COMMISSION

(State Parks) is currently undergoing a transformation process recommended by the
Parks Forward Commission. The Transformation Team has been working diligently
to reorganize the department into a more modern and efficient agency that would
better serve the people of California and visitors from around the world [Visit
www.parks.ca.gov/TransformationTeam to learn about the transformation process]. Many
supporters of the OHMVR Program have participated in the State Parks’ transformation
process and voiced their opinions and concerns about the potential outcome. Many have
expressed concerns based upon the prospect of combining too many aspects of multiple
divisions of State Parks, which could decrease program-specific expertise and increase cross
funding of State Parks divisions with dedicated OHV funds. Secondly, the OHMVR Program
is scheduled to sunset on January 1, 2018, and would need legislative action prior to the
sunset date to continue.
As the Chair of the OHMVR Commission over the past three years, I have been heavily
involved in the transformation process and am a member of the Transformation Advisory
Committee. I feel confident about the future of State Parks and feel many of the changes
that are currently being instituted to be long overdue. However, I have also witnessed
what I feel is the best division within State Parks. The OHMVR Division has an incredible
staff of dedicated professionals that display a level of pride that is not often found. It is a
streamlined and well-funded division with quality management, a capable staff, and could
be considered a model for California’s Department of Parks and Recreation going forward.
In closing, the OHMVR Commission hopes that this Report will be a valuable tool for
decision makers in our government and provide comprehensive information to those
individuals who are engaged in public land and parks issues. We firmly believe in the
importance of an OHV recreation program that is balanced with a strong environmental
component. I hope you enjoy reading this Report and find it helpful in learning about the
OHMVR Program. I also encourage you to visit one of our SVRAs or designated OHV areas
on federal lands, and see for yourself why so many Californians engage in OHV recreation
and why this form of outdoor recreation continues to grow in popularity each year.
Sincerely,
Ernest T (Ted) Cabral
Chairman, California OHMVR Commission
2017 Program Report v