California is set to open its first new state park in a decade this summer, as announced by Governor Gavin Newsom and state officials. The Dos Rios tract, spanning 1,600 acres in the Central Valley, will become California's 281st state park upon its opening on June 12. Situated near the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers amidst almond orchards and dairy pastures, the park will offer recreational activities such as hiking and picnicking, with plans for swimming and boating access in the future.
The new park aims to bring communities together and foster a deeper appreciation for nature, according to California State Parks interpreter. The announcement of the park was made in the presence of the governor, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and civil rights icon Dolores Huerta.
Simultaneously, Governor Newsom unveiled new targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions on natural lands, with a focus on mitigating wildfire risks, expanding forest cover, and restoring wetlands. These efforts align with California's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, aiming to remove as many carbon emissions from the atmosphere as the state emits.
The plan includes strategies to reduce wildfire risks across approximately 53,000 square miles of land by 2045, including controlled burning and tree planting initiatives. California also plans to manage and restore grasslands, as well as protect wetlands and seagrasses over the coming years.
The state has allocated significant funds, approximately $9.6 billion since 2020, towards addressing climate change through natural land conservation efforts. Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot emphasized the importance of improving landscape health to effectively sequester carbon dioxide from the air, highlighting the significance of the state's focus on emissions reduction from natural lands.
California's climate policy has also seen recent advancements, including plans to phase out the sale of new fossil fuel-powered vehicles and equipment. The state's commitment to environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality underscores its proactive approach towards combating climate change and preserving natural resources.
