Section § 32525

Explanation

This section explains that the conservancy has all the necessary rights and powers to achieve its goals, unless there's a specific rule saying otherwise. However, it cannot impose taxes, control how land is used, or take private property for public use.

The conservancy shall have, and may exercise, all rights and powers, expressed or implied, necessary to carry out the purposes of this division, except as otherwise provided. The conservancy shall have no power to levy a tax, to regulate land use, or to exercise the power of eminent domain.

Section § 32526

Explanation

This section requires the conservancy to organize and synchronize the work of its staff with those in charge at the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Fish and Game, as well as local police and rescue teams. Essentially, it's about teamwork among different agencies to ensure smooth operations and coordination.

The conservancy shall facilitate and coordinate the activities of its employees with personnel of the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Fish and Game, and local law enforcement and rescue agencies.

Section § 32527

Explanation

The conservancy can create and enforce rules about how people use parkway lands. They also protect and manage the area's natural resources, like plants, animals, and archaeological sites.

The conservancy may adopt and enforce regulations governing the use of parkway lands and activities within the parkway; the protection and management of native riparian vegetation, wildlife, and other natural resources on parkway lands; and the protection of archaeological sites.

Section § 32527.5

Explanation

If you break any rules set by the conservancy related to lands they own or manage, you can be fined up to $250. These rules can be enforced by any authorized California peace officer.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 32527.5(a) A person who violates any of the posted regulations adopted by the conservancy governing lands owned or managed by the conservancy is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 32527.5(b) Any regulation adopted by the conservancy governing lands owned or managed by the conservancy may be enforced by any duly authorized California peace officer.

Section § 32528

Explanation

This section allows the conservancy to execute the San Joaquin River Parkway Task Force Plan. It also lets them develop and apply management plans aimed at preserving both the natural features and recreational areas of the parkway.

The conservancy may implement the San Joaquin River Parkway Task Force Plan and may adopt and carry out management plans for the protection of the natural and recreational resources of the parkway.

Section § 32529

Explanation

This law allows the conservancy to handle the operations and upkeep of a parkway and its facilities. Before opening any acquired land to the public, the conservancy must ensure there are enough funds to manage it properly. Additionally, the conservancy can create rules for how the public can use these lands and enforce those rules.

The conservancy may manage, operate, administer, and maintain the parkway and its facilities. Land acquired by the conservancy shall not be open to public use until the board determines there are adequate funds available for the management of those lands. The conservancy may adopt regulations governing the use by the public of conservancy lands and may provide for their enforcement.

Section § 32530

Explanation

This law allows the conservancy to hire an executive officer and additional staff when certain tasks cannot be fulfilled by the current personnel of member agencies or by volunteers.

The conservancy may employ an executive officer and other staff to perform those functions that cannot be provided by the existing personnel of member agencies on a contractual basis or by volunteers.

Section § 32531

Explanation

This law allows the conservancy to bring in volunteers and experts to help run educational and recreational activities. They can also assist with building and taking care of parkway facilities.

The conservancy may recruit and coordinate volunteers and experts to conduct interpretive and recreational programs and to assist with construction projects and the maintenance of parkway facilities.

Section § 32532

Explanation

This law section explains that the conservancy can prioritize and acquire land or interest in land within a parkway, as long as the seller is willing, and the price is fair or otherwise agreed upon. The conservancy can buy the land directly or work with other agencies that have funding or land to exchange. They can also help landowners in making their properties align better with the parkway. If landowners want to sell their property but keep the right to live there until they pass away, the conservancy can manage this arrangement. They can also set up and manage a mitigation land bank and organize land swaps. The main goal is to make land deals that benefit both the landowners and the parkway, enhancing land value and supporting conservation and parkway goals.

The conservancy may determine acquisition priorities and may acquire real property or any interest in real property within the parkway from willing sellers and at fair market value or on other mutually acceptable terms. The conservancy may acquire the property, itself, or may coordinate the acquisition through a member agency or other public agencies with appropriate responsibility and available funding or land to exchange. The conservancy may provide technical assistance to landowners to ensure that their activities are compatible with or enhance the parkway. The conservancy may hold remainder interests in those instances where owners desire to sell but retain a life estate, and may create and administer a mitigation land bank and arrange land exchanges. The overall objective of the conservancy shall be to assist in accomplishing land transactions that are mutually beneficial to the landowner and the parkway by adding value to the land, while meeting natural resource conservation and other parkway objectives.

Section § 32533

Explanation

This law section allows the conservancy to manage and improve natural areas. They can work on restoring damaged sites, control public access, improve infrastructure, and build new facilities for recreation and environmental protection. The conservancy can do these projects themselves or coordinate with other agencies to ensure a consistent approach and prioritize projects effectively.

The conservancy may undertake site improvement projects; regulate public access; revegetate and otherwise rehabilitate degraded areas, in consultation with other public agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise; upgrade deteriorating facilities; and construct new facilities as needed for outdoor recreation, nature appreciation and interpretation, and natural resource protection. These projects may be undertaken by the conservancy itself or by member agencies, with the conservancy providing overall coordination through setting priorities for projects and assuring uniformity of approach.

