In brief: East Bay parks officials praise law authored by Concord's Grayson

"The East Bay Regional Park District applauds Gov. Gavin Newsom's recent signing into law of Senate Bill 392, landmark legislation that strengthens conservation efforts and enhances climate resilience across the East Bay, as well as other areas throughout the state. SB 392, authored by state Sen. Tim Grayson, D-Concord, and passed unanimously by the state Legislature, establishes the East Bay Hills Conservation Program, empowering the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) to better protect the ecological integrity of the East Bay hills while improving wildfire"

"The new East Bay Hills Conservation Program encompasses more than 30,000 acres in the East Bay Regional Park District, from Wildcat Canyon Regional Park in the north to Lake Chabot Regional Park in the south, and includes iconic parks like Charles Lee Tilden Regional Park, Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, and Anthony Chabot Regional Park."

"Extreme weather and increasing wildfire risks are putting pressure on natural resources in the East Bay hills, which provide critical habitat and serve as an important wildlife corridor linking coastal ranges to inland foothills. The East Bay Hills Conservation Program, enabled by SB 392, formalizes and supports conservation efforts, enhances public access to parks and trails, and promotes long-term ecological resilience. The program prioritizes sustainable recreation, wildfire mitigation and long-term climate adaptation."

Senate Bill 392 establishes the East Bay Hills Conservation Program and grants the East Bay Regional Park District authority to protect ecological integrity across the East Bay hills. The program covers more than 30,000 acres from Wildcat Canyon to Lake Chabot, including major regional parks. The program prioritizes biodiversity preservation, protection of wildlife corridors, expanded equitable public access, sustainable recreation, wildfire mitigation, and long-term climate adaptation. The program aims to enhance wildfire resilience and climate resilience while maintaining and improving trails and park access for current and future generations.

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