California governor asked to intervene in Fort Ross

The Fort Ross Conservancy (FRC) has asked California Governor Gavin Newsom to step in and reconsider the decision to end its partnership with Fort Ross Historic Park. In the letter, which was reviewed by RBC, the organization asks to extend the agreement with the state authorities for a year to complete the elimination of auditors’ comments and conduct an independent review of the circumstances of its non-renewal. The appeal is also sent to the state's Parks Authority - Director Armando Quintero and County Chief Greg Martin.

In an official appeal on October 28, the FRC challenged the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s decision not to renew P21CO017. It has been in force for more than 50 years and expired on November 3, 2026.

The Fort Ross Conservancy (FRC) is a nonprofit organization created to support educational and educational activities in California parks, primarily in Fort Ross Historic Park and Salt Point Park.

Earlier, the FRC said that the California State Parks Authority decided not to renew the cooperation agreement with the organization, ending a partnership that lasted more than 50 years.

The main contradiction of the organization is that the auditors gave it a year to correct the identified deficiencies, but the decision not to renew the agreement was made shortly after the presentation of the preliminary results of the audit – even before the end of this period. The FRC also alleges that the authorities have not sufficiently explained what additional operational issues affected the decision and what claims are being made against the organisation.

The FRC recognized the need to comply with financial, contractual and administrative requirements and expressed its readiness to address confirmed violations. In addition to the annual extension, she proposed alternatives - to extend the agreement for six months or temporarily keep it for another 60 days. The organization also asked for a review of the decision, the disclosure of the documents on which it is based, and not to take irreversible action on the disputed property, financial assets, historical collections or organizational documentation.

The FRC has been involved in the park for more than 50 years, conducting educational and cultural programs, coordinating volunteers and supporting projects to preserve historical heritage. According to her, after the decision of the authorities, some trips have already been canceled.

The organization warned that in case of refusal of a temporary extension of the agreement, it may apply to the court, including to demand a review of the decision and emergency interim measures.

“Fort Ross is not going to close. Fort Ross State Park is not closed. All of this means that our 50-year relationship with scientists, diplomats and educators across Russia and America, based on forging strong and meaningful relationships, is now being treated as irrelevant by California State Parks. For Fort Ross Reserve, these relationships are important, and they cannot be replaced, said Robin Wellman, FRC Vice President.

Fort Ross is a former Russian settlement on the coast of California, founded in 1812 by a Russian-American company as an agricultural base for the supply of colonies in Alaska and a center for fur fishing. It became the southernmost settlement during the Russian colonization of North America. Fort Ross lasted for about 30 years, including Russians and natives of Alaska and California.

In 1841, the Russian-American Company sold to John Sutter the estate, including buildings, livestock and equipment, but not land. In 1906, the state of California acquired the historic complex, and in 1962, Fort Ross became a state historical park. Today it is a historical park with a museum exposition dedicated to the Russian period and other stages of the history of the region.

About the decision of the authorities of California not to renew the agreement on cooperation with Fort Ross Conservancy in the organization reported a few days earlier. The board of directors, which was also reviewed by RBC, notes that the FRC, among other things, participated in the preservation of the historical Fort Ross Park and held various cultural events. Thanks to them, hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren got acquainted with the history and nature of Fort Ross. The organization also helped preserve the legacy of Kashiya Pomo, Alaska Natives and Russian-American communities, the letter said.

At the same time, the FRC stressed that it does not intend to cease operations and will continue to exist as an independent non-profit organization. She is committed to preserving the multicultural heritage of Fort Ross and supporting historical research.

The board urged supporters to appeal to California state parks management to reconsider the decision and maintain the partnership.