Lawmakers Approve Sen. Dodd’s Skyline Wilderness Park Bill

SACRAMENTO – Legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would allow Napa County to negotiate with the state to buy the 850-acre Skyline Wilderness Park was approved by the Legislature today.

Senate Bill 20 would ensure the prime land with popular hiking trails and views of the Bay Area remains a public open space forever.

“This is such an important community asset, both from a recreational and environmental perspective,” Sen. Dodd said. “We must preserve this land for the public and place it under local control so it remains parkland in perpetuity.”

Napa County has sought the land for many years. It currently holds a lease on the property under an agreement with the state that will expire in 2030.

The property in the Napa Valley foothills includes 25 miles of trails and a beautiful pond, Lake Marie. A portion of it is adjacent to Napa State Hospital.

“Napa County is appreciative of Sen. Dodd’s efforts to seek this legislation that will allow us to begin negotiations with the Department of General Services for the purchase of Skyline Park,” said Ryan Gregory, chair of the Napa County Board of Supervisors. “We look forward to this opportunity to preserve the park as the major community asset that it is, for now and for future generations.”

The bill is co-authored by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters. It heads next to Gov. Gavin Newsom for a signature.

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Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.