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marinas has improved greatly, as have the environmental impacts and the aesthetics of these projects.” He looks back with satisfaction on the department’s efforts to control the invasive water hyacinth plant in the Delta, which have been successful since the 1980s in protecting these waterways from massive infestations. Bill also emphasized building and sustaining good relationships with organizations throughout California that were interested in boating issues, including the California Marine Parks and Harbor Association, Marina Recreation Association, California Marine Affairs and Navigation Conference, and Recreational Boaters of California. This involved keeping boaters informed about current department policies and programs. “The department has had a positive impact on public attitudes,” says Bill. “This was especially true in 1970, when the Coastal Commission came into being, and we placed additional emphasis on the environmental aspects of our projects.” Cal Boating was also able to forge long-term partnerships with local governments and private enterprise. Instead of competing with private developers, Bill points out that the department worked along with them to establish additional access and harbor facilities, creating a win-win situation. According to Bill, the biggest change at Cal Boating came about in 1969 with the Governor’s Reorganization Plan. What was then the Department of Harbors and Watercraft got a new name – the Department of Navigation and Ocean Development – and broader, new responsibilities. The agency acquired the functions of the Department of Parks and Recreation and Office of Architecture and Construction as they related to boating facility planning and design in state recreation areas. Soon, Cal Boating also took on coastal beach erosion control duties from the Department of Water Resources as well as yacht and shipbroker licensing. “We now had more involvement in coastal matters such as beach erosion,” explains Bill, “and we were able

1969 Department of Harbors andWatercraft changes its name to Department of Navigation and Ocean Development.

New legislation allows the department to provide financial aid to counties with a high incidence of visitor boating, but an insufficient tax base from resident boaters to support adequate boating safety and law enforcement programs.

Cal Boating now provides $10.6 million annually to 38 local agencies for on-the-water safety and law enforcement operations.

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50 Years: The Department of Boating and Waterways, 1957 to 2007