The grove was operated by Sonoma County until 1934, when the state of California took over. In 1936 the grove was opened to the public as Armstrong Redwoods State Park. The grove's status was changed to a natural reserve in 1964 when a greater understanding of its ecological significance prompted a more protective management of the resource. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve was one of 48 California state parks proposed for closure in January 2008 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as part of a deficit reduction program. By May 2008 a temporary reprieve was granted, but the park's future is still uncertain.