During the Summer of 2012 up to 70 California State Parks were slated for closure due to State Budget constraints and a prior State Park management mishap. As a result, Assembly Bill 1478 (Blumenfield) was introduced, calling for the formation of an advisory council to conduct an independent assessment and make recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor on future management, planning, and funding proposals intended to ensure the long-term sustainability of the state park system. The Parks Forward Commission (Commission) released their Final Plan (Plan) for the future of California State Parks earlier this week.
John Laird, Secretary of Natural Resources, appointed the 12 member Commission in August 2013 to meet the goals outlined in AB 1478, now encapsulated in the Plan. Although just released, State Parks has been implementing a number of the Plan’s short-term recommendations over the last two years – including enhanced technology – providing visitors the ability to use credit and debit cards at many State Parks – as well as a pilot program allowing visitors to use their smartphone to pay parking fees. The Natural Resources Agency also continues to work to locate new cabins within the State Park system to expand the types of camping opportunities, thus appealing to a broader range of people.
At the State Capitol on Tuesday, February 24, 2015, a Joint Hearing of the Senate Natural Resources & Water and Assembly Water, Parks, & Wildlife Committees will address California State Park Reforms and The Final Report from The Parks Forward Commission. The Plan may be accessed here.