There shall be a director of the division of parks and recreation subject to the provisions of this chapter. The director’s tenure and salary shall be as has been established in this chapter. All of the powers, duties, and functions formerly performed by the director of the division of parks pursuant to any provisions of the statutes shall henceforth be performed by the director of the division of parks and recreation subject to the provisions of this chapter. Wherever reference is made to the director of the division of parks, it shall henceforth be construed to mean the director, division of parks and recreation, department of natural and cultural resources.