Snow run off into the Merced River covers meadow areas in Yosemite National Park.
Sacramento, California – As the federal government moves to slash funding for national parks and public lands, California is taking a decidedly different path, one that underscores the importance of preserving and expanding access to outdoor spaces. While proposed cuts threaten to reduce staffing and services across agencies like the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, California is pushing ahead with efforts to grow its state park system—the largest in the nation—and to open those spaces up to more communities.
Last week, California marked its fourth annual State Parks Week with over 170 events highlighting the state’s 280 parks. These spaces, from Yosemite’s towering cliffs to the stark beauty of Joshua Tree, aren’t just recreational spots—they’re part of California’s identity and heritage. But their significance extends beyond scenic views; parks support physical and mental health, protect biodiversity, and serve as vital tools for climate adaptation.
In sharp contrast to federal cutbacks, the Newsom administration recently warned the Department of the Interior that slashing budgets risks public safety, water supply, and tribal rights. Reduced staffing and limited resources could also mean more wildfires and fewer opportunities for outdoor recreation—threats that hit particularly hard in a state grappling with climate change.
California’s approach focuses on broadening who gets to experience nature. Programs like the State Park Adventure Pass grant free access to parks for fourth graders and their families, aiming to reach kids from communities that often face barriers to outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the recent opening of Dos Rios State Park near Modesto highlights efforts to bring green spaces to underserved areas, combining recreation with habitat preservation and climate resilience.
The state’s voters also approved a $10 billion climate bond last year, funding projects that strengthen wildfire defenses and protect natural landscapes while making parks more accessible. At the same time, California is working to cut through bureaucratic hurdles that slow park expansions and is funneling grants to local communities to build trails, restore habitats, and create outdoor learning opportunities.
While the future of federal public lands remains uncertain, California’s expanding investment in parks reflects a broader commitment: that nature should be available to everyone, not just a privileged few. In a time when access to green space is increasingly linked to health and environmental justice, California’s efforts underscore the ongoing value—and vulnerability—of the outdoors.
