5050-5055
PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE
SECTION 5050-5055
5050. This article shall be known and may be cited as the Collier-Keene State Hostel Facilities Act. 5051. The Legislature finds that a substantial number of Californians bicycle and walk for recreational enjoyment and that, given safer routes and more suitable accommodations, would choose such travel means to reach and enjoy scenic areas and recreation facilities throughout the state. The Legislature finds that it is in the public interest to provide means for bicyclists and hikers to reach safely, and utilize conveniently, units of the state park system and local and regional parks and recreation areas. The Legislature specifically finds that the existing mix of motor vehicles and bicycles on the highways of the state creates hazards to motorists and cyclists alike and demands immediate remedial action. 5052. As used in this article, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning: (a) "Hostel facility" means a supervised overnight lodging or sleeping accommodation provided primarily for use by persons, including bicyclists and hikers, arriving at state park system units and local and regional parks and recreation areas. Hostel facilities shall include sleeping areas for individuals or groups, water, washrooms, sanitary facilities, and means by which the users of hostel facilities may prepare their own meals. (b) "Recreational trail" means a pathway situated and constructed so as to provide safe and convenient means for persons, including bicyclists, hikers, and horsemen, to travel to and between state park system units other than by motor vehicle. 5053. (a) The department may provide hostel facilities in any unit of the state park system where consistent with the general development plan for such unit, and may provide for hostel facilities in the general plan for any unit; provided, however, that no hostel facility may be provided in any unit classified as a state wilderness, natural preserve, or state reserve. (b) The department may also provide hostel facilities at any park or recreation area under the jurisdiction of any local or regional public agency if such agency enters into an agreement with the department for the care, maintenance, and control of such facilities at the agency's expense. 5054. The department may acquire land for, develop, and maintain recreational trails to and between units of the state park system. 5055. Except as provided in Section 18930 of the Health and Safety Code, the director shall adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary to administer the provisions of this article.