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Online Park Facilities Survey Closes Oct 1st |
The Big Basin Facilities Management Plan (BBFMP) process is underway to plan the rebuilding of facilities lost in the 2020 CZU Fire according to the Reimagining Big Basin Vision Summary completed in 2022. There is still time to complete the survey and be part of the process! You can fill out the survey linked here or at the button above through October 1, 2023.
This survey is part of the first stage of outreach in a two-year planning effort. Over the Summer, staff have also completed stakeholder meetings, a dozen engagment events at the park through a Parks CA grant program, and a series of focus group meetings. Outreach efforts will inform a “Basis of Design” document that will guide the development of design concepts, then a final plan with environmental review. For the most recent updates on the Big Basin planning process or for opportunities to stay involved and informed please visit Reimaginingbigbasin.org. |
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Grand Opening - Rancho del Oso Welcome Center |
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In collaboration with Save the Redwoods League the newly renovated Welcome Center at Rancho del Oso will be opening to the public on October 28th. This new facility features floor to ceiling interactive exhibits, interpretive displays, and panoramic views of Waddell Valley from the observation porch.
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To compliment your visit to the Welcome Center, the newly reopened Marsh Trail and seasonal bridge provide access to the nearby Nature Center. Visitors can also make reservations to spend the night at the walk-in / bike-in campground adjacent to the Welcome Center.
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Trail Construction Continues |
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The California Conservation Corps (CCC), Big Basin Volunteer Trail Crew, and Park Staff have opened a segment of Creeping Forest Trail. This trail connects Skyline to the Sea Trail to Upper Dool Trail adding a new route to access Middle Ridge via the Main Day-use Area.
The CCC and State Parks staff are currently clearing brush and hazard trees at Rancho del Oso Nature Center on the coast side of Big Basin. This work will reopen the ¾-mile Nature Trail loop. Estimated time of opening is November, 2023.
State Park natural resource managers have partnered with Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship to clear backcountry trail corridors in preparation for future prescribed fire programs. This fuel management work will lay the groundwork for long-term forest management and set the stage for future trail work at Big Basin.
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Top: Students constructing cable steps as part of a state wide training course attended by State Park, National Park, and conservation corp staff
Middle: Big Basin Volunteer Trail Crew
Bottom: Construction on drainage lenses mitigating erosion at trail intersection
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