Governor Signs Sen. Dodd’s Skyline Wilderness Park Bill

SACRAMENTO –Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, announced today his legislation allowing Napa County to negotiate with the state to buy the 850-acre Skyline Wilderness Park has been signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

If Napa County acquires the prime property with its popular hiking trails and views of the Bay Area, Senate Bill 20 also mandates that it is used for parkland or open space only.

“We must preserve this land for the public and place it under local control so it remains parkland in perpetuity,” Sen. Dodd said. “From both a recreational and environmental standpoint, this is such an important community asset. I thank Gov. Newsom for supporting this bill and the people of Napa County.”

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 and the governor’s support of legislation that will allow us to begin negotiations with the Department of General Services for the purchase of Skyline Park to preserve this community asset for current and future generations,” said Ryan Gregory, chair of the Napa County Board of Supervisors. “We look forward to commencing negotiations in the near future.”   

The governor signed the bill Wednesday. It was co-authored by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters.

###

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.