Gov. Newsom and the first partner launch process to establish three new California state parks, expand system by thousands of acres

The first partner of California announced on Earth Day that the state is "beginning the process to establish three new state parks," including land in the San Joaquin River Parkway, a historic migrant labor camp site near Bakersfield and a park along the Feather River that would be the first in Yuba County.

The announcement, delivered at Sycamore Island during an Earth Day event, framed the parks as part of a broader effort to expand access through the Outdoors for All initiative. "California parks are vital third places for families," the first partner said, emphasizing programs such as the Library Parks Pass, Adventure Parks Pass and the Route to Parks program as tools to reduce barriers for children and families.

Why it matters: The move advances the state's 30 by 30 conservation target and a separate State Parks Forward strategy to grow and strengthen the park system. The first partner said the state aims to add 30,000 acres to existing parks by the end of the decade and that recent legislative changes will accelerate transfers of conserved lands into the State Parks system.

Key details: The first partner credited two 2025 laws—SB 630, introduced by Senator Allen, and AB 679, introduced by Assemblymember Pellerin—for streamlining the acquisition process. She said several property donations finalized that week total 804 acres and include expansions to Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve (Mendocino County), South Yuba River State Park (Nevada County) and Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park (San Mateo).

Kerry Deneska, chief executive officer of the San Joaquin River Conservancy, described the Conservancy's role in assembling nearly 3,000 acres of riparian habitat and said the planned San Joaquin River Parkway would total about 5,900 acres. "Places that are essential to both wildlife and the public's enjoyment," Deneska said of sites such as Sycamore Island, which hosted the event.

Secretary Wade Crowfoot outlined how the administration is pairing programmatic access with conservation funding, saying State Parks grant programs have invested "over a billion dollars" into communities without parks and noting tribal stewardship agreements now cover a majority of the lands State Parks manages. He described the effort as combining public funding, philanthropic support and partnerships with land trusts to bring conserved properties into the park system at low or no acquisition cost.

Governor Gavin Newsom said the announced parks and the broader expansion reflect a shift from a scarcity mindset toward creative, partnership-driven growth for the system. In response to questions about funding, Newsom pointed to existing resources, philanthropic support, conservation partner transfers and a recently passed $10 billion climate bond that includes funds for related investments.

What happens next: State Parks has posted a webpage with details and will hold public meetings as part of a general plan process to define amenities, fees and staffing. The administration indicated it will submit a formal proposal to the governor this fall with recommendations and next steps.

Context and limits: Officials said acquisition costs for the three announced parks are expected to be borne largely through transfers from partner organizations; staffing and long-term management costs will be addressed through the regular budget and public planning processes. The first partner and agency officials repeatedly emphasized that public input will shape specific features and that some acquisitions represent donated lands rather than purchases.

The event also included a brief question-and-answer session on unrelated policy matters, during which the governor declined to support suspending the state gas tax. The ceremony concluded after officials encouraged public participation in upcoming meetings and engagement on the new parks.