OLYMPIA – July 14, 2016 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will have its regular meeting in Clarkston next week.
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 21, at the Clarkston Quality Inn & Suites, 700 Port Dr., Clarkston. (Directions: http://qualityinnclarkston.com/home/contact-us/) Time for public comment is provided at all regular meetings. The Commission meets seven times a year at various locations around the state. A full agenda, including information about public comment, is available at http://parks.state.wa.us/154/Commission-Meetings-Agendas.
The Commission will consider adopting land classifications and a long-term park boundary for portions of the Iron Horse State Park Trail, following a multi-staged public planning process. The planning area includes the 70-mile trail segment between Lind and the community of Malden. The Commission also will consider adopting a resolution supporting Washington’s cross-state trail system.
The planning process arose from concerns by adjacent property owners and recreation user groups, following trail considerations during the 2015 legislative session. In response to concerns about the trail, State Parks convened an advisory committee with members representing all trail interests. The advisory group met five times in recent months, and State Parks held four public meetings to get feedback on recommendations for long-term planning and management. Information related to the planning process is on the project webpage at http://parks.state.wa.us/979/John-Wayne-Pioneer-Trail-Planning.
The Commission also will consider adopting a Statewide Park Acquisition and Development Strategy. Currently, State Parks acquires lands in two categories: 1. Acquisitions within or adjacent to existing state parks or properties; 2. Strategic acquisitions of lands for new, stand-alone state parks.
The agency’s established Classification and Management Planning (CAMP) process provides a way for the public to weigh in on the first type of acquisition. The new strategy would provide a formal process for identifying lands for possible new parks in order to meet future demands of a growing state population and ensure the agency meets its mission of providing parks for future generations. The strategy is intended to describe goals and strategies for acquiring new lands in a manner that inspires local communities and partners and enlists their support.
The Commission will be asked to approve the 2017-19 operating budget that will be submitted to the Office of Financial Management (OFM) in September and to authorize the agency’s director to determine the need for a 2017 operating or capital supplemental budget. In addition, the Commission will be asked to approve proposed capital projects and authorize the Director to submit a 2017-19 biennium capital budget proposal to OFM.
In other business, the Commission will consider:
- Adopting proposed dates and meeting locations for the 2017 regular meeting schedule;
- Establishing principles to evaluate statutory proposals for the 2017 legislative session and other related actions; and
- Rescinding or revising previously adopted Commission policies that either have been superseded by subsequent Commission actions or are no longer necessary and desirable.
Wednesday work session: A Commission work session is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., Wednesday, July 20 at Clarkston Quality Inn & Suites, 700 Port Dr., Clarkston. Work sessions are open to the public, however, no public testimony is heard. The Commission takes no formal action at work sessions.
Topics on the work session agenda include information about the agency’s proposed 2017-19 operating and capital budgets; an overview of the legal structure for Commission policy and development; and a report on the Long Beach Peninsula “Beach-Friendly Fourth” campaign—an agency and community partnership effort to mitigate negative effects of July 4 activities on the beach and communities. The Commission also will hear updates on the 2016 strategic initiatives; upcoming planning projects and priorities; and the Iron Horse State Park Trail.
Commission tour: Commission members will tour Camp Wooten Environmental Learning Center, Hells Gate State Park in Idaho and Fields Spring State Park on Tuesday, July 19, the day prior to the work session and regular meeting. The tour will depart at 7:30 a.m. from the Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla, and tour participants will arrive at 9 a.m. for the start of the tour at Camp Wooten.
About Washington State ParksThe 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 CONTACTS:
Virginia Painter, (360) 902-8562
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388-30-