The Story of California’s State Parks Captured in Award-Winning Film California Forever

NEW BROADCAST MARKETS ANNOUNCED
CALIFORNIA FOREVER to PREMIERE on PBS’s WORLD on OCT. 12 and THROUGHOUT NATION in SEPT. and OCT.

Check local listings for air dates

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New national broadcast markets have just been announced as Backcountry Pictures and KQED present California Forever, a two-part PBS television special that tells the story of California’s magnificent state parks from Yosemite in 1864 to the present day. Together, the two one-hour programs remind viewers of the importance of California’s state parks as well as their priceless legacy. California Forever is now also scheduled to air on PBS’s WORLD on Oct. 12, 2012 and throughout the nation in September and October. The special will air in 43 states. For local air dates, check local listings; and for a complete air date schedule, please visit http://cal4ever.com/2012/07/13/air-dates/.

“In California Forever, we hope to encourage viewers to explore state parks in their neighborhoods and across California; to remind them of the priceless legacy that parks protect and to honor the individuals and groups who fought to preserve them.”

Written and directed by Academy Award-nominee David Vassar, California Forever, was produced by Sally Kaplan and David Vassar. The idea for the film was sparked after watching the battle between conservationists and developers over the proposed Orange County Toll Road which would have paved over a portion of San Onofre State Beach. David and Sally felt compelled to tell the story of California’s State Parks as a way to remind viewers of these parks and their value.

“Although there have been challenges with park closures and unreported funding, the current issues will be resolved and fade but the scenic lands and historic sites that state parks protect must never be forgotten,” said David Vassar. “In California Forever, we hope to encourage viewers to explore state parks in their neighborhoods and across California; to remind them of the priceless legacy that parks protect and to honor the individuals and groups who fought to preserve them.”

California Forever: The History of California State Parks highlights the discovery and creation of California’s state parks system and celebrates the individuals and groups whose passion and commitment helped preserve and protect them for future generations. It takes viewers on a scenic, cultural and historical tour of California’s state parks highlighting the people, key events and locales that made California history.

California Forever: Parks for the Future presents the very real challenges that state parks are currently facing in California. Among these are habitat destruction by overuse; protection of native species at the expense of recreation; reclaiming industrial brown fields to create new parks in dense urban areas; establishing historic sites that commemorate people and events from diverse cultures; and park closures.

MEDIA, PLEASE NOTE: To request an interview, a California Forever disc, images or additional information, please contact Jordana Heinke ([e-mail]). Please also visit www.cal4ever.com and www.backcountrypictures.com for information. For complete air dates visit http://cal4ever.com/2012/07/13/air-dates/. Please click here for trailer. Visit http://www.PBS.org for more information.

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