ELDRIDGE, Calif. June 3, 2024 — California State Parks and the California Department of General Services (DGS) today announced the transfer of Camp Via in Sonoma County to State Parks. Located on the former campus of the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC), the approximately 11.4-acre Camp Via is the final piece of the former SDC that will be incorporated with Jack London State Historic Park. With the previous transfer of approximately 650 acres from the SDC, the total number of approximate acres added to the park is 661 acres.
This transfer signifies the culmination of efforts initiated with the 2023 Agreement for Transfer of Jurisdiction of State-Owned Real Property between DGS and State Parks. This move underscores the commitment to fulfill the state’s objectives and obligations regarding the SDC Specific Plan, prioritizing the conservation of open space and natural resources.
Camp Via used to be a place where SDC clients stayed overnight to learn and have fun on Sonoma Mountain. It will now be enjoyed by all for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
What state and local leaders are saying:
- Armando Quintero, Director of California State Parks: “California State Parks is committed to providing outdoor access for all Californians. This transfer allows us to expand access and create new recreational opportunities. The Camp Via property will now not only be a place for Californians to recreate in nature, but also a location where more of the state’s important natural and cultural resources will be protected.”
- Wade Crowfoot, Secretary of California Natural Resources Agency: “This land transfer is more good news for Sonoma County and all of California. Expanding our State Parks like this enables more outdoor recreation and greater environmental protection. It also helps meet our world-leading 30×30 commitment to conserve 30 percent of the state’s land by 2030.”
- Mike McGuire, Senate President Pro Tempore: “The transfer of Camp Via, a historic retreat and campground in the heart of the SDC, is another milestone in this transformational project. State Parks is quickly moving on our long-term goals to open Camp Via – an additional 11.4 acres – to the public that we placed into State Parks stewardship earlier this year. We’re grateful for the ongoing partnership with Senator Bill Dodd, the community of Sonoma Valley, and State Parks to get this important piece of the SDC transformation project in place and open for public access.”
- Bill Dodd, Senator, D-Napa: “I’m happy to see the state delivering on its promise to protect this beautiful land and make sure it’s available to the public for hiking and outdoor recreation. Increasing access to open space is critical, and I’m confident State Parks, working with the local community, will steward and protect this incredible property for generations to come.”
- Damon Connelly, Assemblymember: “The transfer of Sonoma Developmental Center’s open space lands to California State Parks is a major milestone in protecting our region’s biodiversity and increasing access to open space and recreational opportunities. I am heartened by the dedication of California State Parks to steward this property, and the continued wildfire management, trail maintenance, and environmental stewardship is a major win for California’s diverse habitats and ecosystems.”
- Matt Leffert, Executive Director of Jack London Park Partners: “Camp Via offers a host of very exciting possibilities for Jack London State Historic Park. The Camp is optimally positioned at the gateway of the historic orchard and the park’s hiking trails on the southern boundary, and we look forward to working with California State Parks and the community to revitalize this amazing new Park resource.”
With the transfer of jurisdictions complete, the public is urged to visit parks.ca.gov/SDCOpenSpace for visitor information including rules, safety information, and a trail map. The public is encouraged to check this website before visiting.
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The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.