Frequently Asked Questions | Cal Parks

General

How do I get removed from your mailing list?
How do I get removed from your mailing list?

Log in to the My Profile page on the CSPF website. Scroll down to the Preferences area and uncheck the "Accept Postal Mail" box.

You can also email our Member Services Team at members@calparks.org or call them at 415-262-4400. Explain that you'd like to be removed from the mailing list and give your full address as listed on the most recent mailing you received from us. We can either remove you from the list or limit the number of mailings you receive

Is California State Parks Foundation a part of the California Department of Parks and Recreation?
Is California State Parks Foundation a part of the California Department of Parks and Recreation?

No. The California State Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is the government agency that manages, regulates and operates the state parks. CSPF is an independent non-profit membership organization with a mission to protect, enhance and advocate for our magnificent state parks.

Membership

Is my membership contribution tax deductible?
Is my membership contribution tax deductible?

Your gift is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. To calculate the tax-deductibility of your donation, deduct the fair market value of any of the items you may have received in consideration of your contribution. You'll find the fair market value of the benefits you received listed on the acknowledgement letter we send you after you make your donation. If you choose to decline all of the benefits with a listed fair market value, then your contribution is fully tax-deductible.

When will I receive my membership card and gift items?
When will I receive my membership card and gift items?

Your membership card and any gift items you've selected will be mailed to you. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.

State Park Passes

Does a CSPF membership come with state park passes or discounts on passes?
Does a CSPF membership come with state park passes or discounts on passes?

No, not as of June 1, 2016. Here's why:

The price CSPF pays for state park passes tripled last year, so we could no longer afford to include complimentary passes with your member benefits. Instead, we began offering discounted park passes for sale through an online store. It seemed like a good solution, but it didn’t quite work.

We repeatedly heard from members that the system for buying discounted park passes was too complex and confusing. We also heard that many people would prefer we spend less of their membership donation on benefits and put more of their donation to work protecting the state parks we all love.

That’s why we introduced a new, simpler membership program on June 1, 2016.

There are two major changes that took effect in June under the new CSPF Membership Program:

  • Membership Donations – Now you can join or renew your membership with a gift of any amount of $25 or more. You choose the amount that feels right and reflects your commitment to taking care of state parks and keeping them open to all.
  • Member Benefits – Membership still comes with benefits like Sunset magazine and our Parklandsnewsletter. But we no longer offer state park passes as part of the CSPF membership benefits except for members at our Californians Leadership Circle level who renew with an annual gift of $1,000 or more. Leadership Circle members will continue to receive a complimentary Explorer annual park pass.

For those who received 2016 membership renewal notices prior to the change on June 1, 2016 here are few things to know:

  • Grace Period Through July 31, 2016 – You may renew under the old membership plan until July 31, 2016 and you’ll still receive the 20% discount on a state parks pass.
  • Online Renewal System Changes on June 1, 2016 – The renewal system on the CSPF website changed to the new program on June 1, 2016 so as of that date you won’t be able to renew under the old program using the online system. However, until July 31, 2016 you can still renew under the old plan through the mail or by calling our Member Services Team at 415-262-4400.
  • Park Pass Sales – If you renew under the old membership plan by July 31, 2016 you will have 90 days to access the CSPF online pass store to purchase your discounted pass. Going forward, you can purchase park passes at the regular prices on the California Department of Parks and Recreation website: http://store.parks.ca.gov/park-passes/
How do I buy a park pass?
How do I buy a park pass?

Park passes can be purchased directly through the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Order your pass online at www.parks.ca.gov or call (800) 777-0369. Please note that this purchase is totally separate from a membership contribution to the California State Parks Foundation.

Justice, Equity, Inclusion, Diversity FAQ

Why did it take this long to happen?
Why did it take this long to happen?

The truth is these dynamics have been going on for a long time, and it's important to acknowledge this work should have been at the forefront of our mission earlier on, especially in regards to visitor experience. Over the past two years, we have been focused on deep learning so that we can move the work forward in a thoughtful and intentional way. We have been taking time to learn what our role is in ensuring justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity (JEID) in state parks. This has included working with consultants at Avarna Group — a leader in supporting environmental organizations on their path to JEID success. This commitment is an on-going journey that will continue to shape our internal and external work for years to come.