Public Workshop Parks Forward Initiative September 30, :00 - 5:30 p.m. Eureka, CA

Welcome and Introductions

Objectives Learn about Parks Forward Initiative (PFI) Share perspectives and deepen understanding around key issues being addressed by PFI; provide public input Meeting the needs of all Californians Sustainable funding Effective partnerships Open House: Opportunity to ask questions and share views with State Parks and PFI staff

Workshop Agenda TIMETOPIC 1:00 PMWelcome and Introductions 1:25 PMOverview of Parks Forward Initiative 1:50 PMTheme 1: Meeting the Needs of All Californians 3:00 PMBreak 3:15 PMTheme 2: Sustainable Funding 4:10 PMTheme 3: Partnerships 4:50 PMClosing Remarks 5:00 PMOPEN HOUSE 5:30 PMAdjourn

Proposed Ground Rules Please focus your input on the workshop objectives Everyone is encouraged to provide input Invite written comments Honor the agenda and time limits for oral comment Respectful interaction Cell phones off/silent

Overview of Parks Forward Initiative

Parks Forward Initiative – goals and objectives Legislative driver – AB 1478 Parks Forward Commission 12 members appointed by Secretary of CA Natural Resources Agency Distinct from State Parks Commission Funded by Resources Legacy Fund Combination of five non-profit foundations Parks Forward staff, CA Department of Parks staff, independent consultants

Parks Forward Initiative Process and Timeline Survey of CA State Parks employees, focus group meetings (July/Aug) 10 public workshops statewide to gather information and promote more detailed comments (September/October) Data gathering and analysis by consultants 6 Parks Forward Commission Meetings o September 18, 2013, Sacramento o December 2013, Sacramento o February 2014, Los Angeles o April 2014, San Francisco (Draft Plan prepared for Public Comment) o August 2014, Sacramento (Final Plan Adopted) o May 2015, Sacramento (Implementation Follow Up & Potential Plan Refinement)

Themes 1. Meeting the needs of all Californians 2. Sustainable funding 3. Partnerships

Public Input Process Initiate public comment with 2-3 guest speakers Estimate number of public commenters; identify comment duration period Desired speakers fill out speaker cards Speakers provide input Invited to speak to “focus questions” Additional comments: comment forms or sticky notes

Theme 1: Meeting Needs of CA Focus Questions: 1. How would you characterize those groups currently using the state parks in your region, and those groups of potential park visitors that are underserved and under-represented today by your state parks? 2. What types of parks or park services, facilities, programs, and activities are required to meet the needs of both existing and future visitors? 3. Under what conditions and by what criteria should any new State Parks be created or new acreage added to existing state parks? What is working well, what is not working well, and what key improvements could be made to ensure state parks better meet the needs of all Californians in your region?

Theme 2: Sustainable Funding Focus Questions : 1. Should State Parks aim for self-sufficiency, or should it always receive some dependable level of support from the state? If the latter, what State Park functions merit at least some state funding? 2. What is the right mix of funding sources for State Parks among those available, including general fund, taxation, user fees, service and concession revenue, corporate, philanthropy? 3. What specific, significant opportunities are there to reduce costs, increase revenues, or otherwise prioritize spending within State Parks? What should be done to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of State Parks?

Theme 3: Partnerships Focus Questions : 1. What is working and what is not working in existing park operating partnerships and cooperative management arrangements in your region? 2. What are the most appropriate roles and functions for partners to perform relating to operation of State Parks? 3. What can State Parks do to better support and manage effective operating partnerships? What are the opportunities for improving and/or expanding use of alternative operating arrangements that could enhance visitor experiences while improving long-term financial sustainability of State Parks?

Next Steps: Upcoming Workshops RegionLocation Central CA Santa Cruz September 9 th Louden Nelson Community Center Fresno September 10 th University Square Hotel San Luis Obispo September 11 th City/County Library Northern CA Eureka September 30 th Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center San Rafael October 2 nd Embassy Suites Auburn October 3 rd Holiday Inn Auburn Southern CA San Diego October 14 th San Diego Center for Civic Engagement Inland Empire October 15 th Doubletree Ontario Airport Orange County October 16 th Crowne Plaza Anaheim Los Angeles October 17 th Radisson at USC Eureka and Auburn: 1:00-5:30 PM All other Workshops: 3:00-7:30 PM

Open House Station 1: Meeting the Needs of All Californians (Theme 1) Station 2: Sustainable Funding (Theme 2) Station 3: Partnerships (Theme 3) Station 4: Questions about Parks Forward Initiative More opportunities to submit written comments (comment forms)

Submit Comments Website: Mail (US Postal Service): Parks Forward Initiative California Natural Resources Agency 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1414 Sacramento, CA 95814