Office of Outdoor Recreation and Public Lands Enhancement.
This legislation mandates the Department of Parks and Recreation to report recommendations by 2018 regarding a statutory fee policy that balances operational costs between park users and the state General Fund. The bill also requires the establishment of consistent fee guidelines to promote uniformity across state park districts. By centralizing the administration of outdoor recreation within a dedicated office, the bill seeks to elevate the prioritization of outdoor activities in state policy discussions, contributing to environmental protection and economic strategies.
Assembly Bill 907 establishes the Office of Outdoor Recreation and Public Lands Enhancement within the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development in California. The primary goals of this office include promoting active and healthy lifestyles, improving the quality of life for Californians, and enhancing stewardship of public lands. The bill aims to engage the outdoor recreation industry and connect diverse communities with outdoor activities, thereby addressing the state's significant outdoor recreation economy, which has been identified as a crucial area for economic development.
Supporters of AB 907 express optimism regarding its potential to create more accessible outdoor opportunities, particularly for socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in California. They highlight the benefits of outdoor recreation for public health, community cohesion, and environmental stewardship. However, some critics perceive the move as governmental overreach into local management of parks and recreation facilities, raising concerns about the preservation of local control and responsiveness to community needs.
The discussions surrounding AB 907 focus on the appropriateness of establishing a state-level bureaucracy dedicated to outdoor recreation. Opponents argue it may lead to a one-size-fits-all approach that could neglect the unique characteristics of various regions and communities. Proponents counter that a coordinated and consistent statewide strategy would ultimately lead to better resource allocation and broader access to outdoor activities, specifically for underrepresented groups in California.