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Crystal Cove State Park:
Rare Intact Coastline Offers Plentiful Possibilities for Land and Water Lovers... Crystal Cove State Park, located within the historic Irvine Ranch is a place unlike any other in Southern California. With beaches, bluffs, tide pools, and a backcountry full of extraordinary ocean and mountain views, the Park is truly a trip back in time. The masterpiece is completed by the recent restoration of quaint, ocean-front cottages available for public use which will soon be complemented by a new overnight campground. With three-and-a-half miles of unspoiled beach and approximately 2,800 acres of wooded canyons, bluffs and trails; this spectacular treasure is a haven for rare species and protected habitats as well as recreational users, including mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians. The inshore waters, part of the new Irvine Ranch California Natural Landmark, are an underwater refuge offering visitors of all ages a glimpse of tide-pools, rocky reefs and sandy coves through SCUBA and snorkel. And the beach is popular with swimmers and surfers. Crystal Cove State Park shares a common vision and enthusiasm for public access, excellent land stewardship, restoration, research and education. To pursue this joint vision, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy and California State Parks recently signed a partnership agreement for Crystal Cove, allowing the Conservancy to share resources, expertise, volunteers and other capacity with the Park. "Crystal Cove already has thriving resource management and public education programs, including school visits, organized interpretive tours, and many other opportunities for people to connect to nature," says Ken Kramer, District Superintendent for State Parks. "Our new partnership with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy allows us to take advantage of the Conservancy's ability to provide habitat management and restoration, public access programs, and maintenance and enhancement of trails and other Park infrastructure. We share their commitment to excellent stewardship and are delighted to have them as partners." 
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