California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks)

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California Department of Parks and Recreation logo. Photo from [3][1]

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]

Natural Resources

Natural resource acquisition is high on state parks goals. Through the receival of acreage of land, their goal is to connect essential habitat, gain sensitive watersheds, and provide a buffer for habitat.[4] To monitor resources, state parks has established the Inventory, Monitoring and Assessment Program (IMAP). Through IMAP data can be precisely collected and analyzed to assess park natural resources conditions and in time management can properly reflect any changes. [5]

Cultural Resources

The mission of state parks is to acquire, conserve, and manage California’s history along with educating the public on the diverse culture heritage. To achieve this they provide cultural heritage publications, create historic landmarks, manage over one-million museum items, and preserve archaeological resources and sites. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many

Organization

Under the state umbrella there are 22 districts, four being off-highway specific district offices. [6]

Issues

CDPR regularly struggles with the issue of funding for parks. In 2012 it was brought to public awareness that millions of excess dollars were being “hidden” in the park’s revenue, even when budget cuts were threatening the closure of 70 parks. [7]

Commissions

CDPR has four commissions[8]:

  1. California State Park and Recreation Commission
  2. California Boating and Waterways Commission
  3. California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Commission
  4. 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[9]


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.[10]


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[11]


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[12]

References

  1. ↑ CA.gov
  2. ↑ Ca State Parks. [2 April 2018]. Available from: [1]
  3. ↑ CDPR. [2 April 2018]. “A State Park System is Born” Available from: [2]
  4. ↑ Natural Resource Acquisition Program [2 April 2018]. Available from: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22305
  5. ↑ Inventory, Monitoring and Assessment Program [2 April 2018]. Available from: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=734
  6. ↑ CDPR. “District Offices” [2 April 2018]. Available from: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24248
  7. ↑ Sac Bee. Sept. 9, 2012. “California state parks budget officials for years unable to explain surpluses” [3 April 2018]. Available from: http://www.sacbee.com/news/investigations/state-parks-funding/article2575579.html
  8. ↑ “California State Park and Recreation Commission” [2 April 2018]. Available from: https://www.parks.ca.gov/commission
  9. ↑ CDPR. “California State Park and Recreation Commission” [2 April 2018]. Available from: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29247
  10. ↑ CDPR. “California Boating and Waterways Commission” [2 April 2018]. Available from: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28835
  11. ↑ CDPR. “OHMVR” [2 April 2018]. Available from: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21853
  12. ↑ CDPR. “State Historical Resources Commission” [2 April 2018]. Available from: http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1067

Links

https://www.parks.ca.gov/

Disclaimer

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.

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