2020 District Budget Brings Focus on Wildfire Protection, Glyphosate Phase-Out, Access for All
A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER ROBERT E. DOYLE
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Happy New Year and welcome to a new decade. I hope 2020 will be a great year for you to enjoy and explore your Regional Parks.
On December 17, 2019, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors unanimously approved the 2020 annual budget to continue the Park District’s work to ensure access for all, protect open space, and connect people with nature in the East Bay. This $276 million budget funds critical Regional Park services including wildfire prevention, public safety, environmental stewardship, and interpretive and recreational services. It also invests in programs and projects to address the present-day needs and future challenges of the Park District.
Major 2020 investments include:
- Wildfire protection (new fire hazard reduction crew members)
- Glyphosate phase-out (equipment and new staff)
- SF Bay Trail improvements (Brickyard, Lone Tree)
- Park development, expansion and openings (Concord Hills, Black Diamond Mines, and Judge John Sutter Shoreline)
- Improving access to parks, especially for under-resourced communities
The 2020 budget is a balanced, fiscally-responsible blueprint to maintain and enhance Regional Park services. I look forward to keeping you updated on our projects as the year progresses.
Happy 2020! See you in your Regional Parks.
Robert E. Doyle
General Manager
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Park District Board of Directors Appoints New Ward 1 Director
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On January 7, 2020, the Park District Board of Directors unanimously appointed Elizabeth Echols as the Board Director for Ward 1. This appointment filled the seat left vacant by the retirement of Whitney Dotson in December 2019. A formal swearing in ceremony will be held at the next board meeting, Tuesday, January 21st.
More info
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In Memory of Park District Director Whitney Dotson
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It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Board member retiree Whitney Dotson on Wednesday, January 8. Director Dotson retired from the Board in December 2019 after 11 years on the Board.
Director Dotson was recently honored at a special event at Miller/Knox where he was recognized for his career as an advocate for public access to the Richmond shoreline. Dotson was celebrated for his legacy and commitment to protecting the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline for public use. He will continue to be an inspiration to his community and all of us here at the Park District.
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2020 Trails Challenge Launches Now!
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Start your new year with a new challenge! Join 10,000 hikers and bikers who will take the 2020 Trails Challenge to complete five featured trails by December 1. Free printed booklets and T-shirts are available at participating Visitor Centers (while supplies last). Once you complete the challenge and return your Trail Log, a commemorative pin will be sent to you (while supplies last).
More info
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Annual Wild Mushroom Warning
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Mushrooms are ecologically important and can look beautiful – but some of them contain dangerous toxins. The death cap (Amanita phalloides) and Western destroying angel (Amanita ocreata) are two of the world’s most toxic mushrooms, and both can be found in the Regional Parks during the rainy season. We urge you to be safe and be knowledgeable about toxic mushrooms in the parks.
More info
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Commemorating 30 Years of Disability Rights and Expanded Access
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2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Over the past 13 years, the Park District has contributed $4.4 million towards ADA compliance to enhance pathways, fishing piers, picnic sites, and restrooms to better assist individuals with mobility challenges. Over 1,700 ADA enhancements have been completed, including upgraded signage, website, and exhibits for the sight and hearing impaired.
More info
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Maintaining Water Quality and Safety at Lake Anza
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A new oxygenation system is being installed at Lake Anza in Tilden Regional Park to prevent growth of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which can be harmful to humans, dogs, and aquatic wildlife. The pump system will emit bubbles of oxygen deep within the lake which will help to limit the growth of blue-green algae. The Lake Anza Trail will be closed during construction phases. The system will be operational by spring 2020, just in time for swim season.
Video
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District Launches Composting and Expands Recycling
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To meet the climate goals set by the Park District in 2018 and better manage park resources, we are launching a pilot food scrap composting program and expanding recycling. Compost now includes food scraps and food-soiled paper/cardboard; recycling includes clean paper and cardboard in addition to bottles and cans. The placement of 3-stream compost/recycle/landfill containers will roll out in phases throughout the Park District. Look for the new containers now at Anthony Chabot, Briones, Robert Crown, Diablo Foothills, Garin, Lake Chabot, Sibley, and Tilden Nature Area.
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Youth Job Fairs Scheduled for January 25 and February 1
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Whether you like spending time outdoors, working with kids, aquatics, or public safety, the Park District has something for you. Learn about the wide variety of opportunities for youth and students while exploring the many paid jobs available for the summer and beyond. Resume and interview tips provided!
More info
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Training the Next Generation of Naturalists and Park Rangers
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We have partnered with Merritt College, a community college located in the Oakland hills, to launch a new Conservation and Resource Management certificate program. Some courses will be taught by Park District staff and use local Regional Parks for real world, field-based experience. Spring 2020 classes are now open for enrollment! Choose from 17 classes in lichen natural history, urban agroecology, marine biology, principles of conservation, and much more.
More info
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Spring Trainings for Park District Volunteer Programs
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Start off the new year by joining one of the many volunteer programs at the Park District. Some programs do require training to join. Below are a few of the upcoming spring volunteer trainings.
- Doc Quack’s Wildlife Volunteer program: 2020 Membership Meeting, Wed. Jan 22, more info.
- Docent Training at Crab Cove: three-part training Fri. Jan 24, Sat. Jan 25, and Wed. Jan 29, more info.
- Ambassador Training: Sat. Feb 22, more info.
- Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol: Dates vary, more info.
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service: Monday, January 20
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On Monday, January 20, the Park District will celebrate its annual Day of Service. Volunteers will assist staff at Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline with shoreline litter cleanup, restoration work and invasive plant removal.
Registration and more info
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Also at Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline, join Doc Quack for a shorebird sanctuary restoration project where volunteers help create nesting habitat for the threatened Western Snowy Plover.
Registration and more info
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Saturday, January 18, 10:30 am-12:30 pm,
Lovely Ladybugs
, Reinhardt Redwood
Monday, January 20, 8:30 am-12 pm,
Day of Service 2020
, Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline
*Reservations required
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