HUELL HOWSER
CSPRA Honorary State Park Ranger 2004

CSPRA's 2004 Honorary State Park Ranger award went to Huell Howser, producer and host of the PBS shows "California's Gold" and "California's Golden Parks". Huell, through the power of television, has perhaps introduced more Californians to their parks than any other person in the state. Huell , originally from Tennessee, began his career with PBS station KCET in Los Angeles in 1987 with a show called "Videolog". "California's Gold" which began in 1991, is now in its 14th year, and has 186 shows in the can. Many of them were done at State Parks, including Clear Lake, Will Rogers, Bodie , Mono Lake, and Coloma. Huell's experience with parks in "California's Gold" led to the creation of a new series in 2002."California's Golden Parks" focuses primarily on State Parks, but also county, city and national parks. "We had been visiting so many State Parks in our travels", Huell said in a phone interview, "We felt the parks deserved their own show. The best way to get a feel for what California is all about is to explore the parks. They are inclusive and there for everyone."

Huell has done a 10 part series on "California Missions" and has recently started a new series called "California's Green" which explores innovative and creative ways to solve environmental challenges. This new series has received rave reviews and has covered such topics as re-using old tires, straw bale construction and gardening with native plants.

Huell recently served as emcee for the Park Advocacy Day rally on the Capitol steps in Sacramento on March 22. "Sometimes our wonderful State Park System gets taken for granted" said Huell. "Visitors don't realize that parks are fragile and need to be protected. It takes money to keep standards high in the best state park system in the nation." Huell visited with members of the state Assembly and Senate, urging them to support parks. "I have seen first-hand as a TV journalist the problems faced by park personnel. It's easy to say you support parks, but sometimes action needs to be taken by participating in events such as Park Advocacy Day."

One of the things that makes Huell such a good TV personality is his infectious enthusiasm, for the places he visits, and the people he meets. "Even with budget issues and difficult times, the happiest and most fulfilled people I have met in my travels are State Park employees. I am thrilled to have my own Stetson now, and to be named an Honorary Ranger."

We are thrilled to have you, Huell, sharing parks with so many through the magic of television.