OLYMPIA – Jan. 20, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announces its regular meeting next week in Tumwater.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, in the Labor and Industries Auditorium, 7273 Linderson Way S.W., Tumwater. A full Commission meeting agenda is available online at www.parks.wa.gov/agency/commissionmeetings/. Time for public comment is provided at all regular Commission meetings, which are convened six times a year at locations around the state.
The Commission will consider a new policy that could permit certain limited non-recreational motorized use of state park long-distance trail corridors. The trail corridors are legally set aside for non-motorized recreation only. In the interest of being good neighbors, State Parks is seeking additional flexibility and consistency—for example, allowing farmers to use the trail right-of-way to access their fields. The policy would set guidelines for permits and is intended to ensure agency responsiveness to such requests, while providing oversight to prevent adverse effects on recreationists and to recoup the cost of any trail damage from allowed motorized uses.
The Commission also will consider adoption of policy statements to provide direction for the agency’s real estate management activities in four areas: recreation business activities; enterprise lands; land transfers and exchanges with other government jurisdictions; and land leases from other jurisdictions. State Parks manages approximately 124 developed parks, marine parks, heritage sites and properties, altogether totaling approximately 120,000 acres statewide. The agency manages leases on some properties, while holding others for future park and trail development.
In other business, the Commission will consider adoption of the 2015 director’s performance agreement, an annual work plan for the agency and director. Several reports will be presented, including reports on the agency’s Boating Programs; Interpretive Program; Discover Pass; current finances and 2015-17 budget requests; and a legislative report.
Work session: A Commission work session is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Labor and Industries Auditorium, 7273 Linderson Way S.W., Tumwater. Work sessions are open to the public, however, no time is scheduled for public testimony, and the Commission takes no formal action at work sessions.
Topics on the work session agenda include agency progress on the Governor’s Results Washington performance program; a human resources division update; reservation system status; the status of a Saint Edward Seminary rehabilitation proposal; and the agency’s social media program.
Commission training: The Commission will participate in a training workshop on parliamentary procedure from 9 to noon Friday, Jan. 30, in the Moran Conference Room at Washington State Parks Headquarters, 1111 Israel Road S.W., Tumwater.
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contact:
Virginia Painter: (360) 902-8562
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
-30-