(a) The department shall develop a prioritized action plan to increase revenues and collection of user fees at state parks. The plan shall include strategies for generating new revenues and fee collection methodologies at state parks and may include, but is not necessarily limited to, all of the following:
(1) Installation of modern fee collection technologies and equipment at state parks such as kiosks that accept credit cards and automatic entrance gates, where appropriate.
(2) Implementation of peak demand pricing at popular campgrounds and other high-demand park facilities.
(3) Assessment of appropriate fees at all state park units.
(4) Offering of additional mission-appropriate fee-for-service amenities with revenue generating potential at select parks where consistent with park unit general plans. Those amenities may include, but are not limited to, installation of additional recreational vehicle spaces to expand campground capacity at heavily used parks where natural resource needs and space availability allow, installation of upgraded overnight options such as cabins, where feasible, and rental of park facilities for special events.
(5) Promotion and marketing of an “adopt a park” or systemwide state park sponsorship program to encourage private donations in support of state parks, with appropriate recognition to be given to donors consistent with state park policies and mission.
(6) Design, promotion, and marketing of a new state park annual access pass system with incentives to encourage increased voluntary purchases of state park access passes, including, but not necessarily limited to, all of the following:
(A) Offering of different regional and seasonal options for annual passes.
(B) Providing multiple opportunities for the purchase of annual passes, including at state park entrances and through partnerships with retail outlets, and on state tax returns.
(C) Offering of incentives such as free midweek off-peak season camping passes with the purchase of an annual pass if purchased during the first three months of the year.
(D) Offering of opportunities for purchasers to make a voluntary additional contribution that would be dedicated to support of a particular category of state parks, such as the state’s iconic redwood parks and historical parks that require funding over and above that generated by user fees to sustain the parks in good condition.
(b) The department shall report to the Legislature and the Governor on the prioritized action plan required to be developed pursuant to subdivision (a) by July 1, 2013.
(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 533, Sec. 1. (AB 1589) Effective January 1, 2013.)