§ 521. — 521. (Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 540, Sec. 2.)

(a)
The department may enter into a statewide agreement with a park support organization to facilitate the implementation of reforms recommended by the Parks Forward Commission and to develop and secure expertise, services, resources, and projects that are not readily available to the state park system, for all of the following purposes:
(1)
To develop and engage new sources of public and private funding for the state park system, including philanthropic sources and enterprise and revenue generation activities, where appropriate.
(2)
To support marketing and communications activities that promote the programs, amenities, and resources of
the state park system, the department, and its partners.
(3)
To support projects and programs that facilitate park access and visitation and enhance educational opportunities, particularly among younger and more diverse audiences.
(4)
To promote the health and well-being of the state’s residents.
(5)
To establish or improve, and support the completion of projects that establish or improve, state park visitor amenities and facilities.
(6)
To recruit more diverse staffing and improve capacity for state park programs.
(7)
To advance the protection and stewardship of natural, cultural, and historic lands, sites, and resources.
(b)
If the department enters into an agreement with a park support organization, the park support organization, in consultation with the department, shall do all of the following:
(1)
Communicate and coordinate with park agencies, partners, friends, and volunteers to ensure that activities undertaken pursuant to the agreement complement, support, facilitate, and amplify ongoing partnerships, programs, and projects in support of the state park system.
(2)
Engage with public agencies and organizations that manage, operate, and support other parks and protected lands in the state.

Legislative History

Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 540, Sec. 2. (SB 1111) Effective January 1, 2017.