Columbia and Railtown State Park Rangers

05/20/2025

Forward progress has been stopped. There is no threat to the park at this time.

07/01/2024

Columbia State Historic Park’s Maintenance Yard has been broken into multiple times over the past week. The suspects have been stealing fuel along with checking out the park vehicles for possible future attempts.The suspects have caused damage to the yard as well.

We are looking for the communities help in identifying the suspects. If you have any information please call the Columbia Ranger Station at 209-532-0150. Additional videos/pictures in the comments.

11/21/2023

***UPDATE***

11/21/2023

09/15/2023

September 15th is National Felt Hat Day!

Let's take this chance to appreciate the most iconic accessory our park has to offer, and the extraordinary folks who wear them.

While these hats are by no means exclusive to California State Parks, what makes ours special are the black leather bands that adorn them. Our hat bands are decorated with the same Grizzly Bear that you find on our state flag and on our uniforms, and have "California State Parks" written across the front. If you get the chance, come check them out! They're a beautiful addition to a most noble chapeau.

Officer Bernard at Calaveras Big Trees State Park is pictured wearing her felt hat.

08/29/2023

Join our State Park Rangers and other local first responders for a cup of coffee at the Angels Camp Starbucks, Saturday, September 23rd! ☕

08/14/2023

*** UPDATE***

After a thorough investigation, two suspects were identified in the Columbia generator case. Rangers worked with the Tuolumne County District Attorney's Office and arrest warrants were issued for Maurica Wivell-Walton and Brian J. Rellingerstafford. Rellingerstafford was taken into custody on November 9th by Tuolumne County Sherriff Deputies. Wivel-Watson was taken into custody today by State Park Rangers.

We want to thank everyone who called to provide us information on this crime. As of today, the generator has not yet been recovered. If you have information on where the stolen property may be, please call the Columbia Ranger Station at (209) 588-9128.

❗️PLEASE HELP IDENTIFY BURGLARY SUSPECTS❗️

We are looking for the public's help in identifying two suspects, male and female, who stole a generator from the Koch House on Fulton St and Columbia St at Columbia State Historic Park on Saturday, 8/12/23.

Photos of the suspects and associated vehicle are posted here.

If anyone has any information about the crime or suspects involved, please contact the Columbia Ranger Station at (209) 588-9128

08/08/2023

Kathy Phu represented our parks for the World Ranger Day event this past week at Pt Reyes National Seashore in Marin County.

155 participants from 25 park agencies and groups came together to remember fallen State Parks Ranger Richard Schnurr, who was killed in an on-duty traffic collision on Nov. 26, 1973, at Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

08/02/2023

Ranger Kendall & Ranger Durham joined the Tuolumne County Sheriff yesterday for National Night Out!

Thanks to everyone who came out to this awesome community-building event.

07/14/2023

As we head into another heat wave, California State Parks reminds visitors to and stay safe in the heat! 🌡

Always plan ahead and stay hydrated! If heading to a waterway to cool off - wear a life jacket, only swim in designated areas, and actively supervise children.

06/03/2023

**Update**

The owner has been found! The goat, named Eric 🙂, has been returned home. Thank you all for the help!

Good morning Columbia!

This morning a jogger came over and let us know that this friendly goat had followed him all the way from Yankee Hill to the park. The goat is now in the park’s maintenance yard.

Does anyone know where home is for this goat? If anyone knows where he belongs, please call the Ranger Station at 209-588-9128. We would like to help get him back to his owners.

05/07/2023

We had a great time at the First Responders Event today! Thank you to the Tuolumne County Deputy Sheriff’s Association for putting on this fun community event.