SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California State Parks announced the selection of Rich Adams as the new district superintendent for the Sierra District.

Adams’ State Parks career began in 1995 as a seasonal Park Aide at D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks. In 1996, he joined the Sierra District Natural Resources and Fire Management team, beginning a career that would span nearly three decades of service to the California State Park System.

After graduating from the University of Washington’s College of Forest Resources in 1998, Adams completed an internship under Department Forester Stephen Bakken and became a California Registered Professional Forester in 2002. He went on to serve as Sierra District Forester for more than 20 years before advancing to Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor. As a prescribed fire burn boss, Adams has led numerous prescribed fire projects throughout the district, helping protect natural resources and improve ecosystem health.

Adams began serving as acting Sierra District superintendent in April 2025, providing steady leadership and support for district operations.

A longtime resident of Lake Tahoe’s west shore, Adams lives with his wife and three children within biking distance of Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. Together, they enjoy exploring the outdoors year-round, whether on the trails, in the water, or on the snow.

As he steps into his new role, Adams looks forward to supporting the Sierra District team, serving visitors, and continuing to enhance the state parks he has dedicated his career to protecting.