Jack London State Park to Remain Open

California State Parks announced today that it has given final approval for the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association, a historically-minded nonprofit, to operate .

The aggrement comes as part of an effort to reorganize state park financing, after the California State Parks Department announced the closure of 70 of its 278 parks in an effort to save $33 million over the next two years. Jack London on July 1, 2012.

The final agreement has been signed by the Association and State Parks and given final approval by the State Department of General Services, the agency which must review and approve such state contracts. Assembly Bill 42 by Assembly Member Jared Huffman authorized State Parks to enter into .

“We are pleased the Association has stepped forward and we are confident they will do all possible to care for this remarkable historic home during their tenure," said Ruth Coleman, director of California State Parks.

“We are excited and ready to get to work,” said Greg Hayes, long-time park ranger at Jack London and currently President of the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association.

Established in 1977, the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association is a nonprofit with a mission of supporting the educational, volunteer and interpretive studies at three Sonoma Valley state parks, including Jack London,  Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and Annadel State Park.

The agreement covers a five year period, with an optional year long extension. During this time, the park will be open and operate a minimum of 36 hours a week; with the Association responsible for everything from daily maintenance to the preservation of natural resources.  

The association will begin operating the park May 1.