OLYMPIA – May 5, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will have its regular meeting next week in Cle Elum.
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 14, at the Swauk-Teanaway Grange, 1361 Ballard Hill Road, Cle Elum. A full Commission meeting agenda is available online at www.parks.wa.gov/agency/commissionmeetings/. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/28zxz) Time for public comment is provided at this and all regular meetings.
The Commission will hear a report on a public planning project for the Fudge Point property on Harstine Island. During the past eight months, Parks staff conducted three public meetings and gathered public input to plan future use and development of the park property. Preliminary staff recommendations include day use and some camping, highlighting small-scale development to protect the habitat and wild character of the landscape. The Commission is scheduled to consider adopting a final plan at its July 23 regular meeting in Poulsbo.
The Commission also will hear financial, legislative and capital program updates and will discuss its proposed 2016 regular meeting schedule. Commission meetings are convened seven times a year at various locations around the state to provide public access to commission meetings and allow commissioners to visit State Park sites, properties and programs.
The regular meeting will be adjourned at 3 p.m., and at 3:30 p.m. the Commission is scheduled to depart the meeting location for a tour of the Washington State Horse Park, a non-profit organization, 1202 Douglas Munro Boulevard, Cle Elum. Members of the public are welcome to join Commissioners at the tour site. Transportation will not be provided.
Wednesday Work session: A Commission work session is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the Swauk-Teanaway Grange, 1361 Ballard Hill Road, Cle Elum. Work sessions are open to the public; however, no public testimony is heard and no formal action is taken at work sessions.
Topics on the work session agenda include:
- The Commission meeting process and roles of the Commission;
- Agency operations and structural changes;
- Agency relationships with public utilities districts;
- Grants update and roles of granting agencies;
- Future land acquisitions;
- Agency lands and revenue generation;
- An update on the first year of a co-management agreement at Fort Worden State Park between State Parks and the Port Townsend Public Development Authority.
Friday Commission tour: Commission members will participate in a bicycle tour of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, starting at 9 a.m. Friday, May 15, at Hyak and ending at Cedar Falls Trailhead. Some Commission members also may gather at Lake Sammamish State Park for a tour at noon that day.
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
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