In the wake of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, state parks and those who work in them need your help. The wildfire has caused heartbreaking devastation and disruption for our community, affecting our beloved state parks, as well as those who work in them.
Recovery from this climate disaster will happen in phases – for both parks and people. As of today, 29 of the 98 Friends staff were evacuated from their homes. Tragically, five of them have lost their homes to the fire. In addition, dozens of California State Parks staff have also lost their homes, with many, many more who are displaced.
In response, and through our unique position as co-management partners with State Parks, we have established the “Friends Fire Fund.” The fund will initially provide direct, short-term assistance for those most affected by the fire, followed by investments to be made in long-term recovery work for parks that have been damaged.
In addition to the extensive and tragic damage at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, a number of other local state parks have sustained damage including parts of Año Nuevo State Park, Butano State Park, the Fall Creek section of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and the Rancho Del Oso and Little Basin sections of Big Basin.
Together, we will get through this crisis. If you would like to join us in our effort to support both people and parks during the recovery process, we very much welcome your support. Please visit our website to help.
