A bill that allows non-profits to keep running three state parks in Sonoma County has been passed by the state legislature. The bill was authored by State Senator Bill Dodd, and it allows Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve to remain under control of local non-profits beyond the sunset date of January 1st, 2025. Existing law allows the state to partner with nonprofits for the improvement, restoration, maintenance and operation of state parks. Among other things, the agreements allow qualified nonprofit organizations to operate or co-manage a park, taking on functional and financial responsibilities for the park unit with the department. These partnerships have been vital to over a dozen state parks across the state, preventing closures during the recession in 2011, and making critical capital investments in preserving and enhancing parks.
