The start of 2015 marks both the retirement of Golden Gate National Recreation Area superintendent Frank Dean and the implementation of the park’s new general management plan. Mr. Dean served in his role for six years, during which time he helped develop the Tamalpais Lands Collaborative, guided several California state park through budget crises and oversaw construction of new park roads. At 21, he began his career as a ranger at Alcatraz, where he gave tours. (“I’m a little rusty now, but I could still give one,” he said.) Later, Mr. Dean worked as a ranger at Yosemite and served as assistant superintendent at Point Reyes National Seashore for seven years before stepping in as Golden Gate’s superintendent after the sudden death of his predecessor, Brian O’Neill. “He came to the park at a very difficult time,” said Howard Levitt, a spokesman for the park. “He’s been an outstanding superintendent here.” In March, Mr. Dean will become president of the Yosemite Conservancy, a nonprofit partner with the park that helps raise funds for Yosemite National Park. “There’s good government funding coming in, but there’s never enough,” Mr. Dean said. “This organization helps fill the gap.” While superintendent, Mr. Dean helped Golden Gate draft its new general management plan, which outlines a broad vision for how the park should operate over the next 20 years. It sets a framework for defining the park’s philosophy, zoning details and visitor amenities. “This is our best take on how we can continue to allow people to enjoy the park and to protect resources,” Mr. Dean said. The park announced on Monday that Regional Director Christine Lehnertz signed the record of decision for the plan.