Department of Parks and Recreation: Big Basin Redwoods, Año Nuevo, and Butano State Parks.

Assembly Member Pellerin's proposal to streamline property acquisitions for three California state parks damaged by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Wildfire would modify how the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) obtains land for Big Basin Redwoods, Año Nuevo, and Butano State Parks. The legislation exempts these specific acquisitions from State Public Works Board oversight until January 2031, allowing DPR to directly purchase properties needed for park reconstruction and ecological enhancement.

The bill establishes specific requirements for property transactions under this exemption. Purchase prices must not exceed fair market value as determined by licensed real estate appraisers and approved by the Department of General Services. The department must complete appraisals and reviews before beginning purchase negotiations, and all acquisition contracts require Department of General Services approval. These provisions maintain oversight while expediting the acquisition process.

According to the bill's findings, the 2020 wildfire burned through the entirety of Big Basin Redwoods State Park and portions of Butano and Año Nuevo State Parks. The Department of Parks and Recreation developed plans to relocate visitor facilities away from ecologically sensitive areas and enhance connectivity between the three parks. The authors note that the current lengthy property transfer process through the State Public Works Board creates barriers to implementing these plans, particularly when working with non-governmental organizations to secure priority parcels.