14933_DBW-50thAnniversaryBook-PROOF

T A K I NG I DE A S TO COM P L E T I ON

Mike Ammon is another long-time Cal Boating employee who just could not stay away after he quit working. Although he officially retired in July 2007 after 33 years with Cal Boating, Mike continues to work one day a week as a retired annuitant in his favorite area, Boating Trails, where he is involved in improving public access for car-top vessels such as canoes, kayaks, rafts, and sailboards. Prior to joining Cal Boating, Mike graduated from Sacramento State University with a degree in social science and served five years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He began his long stint at Cal Boating in 1974, working on boating safety issues. A high incidence of white water accidents at this time had prompted Cal Boating to concentrate on this problem. Boating safety and education played a large role in shaping Mike’s career, and he was instrumental in developing the school safety equipment program. “Cal Boating supplied equipment grants for canoes and sailboats for the basic boating safety classes at many of the state’s college campuses,” explains Mike, “and in return, the schools were responsible for running boating safety programs.” Sacramento State, Cal State Northridge, and several University of California campuses, including Berkeley and Irvine, participated in the program.

Mike Ammon Program Analyst/Contract Administrator, 1974–2007 Retired Annuitant, 2007–present

1974 Popularity of non-motorized boating continues to grow

1976

Department publishes first classroom and “home study” boating education course in the nation! “Adventure Afloat Program” is printed in both student and instructor editions and made available to high schools and the public With modifications, other states begin to use California’s course for their programs

Since 1974, Cal Boating has worked with local river managers to fund development of many river access sites and to publish safety and access river trail maps

Boating Trails Act gives department authority to pursue activities to increase opportunities for canoeists, kayakers and rafters on designated waterways

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