Program Policies and Handbooks

Read this before downloading documents

Personal use of the documents made available for download on this site is encouraged.  However, no document or any portion thereof may be used for commercial purposes, nor may they be published in any medium or format without prior written permission from the State of California.  All commercial rights to use materials made available on this site are reserved by the State of California unless expressly granted otherwise in writing.  For commercial use, contact the Interpretation and Education Division at (916) 654-2249 or Interpretation.Staff@parks.ca.gov.


Interpretation and Education Chapter, Department Operations Manual (DOM) (2010)

The DOM Interpretation and Education chapter (DOM Chapter 0900) gives policy and guidance on a broad range of interpretation-related topics, including programs, facilities, interpretive concessions, planning, training, evaluation, and working with volunteers and cooperating associations.

Example Livestock Management Plan
In response to questions about the livestock management plan required by DOM 0904.8, the Interpretation and Education Division developed a Hypothetical Livestock Management Plan (Word, 56KB). This example plan may be used as a template. It shows how one might address the needs for proper care and housing of animals, along with resource protection, visitor safety, and good community relations. It is not meant to cover every possibility for every type of animal. Other animals have other special requirements that must be researched and addressed in a livestock management plan.

Creations of the Mind: California State Parks Intellectual Property Handbook

This Intellectual Property Handbook provides background information, policy direction, and general advice and guidance to State Parks staff and partners on intellectual property and the legal issues surrounding its use and licensing.

Junior Ranger Program Handbook (1993, rev. 2007)

Everything you need to know about planning and facilitating a Junior Ranger program in your park is in this handbook. The handbook also contains a wealth of carefully researched and reviewed background information on a host of topics, and this information may be useful in preparing any interpretive program, whether it is intended for Junior Rangers or not.

See also:
Junior Ranger Adventure Guide
This self-guided activity booklet, available in both English and Spanish, is designed to be used when no formal Junior Ranger program is available in a park. The guide is available to the public on the State Parks Kids website.

Volunteers in Parks Program Guidelines and Camp and Park Host Handbook

The Volunteers in Parks Program (VIPP) provides an organized, efficient, cost-effective, and legally-based approach to managing a wide range of volunteer programs in California's state parks. These manuals are designed to assist California State Parks staff in managing volunteer programs and provide valuable information for other agencies that use the services of volunteers.

VIPP Guidelines (2012) 

Camp and Park Host Handbook (2012)

Appendices for VIPP Guidelines and Host Handbook

Volunteer Standards of Conduct

Donor and Sponsorship Recognition Guidelines (2007)

Within certain parameters, California State Parks recognizes donors and sponsors for their contributions. This document provides guidelines and policies regarding this issue.

Parks Accessibility Guidelines (2009, rev. 2015) and Transition Plan (2001, rev. 2003)

One of the goals of California State Parks is to make sure that everyone, including visitors with disabilities, has access to the natural and cultural wonders that make up our parks. State Parks is continuing to work to make our parks more accessible. The Accessibility Program provides the policies we need to follow in developing interpretive programs and facilities.

See also:
All Visitors Welcome: Accessibility in State Park Interpretive Programs and Facilities (1994, rev. 2011)