California Boating and Waterways Merges as a Division Under Department of Parks and Recreation

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is announcing today the official merger of Boating and Waterways as a new Division under State Parks. The merger was part of Governor Brown’s 2012 Reorganization Plan to consolidate and simplify the State’s organizational structure. The plan adds efficiencies by combining and streamlining duplicative functions, thereby reducing costs and saving taxpayer dollars.

“California State Parks and Boating and Waterways are both leaders in recreation, and this merger between State Parks and Boating and Waterways is a great synergy,” said Director of State Parks, Major General Anthony T. Jackson, USMC (Ret.). “This is a very important constituency for State Parks, and the Division is continuing to serve California’s boaters, stakeholders and supporters with the full support of State Parks, and will strive to improve and enhance programs and services.”

Today, Sylvia Ortega-Hunter was sworn in as Deputy Director of the Division of Boating and Waterways effective immediately by Director Jackson. She was Acting Director of DBW since March 2013.

The merger leaves intact the major organizational structure of DBW as a Division within State Parks, including principal mission, function and funding for boating constituencies across the state.

For more information, visit http://www.dbw.parks.ca.gov.