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Recreation
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. — Plaskett Meadows Campground, located in western Glenn County on Forest Hwy 7, has reopened.
The campground was damaged in the 2020 August Complex fire and suffered additional damage during winter storms in recent years.
Grindstone Ranger District staff have worked diligently to mitigate safety hazards, remove fallen trees and restore the campground for the public to enjoy.
Forest staff and contractors installed new fire rings, barriers and signs.
Two campsites, No. 7 and No. 18, do not yet have picnic tables, but new tables will be installed soon. Water is available at the campground.
Additionally, the forest has started a new scan and pay option through recreation.gov at several first come, first serve campgrounds, including Plaskett Meadows. Cash and checks are also accepted.
Information about recreation opportunities in Mendocino National Forest is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/mendocino.
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- Written by: Editor
On June 14 and June 19, the USDA Forest Service will waive standard amenity fees for all visitors to national forest and grassland day-use areas.
Saturday, June 14 celebrates National Get Outdoors Day, inviting everyone to connect with the great outdoors for healthy, active lifestyles.
Thursday, June 19 celebrates the historic Juneteenth holiday.
On these special fee-free days, standard amenity fees are waived for day use sites — like picnic areas, developed trailheads, and destination visitor centers. Some exceptions apply. To check if a site will be fee free and for safety alerts, contact your local national forest website.
About 95% of national forest land can be enjoyed fee-free, year-round. Where fees are assessed, at least 80% of these funds are reinvested at the collection site, to provide needed maintenance and services or pay for future improvements.
The Forest Service offers fee-free access a few times each year to encourage exploring national forests and grasslands. The remaining fee-free observances for 2025 are National Public Lands Day on Sept. 27 and Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
For more information about interagency passes, visit the Forest Service’s Passes and Permits page.
The Forest Service encourages everyone to take advantage of these fee-free opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Get outside and connect with nature to reflect, exercise and make memories.
For regional happenings, follow @YourPSWForests on Facebook, X and Instagram. Or search for individual national forests on Facebook and X.
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- Written by: Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park in bloom. Courtesy photo.
LOWER LAKE, Calif. — The final guided nature walk of the spring season will be held at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park on Saturday, June 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
With the exception of December, guided nature walks will be held on the second Saturday of each month of 2025.
Come and visit the park in full bloom before the summer heat arrives.
The June nature walk will be led by Henry Bornstein, a volunteer State Parks docent who has led walks at the park for over 16 years and serves on the board of directors of Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association.
The route taken on the walk will depend on the condition of the trails. The hike should last between 1½ and 2 hours.
Bring binoculars and meet in the parking lot at 8:15 a.m. for time to experience the early morning wildlife that can be found in the Ranch House and Barn complex yard — the walk will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Sturdy shoes, a hat and water are also suggested. Dogs are not allowed on the park trails.
There is no charge for the guided nature walk and parking is free for those attending.
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located on Highway 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake.
For more information about the guided walk, email
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- Written by: California Department of Parks and Recreation
Dorothy Benjamin (center), a volunteer at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, was presented with a California State Parks Golden Bear Award last year by State Park and Recreation commissioners Francesca Vietor (left) and Phil Ginsburg (right) for her work in supporting the park through planning diverse community events. Photo from California State Parks.
The California State Park and Recreation Commission, or SPRC, is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Golden Bear Awards.
These awards honor and celebrate individuals and organizations acting in support of the California Department of Parks and Recreation and its mission to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
The nomination period is open through Monday, June 30.
Six awards — one statewide, one per geographical division (Central, Coastal, Desert and Northern) and one honorary partner — will be presented by the SPRC during a public commission meeting.
Recipients of the award for 2023 included the Sierra State Parks Foundation for its continued support of Lake Tahoe Sector parks over the last 50 years.
Others recognized included Dorothy Benjamin, a volunteer at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park for her work in supporting the park through planning diverse community events; Juan Carlo Mendoza, a volunteer for the Angeles District and its Mountain Bike Unit, for his strong ambition and dedication to protecting park visitors; Rick Matsuo, Park Maintenance Chief for the Angeles District, for his ability to motivate and mentor colleagues and staff; and Viktor Patino, a longtime department employee of the Office of Grants and Local Services, for his passion in reducing barriers to outdoor recreation for disadvantaged communities.
With 280 state park units, over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, 15,000 campsites, 5,200 miles of trails, 3,195 historic buildings and more than 11,000 known prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, the department manages the largest and most diverse recreational, natural, and cultural heritage holdings of any state agency in the nation.
More than 68 million people annually visit California’s State Park System. Caring for these resources and providing high-quality recreational opportunities to all Californians can only be accomplished with the support of dedicated individuals and organizations working together with the department.
Recognizing Golden Bear awardees helps motivate Californians to work to preserve and protect these unique places for current and future generations.
Nominations can be made by any member of the public. To learn about the qualifications and how to nominate candidates for an award, please visit the Golden Bear Awards webpage.