Mendocino Area Parks Association (MAPA) Forges Three-Year Agreement With State DPR To Manage Standish-Hickey SRA
Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks Foundation Make Grants; Team Standish Provides Local Volunteer Support
MENDOCINO, Calif., Sept. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Several years after major portions of Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area were shut for lack of state funding, a unique public-private partnership has been forged to reopen its 162 campsites, old growth redwoods, nature trails and swimming areas along the wild and scenic South Fork of the Eel River.
Mendocino Area Parks Association (MAPA, a nonprofit), along with Team Standish (a local group of volunteers), and the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) negotiated for more than thirteen months on a three-year agreement for MAPA to reopen the park for public recreation. Standish-Hickey is located 1.5 miles from Leggett on Highway 101.
"Because of park vandalism and the financial loss to local businesses struggling to survive, the DPR in 2012 awarded MAPA a 30-day 'special event permit' (which stretched to one year) to open the park closest to the highway that included 98 redwood-shaded campsites, a campfire center and access to the river," said MAPA Executive Director Carolyne Cathey. "It was made possible by Team Standish, with assistance from California State Parks and a $30,000 grant from the California State Parks Foundation."
Campground Rehabilitation
The Save the Redwoods League donated $50,000 to DPR for repairing two water tanks and the installation of a seasonal Bailey bridge. During certain times of the year, the bridge is required for access to the Redwood campground that provides the 63 most popular camping sites and approximately 700 acres of redwoods and miles of nature trails. California State Parks Foundation donated an additional $55,000 to MAPA for much needed park vehicles, equipment and Interpretive supplies for the new park Interpreter.
"The successful collaboration is an impressive example of what can be accomplished when nonprofits, the community, State Parks and grantors work together for a great cause," said Cathey. "Our joint effort has already made a positive impact. Campers and visitors to the park have been praising the staff and volunteers for park and restroom cleanliness, the friendly atmosphere, and for getting the park reopened.
More information: http://mendoparks.org/standish-hickey-sra/ [email protected];
707.937.4700
SOURCE Mendocino Area Parks Association
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