Nonprofit group gets OK to run Standish-Hickey

A Mendocino nonprofit announced Monday a three-year deal with the state to operate a redwood-blanketed park popular with campers.

The deal between the Mendocino Area Parks Association and the California Department of Parks and Recreation saves Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area from closing because of budget cuts.

The 1,000-acre park north of Leggett was one of the dozens of statewide parks slated to be shuttered last July because of a lack of funding until MAPA stepped in to run Standish-Hickey on a month-to-month permit.

Monday's deal allows the group to operate the park for three years, said Carolyne Cathey, executive director of MAPA.

"We finally have a signed agreement. Now we're official," she said. "This will lead to long-term stability. Now we can move forward on some of these parks projects that desperately need work."

A volunteer group called Team Standish will lead the upkeep of the park, repairing trails, restrooms and providing services that the state parks department can no longer afford.

"The biggest thing that this means is that, once again, this gets to be a full-service park," said Jeff Hedin, volunteer coordinator with Team Standish. "I see this partnership as a model to keep every park open."

Since July 2012, when 70 state parks faced the chopping block, 39 have been saved through similar partnerships with private groups or other public entities, according to the state parks department.

At Standish-Hickey, Save the Redwoods League donated $50,000 to repair two water tanks and to install a seasonal bridge across the South Fork of the Eel River. The bridge opened up 60 campsites under a grove of redwood trees.

The California State Parks Foundation gave $85,000 to keep other campgrounds open and for park vehicles and equipment.

"It's a new time for state parks," said Jerry Emory, communications director with the California State Parks Foundation. "Management agreements like this will keep the parks open and free up Department of Parks and Recreation staff."

Standish-Hickey remains a public park, and state park staff will offer advice and assistance to the nonprofit managers, said Roger Goddard, acting North Coast Redwood district director for the state parks department. The Mendocino Sheriff's Office will provide public safety and law enforcement. MAPA will collect use fees, which will go towards park maintenance, he said.

"Basically, state parks will back away from the operating responsibility of the unit," Goddard said. "It's a great thing to get our partners involved. What we're witnessing now is a new normal."

The park has 160 campsites, 10 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and beaches along the river. It is located 1.5 miles north of Leggett along Highway 101.

You can reach Staff Writer Matt Brown at 521-5206 or matt.brown@pressdemocrat.com.