[citation needed] In 1927, the California Legislature, with the support of Governor C. C. Young, established the State Park Commission,[6] and its original membership included:[7] Major Frederick R. Burnham, W. F. Chandler, William E. Colby (Secretary), Henry W. O'Melveny, and Dr. Ray Lyman Wilbur.

[9] On January 10, 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office announced that the California State Park System will consider indefinite closures of all or part of 48 specific individual parks (one in five) to help meet the challenges of the looming (projected) $14.5 billion deficit facing California for its 2008-2009 budget year.

[10] On September 25, 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger's office announced that all state parks would remain open during the 2009-2010 fiscal year using one-time budget reduction methods in maintenance, equipment, and services.

The Parks Forward Commission was formed after the California Legislature called for the formation of a multidisciplinary advisory council to conduct an independent assessment and make recommendations.

[13] The commission issued a report in 2015 that noted the lack of maintenance for many parks along with visitors who do not reflect the diversity of California's population.

[citation needed] The Public Resources Code provides the classification of units of the state park system.

[15] State Parks "consist of relatively spacious areas of outstanding scenic or natural character, oftentimes also containing significant [...] values.

Wayside Campgrounds consist of "relatively small areas suitable for overnight camping and offering convenient access to major highways."

[15] State Wildernesses are areas where the environment has not been affected by humans and are relatively undeveloped state-owned or leased lands which have retained their original characters and influence or have been restored to a near-natural appearance.