Overview
- California State Parks finalized the purchase from Sempervirens Fund for a little over $2.4 million, permanently adding the 153-acre NoraBella property.
- The tract straddling Highway 236 will anchor a planned welcome center and operations hub at nearby Saddle Mountain to lessen wildfire risk to the core groves.
- State Parks leaders call the expansion a keystone step in recovery from the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire, which burned about 97% of the park.
- Rebuilding costs are estimated at roughly $369 million, compared with at least $186 million in current state allocations, prompting plans to seek additional funding.
- A 2025 law, AB 679 signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, is expected to streamline future acquisitions near Big Basin and neighboring state parks.