
Approved by voters in 2024, the $10 billion climate bond funds projects that protect communities from climate impacts. Investments include wildfire prevention, safe drinking water, biodiversity protection, and expanded access to nature.
Community Investments
Over the past eight years, funding from the Governor and State Legislature has supported more than $1 billion in investments in local parks, open space, and public land acquisitions. State Parks, the Wildlife Conservation Board, and the state’s 10 conservancies have all contributed to expanding outdoor access at the community level.
