California State Parks Foundation Rallies Advocates for Park Advocacy Day
    California State Parks Foundation Rallies Advocates for Park Advocacy Day
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    California State Parks Foundation Rallies Advocates for Park Advocacy Day

    15 May 2023

    Senator Mike McGuire and Friends of China Camp to be honored

    Sacramento, CA – California State Parks Foundation will host the 21st annual Park Advocacy Day in Sacramento on behalf of state parks on May 16. Approximately 80 participants from across the state will converge at the Capitol to lobby policymakers on critical issues facing the state park system, including climate change, park access and experiences, and funding. 

    California state parks play a vital role in our communities, providing a place for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature. They are a cornerstone of our cities and rural communities, offering tangible benefits to mental and physical health. However, parks are facing unprecedented challenges, from funding cuts to climate change, and the need for advocacy and protection has never been greater. 

    Park Advocacy Day is an opportunity for concerned Californians, park professionals, and policymakers to come together and make their voices heard. The event brings together a diverse coalition of organizations and individuals, united in their commitment to protecting our parks. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with elected officials, share their stories, and advocate for policy changes that will ensure the long-term health and vitality of our state parks.

    Some of the issues that Park Advocacy Day will address include:
    • Adequate funding for park maintenance and operations
    • Assessment and planning for sea level rise on California’s coasts
    • Promotion of equity and inclusion in park access and programming
    • Preservation of natural habitats and biodiversity
    To see a full list of legislation and specific bills, the 2023 legislative agenda can be found here. 

    "Park Advocacy Day is an important opportunity for us to come together and make our voices heard.Our parks need champions, and we need to take action to protect them. By advocating for policy changes that support our parks, we can help to ensure that they remain healthy, vibrant, and accessible for all."

    Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation

    During a training session, park advocates will hear from Armando Quintero, Director of California State Parks, Senator Bill Dodd, author of Senate Bill 668, and Assemblymember Eloise Reyes, Chair of Assembly Select Committee on State Parks.
    California State Parks Foundation has named Senator Mike McGuire as its 2023 Legislative Champion Award honoree, in honor of noteworthy efforts by legislators on behalf of state parks who have made significant contributions to protecting, enhancing, and advocating for California’s state parks. 
    Senator Mike McGuire on the Capitol lawn during the 2022 Park Advocacy Day.

    Senator Mike McGuire on the Capitol lawn during the 2022 Park Advocacy Day.

    "Senator Mike McGuire is a true champion for California state parks. He understands the importance of these precious resources to our communities, our economy, and our quality of life. Through his leadership and advocacy, he has worked tirelessly to secure funding, protect parkland, and ensure that all Californians have access to these treasured places. Whenever we’ve needed him, he is always ready to help. We are grateful for his commitment to preserving our natural and cultural heritage for generations to come."

    Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation

    Senator Mike McGuire has been a strong advocate for California state parks and has worked to secure funding for their maintenance and improvements. He has authored several bills related to state parks, including bills on wildfires, tourism, boating, and outdoor recreation. He has worked to protect state parks from budget cuts and has advocated for increased investment in park infrastructure and staffing. Senator McGuire has been recognized for his leadership on state park issues and his commitment to preserving California's parklands.
    In addition, California State Parks Foundation has named Friends of China Camp as its 2023 Grassroots Champions Award honoree, in honor of outstanding work by individuals or groups to protect California’s state parks and keep them open. 
    Martin Lowenstein, Executive Director of Friends of China Camp at the morning session asking the speakers a question during the 2019 Park Advocacy Day.

    Martin Lowenstein, Executive Director of Friends of China Camp at the morning session asking the speakers a question during the 2019 Park Advocacy Day.

    “Nonprofit park operators are essential to the success of California State Parks. They have a unique ability to bring together local communities, stakeholders, and volunteers to support the preservation and enhancement of these valuable natural resources."

    Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation

    Friends of China Camp is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the China Camp State Park in Marin County. The park is a historic site that was once a thriving Chinese American shrimp-fishing village in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Over a decade ago, when then-Governor Schwarzenegger proposed closing up to a third of the park system, Friends of China Camp was one of the first nonprofit organizations to take on a newly devised partnership model created by legislation sponsored by California State Parks Foundation in 2011 (AB42, authored by then Assemblymember Jared Huffman) as a park operator. Friends of China Camp now handles all operations and management and is committed to keeping China Camp State Park open and thriving for our community. Current legislation SB 668 (Dodd) would indefinitely authorize the California Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into operating agreements with a qualified nonprofit organization, like Friends of China Camp.

    "It is enormously gratifying to have Friends of China Camp, and especially its volunteers, recognized by the California State Parks Foundation with the Grassroots Champion Award. China Camp's volunteers donate their resources of time, money, and expertise to help maintain and operate a state park unit in a way that, I hope, makes the California State Parks Foundation, California State Parks, and the local community proud."

    Martin Lowenstein, Executive Director of Friends of China Camp

    Follow all Park Advocacy Day activities on social media using the day’s official hashtag, #ParkAdvocacyDay. Stay tuned to California State Parks Foundation for continuing coverage of Park Advocacy Day.
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