World Environment Day reminds us of the importance of protecting our shared environment. In California, the opening of a new state park shows California’s commitment to this.

Opening on June 12, Dos Rios is the largest public-private floodplain restoration project in the state to restore habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife, including the riparian brush rabbit and Least Bell’s vireo. The project was initiated in 2002 by nonprofits Tuolumne River Trust and River Partners.Thanks to a partnership between State Parks and the California Conservation Corps, visitors will be able to hike in some areas of the property and enjoy newly built picnic tables and ramadas. Planning for greater river access for water sports, along with trails for bicycling and other outdoor recreation activities, will involve a public engagement process including tribal consultation. As part of the planning process, the official name and park classification for Dos Rios will be determined and approved by the California State Park and Recreation Commission.

For additional information, please visit parks.ca.gov/DosRios.