Section § 32534

Explanation

This section explains that the conservancy is responsible for managing funds allocated to it and any revenue provided by its member agencies. It can use these funds for projects like upgrading facilities, buying land, or supporting its day-to-day operations. Additionally, it can accept money, grants, goods, or services from public, private, or individual contributors for similar purposes, following specific rules set by another law.

The conservancy shall administer any funds appropriated to it and any revenue generated by member agencies for the parkway and contributed to the conservancy, and may expend those funds for capital improvements, land acquisition, or support of the conservancy’s operations. Subject to Section 11005 of the Government Code, the conservancy may also accept any revenue, money, grants, goods, or services contributed to the conservancy by any public agency, private entity, or person, and, upon receipt, may expend any such revenue, money, or grants for capital improvements, land acquisitions, or support of the conservancy’s operations.

Section § 32535

Explanation

This law allows the conservancy to initiate or face legal action. It also permits the conservancy to make contracts and work together with government agencies, private organizations, and individuals to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.

The conservancy may sue and be sued. The conservancy may enter into contracts and joint powers agreements with public agencies, private entities, and persons necessary for the proper discharge of the conservancy’s duties.

Section § 32536

Explanation

This law states that the conservancy is treated as a local agency, which means it can borrow money and go into debt just like any other local government body. The conservancy can charge fees for public use of its lands, but these fees can't be higher than the cost of providing the services. The money collected from these fees goes into a special fund called the San Joaquin River Conservancy Fund. This fund is used by the conservancy for purposes outlined in this division, but the money can only be spent if the state legislature approves it.

The conservancy shall be deemed a local agency for the purposes of any provision of law authorizing local agencies to borrow money and incur indebtedness. The conservancy may fix and collect fees for the use by the public of any lands owned or controlled by the conservancy. No fee shall exceed the cost of providing the service for which the fee is charged.
The fee revenue shall be deposited in the San Joaquin River Conservancy Fund, which is hereby created in the State Treasury. The money in the fund shall be expended by the conservancy, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for the purposes of this division.

Section § 32537

Explanation

This law allows the conservancy to award grants to various government and nonprofit entities for certain purposes. Nonprofits receiving grants to buy land must follow specific conditions. These include ensuring the land's purchase price is fair and approved by the conservancy, and any land bought can't be used to secure debt without approval. Also, any land transfer must be overseen by the conservancy to protect the state's interests. If grant conditions are violated, the state can reclaim the land. Additionally, if the nonprofit dissolves, the land automatically goes to the state, unless another approved entity takes it over. Any property deeds must record the state's interest and rights.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 32537(a) The conservancy may award grants to local public agencies, state agencies, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations for the purposes of this division.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 32537(b) Grants to nonprofit organizations for the acquisition of real property or interests in real property shall be subject to all of the following conditions:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 32537(b)(1) The purchase price of any interest in land acquired by the nonprofit organization may not exceed fair market value as established by an appraisal approved by the conservancy.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 32537(b)(2) The conservancy approves the terms under which the interest in land is acquired.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 32537(b)(3) The interest in land acquired pursuant to a grant from the conservancy may not be used as security for any debt incurred by the nonprofit organization unless the conservancy approves the transaction.
(4)CA Public Resources Code § 32537(b)(4) The transfer of land acquired pursuant to a grant shall be subject to the approval of the conservancy and the execution of an agreement between the conservancy and the transferee sufficient to protect the interests of the state.
(5)CA Public Resources Code § 32537(b)(5) The state shall have a right of entry and power of termination in and over all interests in real property acquired with state funds, which may be exercised if any essential term or condition of the grant is violated.
(6)CA Public Resources Code § 32537(b)(6) If the existence of the nonprofit organization is terminated for any reason, title to all interest in real property acquired with state funds shall immediately vest in the state, except that, prior to that termination, another public agency or nonprofit organization may receive title to all or a portion of that interest in real property, by recording its acceptance of title, together with the conservancy’s approval, in writing.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 32537(c) Any deed or other instrument of conveyance whereby real property is acquired by a nonprofit organization pursuant to this section shall be recorded and shall set forth the executory interest or right of entry on the part of the state.

Section § 32538

Explanation

This law allows the conservancy to transfer or manage real property in various ways. It can lease, rent, sell, exchange, or transfer property to different entities like local, state, or federal agencies, nonprofits, and individuals under approved terms. The conservancy can also team up with these entities to manage land it owns or controls.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 32538(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the conservancy may lease, rent, sell, exchange, or otherwise transfer any real property or interest therein or option acquired under this division to a local public agency, state agency, federal agency, nonprofit organization, individual, or other entity for management purposes pursuant to terms and conditions approved by the conservancy. The conservancy may request the Director of General Services to undertake these actions on its behalf.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 32538(b) The conservancy may initiate, negotiate, and participate in agreements for the management of land under its ownership or control with local public agencies, state agencies, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, individuals, or other entities and may enter into any other agreements authorized by state or federal law.