Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 4648

(a) Acquisition of forest land pursuant to this chapter shall be made only upon the approval of the director. Approval by the director shall be based on satisfactory evidence presented to the director by the board as to the suitability and desirability of lands under consideration for purchase for state forest purposes. This suitability and desirability shall be predicated on, but not limited to, all of the following factors:
1. (1) That the lands are suited primarily to timber growing.
2. (2) That the lands represent growing capacities not below the average for the timber region.
3. (3) That they are favorably situated for multiple use and economical administration, management, and utilization.
(b) The director shall not approve the acquisition of any lands pursuant to this chapter unless the director receives a resolution recommending the action adopted by the board of supervisors of the county in which those lands are situated following a public hearing held by the board of supervisors on the proposed acquisition. Notice of the hearing shall be published pursuant to Section 6066 of the Government Code. The holding of a hearing shall be optional to the board of supervisors for areas of 2,000 acres or less. Upon approval of a purchase by the director, the department may negotiate for and consummate the purchase of the lands.