This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Mendocino Woodlands Outdoor Center Act.

The Legislature finds that there is need for a program to enable the children of the state to better comprehend the outdoors, particularly the social and economic importance of the study, conservation, protection, and utilization of natural resources. The Legislature further finds that the location and facilities of the Mendocino Woodlands Outdoor Center are especially well suited to serve primarily as an outdoor education center under the control and management of the Department of Parks and Recreation, as a unit of the state park system.

The Legislature hereby declares its intent that the Mendocino Woodlands Outdoor Center, consisting of land and facilities deeded to the State of California by the United States of America for public park, recreational, and conservation purposes, shall hereafter be maintained, provided, and operated for the benefit of the people of the state, primarily as an outdoor environmental education facility.

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

Jurisdiction and control of the center, consisting of 720 acres, more or less, and all the improvements thereon as described in subdivision (b) of Section 5823 is hereby transferred to the department from the Department of Conservation, and shall be administered as a unit of the state park system; except that access shall be provided through the center to the area, as described in subdivision (c) of Section 5823, for purposes of cutting timber under the authority of the State Forester exercised pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4645) of Chapter 9 of Part 2 of Division 4, in a manner acceptable to the State Forester.

It is the intent of the Legislature that title in the aforementioned lands and facilities shall continue to vest in the State of California; and if for any reason their use for the purposes of this chapter be deemed by the department no longer to be in the public interest, then they shall be restored through future legislation to the jurisdiction and control of the Department of Conservation.

The department shall consult with the Department of Education, and may cooperate with individuals and agencies having jurisdiction or expertise in matters pertaining to the outdoor education programs contemplated in this chapter.

The department may enter into operating agreements with any qualified, nonprofit entity for the provision of any program or service contemplated in this chapter. Prior to entering into any such agreement, the department shall submit a copy of the proposed agreement to the Legislative Analyst for his review and recommendations, which shall not, however, be binding. Failure of the Legislative Analyst to respond within 30 days after submission of a proposed agreement shall be deemed to constitute approval by the Legislative Analyst of the proposed agreement.

The department is encouraged to establish an advisory committee of persons interested and knowledgeable in the operation and nature of the center, and in the formulation and conduct of outdoor environmental education programs, to assist it in formulating the plan and actions contemplated in this chapter.

Prior to authorizing the sale and cutting of timber from the area described in subdivision (c) of Section 5823, the State Forester shall solicit and consider the recommendations of the Department of Parks and Recreation with respect to the prevention of unnecessary or unreasonable interruption or loss of facilities or resources essential to center operations.