Parks and recreation: County of San Bernardino: Big Morongo Canyon Preserve.
The bill targets the unique legislative context surrounding the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, recognizing that a general statute does not sufficiently address the specific needs of San Bernardino County. By permitting this land conveyance, AB 1190 seeks to enhance the management and maintenance of park resources acquired with taxpayer-funded grants, thereby ensuring they remain accessible to the public for recreational purposes. These provisions may further align local efforts with broader federal conservation and recreational policies.
Assembly Bill 1190, introduced by Assembly Member Mayes, aims to authorize the County of San Bernardino to convey fee title of specific lands within the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve to the United States Bureau of Land Management. This legislative measure specifically pertains to lands that were acquired through various state bond acts aimed at funding parks and recreational projects. The intent behind AB 1190 is to facilitate the transfer of these publicly funded lands to ensure their continued recreational use and protection under federal management.
While AB 1190 does not appear to face significant opposition, the fundamental concern revolves around the implications of transferring state-managed lands to federal authorities. Some legislators may argue that the transfer could lead to increased federal control over local resources, potentially impacting community access and governance. However, supporters of the bill contend that federal oversight will ultimately be beneficial in terms of resource management and long-term protections against developmental pressures.