State parks

Markell, Denn announce Recovery Act award of $153,895 for 40 new AmeriCorps part-time positions at Delaware State Parks

May 18, 2009 -- WILMINGTON - Delaware Governor Jack Markell and Lt. Governor Matt Denn announced that Delaware has received $153,895 through Federal Recovery Act funding for 40 new AmeriCorps members to work at Delaware State Parks. The grant is the first competitive grant won by a state agency in Delaware, and more competitive grant announcements are expected soon.    » read more »

Fifty-nine projects will enhance park development and reserve open space through OSLAD program

SPRINGFIELD – May 6, 2009. At the Illinois Association of Park Districts Legislative Conference in Springfield, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced $21.2 million in grants for 59 park development and land acquisition projects throughout Illinois.

“These kinds of projects help strengthen the fabric of local communities throughout Illinois,” said Governor Quinn. “We are investing in parks, playgrounds, picnic tables and fishing piers to help get our children outdoors and reduce nature deficit disorder.”    » read more »

March 17, 2009 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire this morning testified before the state House Committee on Ecology & Parks, urging legislators to move forward with her comprehensive Green Jobs and Climate Action legislative package.

“Climate change is the great challenge of our time. Our environment, our economy, our very way of life is threatened by a changing climate,” Gregoire said. “President Obama has made it clear that he will work with Congress to develop a national cap-and-trade program. At the federal level, a greenhouse gas program is coming. If Washington leads, we are at the table shaping the program.”

In January, Gregoire proposed legislation that included the following actions to stimulate the creation of green jobs and fight climate change:    » read more »

Phoenix, Arizona -- March 5, 2009 -- When college students get out for Spring break this year they will probably head to the Colorado River. Unlike past years when thousands of students went to Mexico, the State Parks rangers are predicting those students will be heading to the beaches along the Colorado due to warnings from the State Department. Arizona's universities are also encouraging students to avoid Mexico this year due to crime in Mexico, so the festivities will probably be shifted over to the Colorado River.    » read more »

Action fully reopens seven state sites closed last year; restores 12 full time jobs to agency

February 26, 2009 -- SPRINGFIELD - February 26, 2009. In another important step towards returning Illinois back to the people, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn today announced the reopening of seven state parks closed last year by the Blagojevich administration. The move is another sign pointing toward the state’s renewed focus on natural resources and recreational opportunities for its citizens especially in tough economic times.

Governor Quinn made the announcement at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) headquarters in Springfield alongside IDNR Director Marc Miller, and IDNR staff and supporters.    » read more »

June 13, 2008 -- Heavy rain and flooding in the west central part of Michigan overnight has caused the Department of Natural Resources to temporarily close Ludington State Park.

Campers that have reservations at Ludington State Park this evening or over the weekend are being contacted by DNR Central Reservation System staff. Campers who have been impacted by the recent storms will receive full refunds and will not be charged the cancellation fee.

According to local weather reports, this area of the northern Lower Peninsula received one foot of rain. Ludington is without power and some of the roads leading into the park are flooded and impassable. Park staff at Ludington encouraged campers to vacate the park and most did of their own accord.    » read more »

Salt Lake City - Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has directed the Division of State Parks and Recreation to not move forward in negotiating an easement that would allow needed access for a proposed project on the east shore of Bear Lake, citing grave concerns for the well-being of the region.

Bear Lake, Utah: Photo by hanacy (CC)    » read more »

Parks Capital Plan Will Increase Tourism, Enhance Communities

April 6, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced that the Enacted Budget includes $95 million in funding to implement much-needed improvements at state parks across New York – the largest-ever commitment of resources for parks capital projects in state history.

“For too many years, our parks have been neglected.Making long overdue investments in our state parks will not only preserve New York’s natural resources and protect our environment, but it will also serve as a critical engine of economic growth,” said Governor Paterson. “A first-class parks system will draw residents, tourists, and private investment to communities around our state.”    » read more »

HB 176 Creates Causeway Park in Sitka

April 2, 2008, Juneau, Alaska – Alaska Governor Sarah Palin yesterday signed House Bill 176 into law. HB 176, sponsored by Representative Peggy Wilson, creates the Fort Rousseau Causeway Park.

The Fort Rousseau Causeway is a group of several small islands interconnected by an 800-foot dirt pathway located offshore of downtown Sitka. The causeway is part of the Sitka Naval Operating Base and U.S. Army Coastal Defenses National Historic Landmark and contains numerous World War II-era fortifications. The area has deep roots in the Tlingit culture as well, and may include grave sites.    » read more »

Phoenix, AZ - March 28, 2008 - Kartchner Caverns State Park will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The celebration commemorates Arizona State Parks acquisition of the Kartchner Caverns property. Arizona State Parks leased the property on April 29, 1988, and acquired the option to purchase from The Nature Conservancy in July 1988.

Big Room at Kartchner Caverns State Park. (Photo: Arizona State Parks)    » read more »

January 25, 2008 -- TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Florida Attorney General McCollum today commended the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Weeki Wachee Springs for entering into a proposed agreement which will preserve the attraction by converting Weeki Wachee Springs into a state park.

“Weeki Wachee Springs is one of the natural wonders of Florida and I am proud of my role in bringing the parties to the table to ultimately preserve the Springs as part of Florida’s history and heritage.”    » read more »

November 1, 2007 -- New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine today ceremonially signed five pieces of legislation appropriating a total of $137 million dollars from the Garden State Preservation Trust Fund for open space, farmland and soil and water preservation and protection.    » read more »

09/26/2007 -- Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke announced today that the Tennessee State Parks System has been named the best state parks system in the country by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

The 2007 Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in the state parks category was presented to Fyke today at NRPA’s annual conference in Indianapolis.    » read more »

Monday, September 10, 2007, RICHMOND, Ky. – The Annual “Siege of Boonesborough” will be held Sept. 22-23 at Fort Boonesborough State Park near Richmond.

This weekend commemorates the 1778 siege in which Native Americans attacked the pioneer fort along the Kentucky River. The siege ended after nine days when the Native Americans left.    » read more »

09/10/2007 -- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced today that his administration has reached an agreement with a local landowner to protect Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The agreement would prevent the landowner from operating a livestock facility next to the park. It must now be approved by the Public Works Board to become finalized.    » read more »