California Parks | U.S. Department of the Interior (2024)

FAQs

California Parks | U.S. Department of the Interior? ›

The NPS units in California include: Cabrillo National Monument, which memorializes the explorer who claimed the west coast for Spain in 1542; Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park, which commemorates the home front contributions to the war effort and the women and minorities who broke new ...

The National Park Service is a bureau of the Department of the Interior. Directly overseeing its operation is the department's Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Armando Quintero is the Director for the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

Park Passes

Golden Bear Pass: If your family receives help from the state program called CalWORKs, you can qualify for a free, year-round park pass to access more than 200 participating state parks and beaches.

Kindley Walsh Lawlor, President and CEO of Parks California

Kindley has experience working in urban, peri-urban and rural locations in over 20 countries.

The Department of the Interior (DOI) manages public lands and minerals, national parks, and wildlife refuges and upholds Federal trust responsibilities to Indian tribes and Native Alaskans. Additionally, Interior is responsible for endangered species conservation and other environmental conservation efforts.

The National Park Service carries out its responsibilities in parks and programs under the authority of Federal laws, regulations, and Executive Orders, and in accord with policies established by the Director of the National Park Service and the Secretary of the Interior.

The National Park Service is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior and is led by a Director nominated by the US President and confirmed by the US Senate.

“Yosemite National Park belongs to the American people. This action will not affect the historic status of the facilities, as they are still important cultural icons to the National Park Service and the public.”

Does California have a state park pass for seniors? ›

Golden Bear Pass

For persons 62 years or older, entitles holder and spouse/registered domestic partner vehicle day-use entry to most State Parks-operated units during nonpeak season.

At most parks, Day Use Fees are charged for vehicle day use only. There is no charge to walk or bike into these parks. Most historical parks and museums charge a Day Use Fee per person.

For persons 62 years of age or older. Proof of age based on valid state-issued driver license or other suitable photo identification.

About California State Parks

California Department of Parks and Recreation manages 280 park units, which contain the finest and most diverse collection of natural, cultural, and recreational resources to be found within California.

For more than a quarter-century, Jim has worked as a historian/planner with California State Parks. He is the author of four books on local history, including La Mesa (Images of America) and Around Mt. Helix.

The NPS is an operating unit of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Agencies within the DOI include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. The DOI manages the national parks and is tasked with protecting endangered species.

Are Park Rangers Federal Employees? The short answer is that some are. The United States has four main federal organizations tasked with land management. Each these operate with different missions and goals.

The National Park Service is primarily funded by Congress through both the annual appropriations cycle as well as some mandatory funds. The National Park System also receives funding through park entrance and user fees, as well as private philanthropy.