A $500,000 state grant will fund three miles of trail and three bridges to connect Hidden Falls Regional Park with Big Hill Preserve, expanding public access in Placer County.

Five orphaned black bear cubs released in November 2025 hibernated successfully and returned healthy, state wildlife officials say. The fall release was an experimental test.

The Mechoopda tribe reclaimed roughly 450 acres near Big Chico Creek in Butte County, a state‑backed land return meant to restore stewardship and protect the watershed.