California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks)
Background
The California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR), also known as California State Parks, manages 280 parks in the state including recreational, historical, and natural areas. The overall mission of this organization is: “To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.” [2]
In 1862, California’s first state park was pursued by Captain Israel Ward Raymond and California’s U.S. Senator John Conness to preserve natural land and provide public enjoyment. Abraham Lincoln later granted the state Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Big Tree Grove in 1864 [3]
Organization
Under the state umbrella there are 22 districts, four being off-highway specific district offices. [4]
Commissions
CDPR has four commissions[5]:
- California State Park and Recreation Commission
- California Boating and Waterways Commission
- California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Commission
- California State Historical Resources Commission
California State Park and Recreation Commission
Nine commissioners have staggered four-year terms and are appointed by the governor then approved by the senate.
Responsibilities:
- Approval of general plans
- Classifying System units
- Establishing general policies for the guidance of the Director of State Parks in the administration
- Protection and development of the System
- Recommending to the Director a comprehensive recreation policy for the state[6]
The Boating and Waterways Commission
Seven commissioners have four-year terms and are appointed by the governor then approved by the senate.
Mandated by the Harbors and Navigation Code (HNC)
Responsibilities:
- Advise and comment on all California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) matters within its jurisdiction
- Advise and comment on all boating facilities loans and grants proposed by the division.[7]
California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission (OHMVR)
Nine members serve on the committee with five chosen by the governor and two are chosen each from the Senate Committee on Rules and the Speaker of the Assembly.
Responsibilities:
- Approval of general plans
- Receives public comments
- Reviews plans for new and expanded recreation areas applying for grant funds[8]
State Historical Resources Commission
Nine members are chosen by the governor then approved by the Senate.
Responsibilities:
- Approves general plans for units of the State Park System
- Classifies units of the State Park System
- Establishes general policies the administration, protection, and development of the state park system
- Recommends to the Director a comprehensive recreation policy for the State of California[9]
References
- ↑ CA.gov
- ↑ Ca State Parks. [2 April 2018]. Available from: [1]
- ↑ CDPR. [2 April 2018]. “A State Park System is Born” Available from: [2]
- ↑ CDPR. “District Offices” [2 April 2018]. Available from: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24248
- ↑ “California State Park and Recreation Commission” [2 April 2018]. Available from: https://www.parks.ca.gov/commission
- ↑ CDPR. “California State Park and Recreation Commission” [2 April 2018]. Available from: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29247
- ↑ CDPR. “California Boating and Waterways Commission” [2 April 2018]. Available from: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28835
- ↑ CDPR. “OHMVR” [2 April 2018]. Available from: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21853
- ↑ CDPR. “State Historical Resources Commission” [2 April 2018]. Available from: http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1067
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This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.
