Malakoff Diggins State Park: Saved by the Bell (for now)
Slated to close on July 1st, stop gap funds in this year’s state budget will keep Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park open on a reduced schedule this summer opening in mid-late July for the museum and cabin rentals on a 3-day a week basis.
This interim funding is intended to provide more time for State Parks staff to work with community groups to develop long-term partnership agreements.
“SYRCL strongly believes that responsibility for operating the state park long-term must remain with the state,” said Caleb Dardick, SYRCL Executive Director. “However, we are committed to doing what we can to keep Malakoff open, and we are actively seeking foundation funding to provide short-term operating grants for the park.”
The Governor’s budget also includes funds for investment in solar energy at rural parks like Malakoff, an idea championed by SYRCL and County Supervisor Hank Weston last winter.
“Getting a comprehensive solar power system installed there would save $60,000 to $80,000 per year in diesel fuel costs for generators and benefit the environment as well,” Dardick said. SYRCL has worked with a local solar installer, Lars Ortegren of California Solar, to develop a preliminary cost estimate for equipment and installation, which is being reviewed by officials at State Parks and the California State Parks Foundation.
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This is a step in the right direction!
closing state parks makes me sick, what are we supposed to do smoke pot and play Nintendo all day. seems like its all about close close, no camping, no OHVs, road closed, wilderness keep out, no parking, no no no no no no that's the mentality of ower government and society.
I live in Mendocino county at the gateway to the redwoods and for years the stat parks are so full we cant use them and then now there on the closed list, I just don't get it, at least turn the over to that shitty campground management corp American land and leisure and pay some poor sap Utah minimum wage to run them.
I talked with one of American Land and Leisures finest at Yellow Creek campground 2 days ago. What a douche!