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TITLE 14. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION

Off-Trail Use Restrictions for Preserves and Reserves

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

When: June 22, 2016 @ 6:00pm

Where: San Diego County Operations Center, 5520 Overland Avenue, San Diego, CA 93123

The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) proposes to adopt the regulations described below after considering all comments, objectives, and recommendations regarding the proposed action.

PUBLIC HEARING

DPR has scheduled a public hearing on this proposed action.  The hearing will be held at the San Diego County Operations Center, Hearing Room, 5520 Overland Avenue, San Diego, CA 93123 on June 22, 2016 starting at 6 pm and ending when either testimony has completed or no later than 8 pm. The meeting room is wheelchair accessible.  At the hearing, any person may present statements or arguments orally or in writing relevant to the proposed actions described in the Informative Digest.  DPR requires that persons making oral comments at the hearing also submit a written copy of their testimony at the hearing.  DPR reserves the right to place time limits on speakers if needed to provide an opportunity for all to have a chance to present their information.  DPR staff will be available from 5:30 pm until the hearing commences to answer questions regarding the proposed regulations.

AUTHORITY AND REFERENCE

Public Resources Code Sections 5003 and 5008 authorize DPR to adopt these proposed regulations.  The proposed regulations implement, interpret, and make specific Public Resources Code Sections 5003, 5008, 5019.50, 5019.65, 5019.71, and 5019.74.

INFORMATION DIGEST/POLICY STATEMENT OVERVIEW

This rulemaking action clarifies and makes specific the authority for regulating off-trail use in Natural Preserves, Cultural Preserves, State Cultural Reserves, and State Natural Reserves within the California State Park System.  Specifically the proposed regulations would prohibit all public use in these areas unless such use is on a trail, boardwalk or other designated route of travel, unless approved by DPR. These regulations will make it possible to better protect sensitive natural and cultural resources.

If you questions regarding the proposed regulations or the public hearing, please email Alexandra Stehl at trails@parks.ca.gov or call 916-324-0370.

Copies of the proposed text (the “express terms”) of the regulations, the initial statement of reasons, the modified text of the regulations, if any, and other information upon which the rulemaking is based can be found online at www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=27460.

AVAILABILITY OF STATEMENT OF REASONS, TEXT OF PROPOSED REGULATIONS, AND RULEMAKING FILE

DPR will have the entire rulemaking file available for inspection and copying throughout the rulemaking process at its office at the above address.  As of the date of this notice, the rulemaking file consists of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the proposed text of the regulations, and the initial statement of reasons.  These documents are available on line at www.parks.ca.gov.