OLYMPIA – Nov. 12, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will have its regular meeting next week in Stevenson.
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Hegewald Center, 710 S.W. Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson. A full Commission meeting agenda is available online at http://parks.state.wa.us/154/Commission-Meetings-Agendas. (Directions: https://goo.gmaps/rS2Ecp224nq). Time for public comment is provided at this and all regular meetings. The Commission meets seven times a year at various locations around the state.
The Commission will consider a resolution directing the agency to prepare for climate change, including writing a preparedness plan to minimize impacts of climate change on the park system. Consideration of potential sea level rise scenarios on coastal facilities would be one element of the plan, and consideration also would be given to possible effects of climate change on stewardship activities, operations and facilities.
The Commission also will consider recommending to the Governor and Legislature some statute changes that would provide greater flexibility to the Commission and to be consistent with other government and market real estate practices. These include extending the duration of real estate leases and lowering voting thresholds for real estate approvals. Currently a unanimous vote by the Commission is required for transfer or long-term lease of properties, instead of a simple majority vote, as required for all other Commission actions.
The Commission also will hear several reports:
- Historical report on Larrabee and Jackson House, the first two state parks to be accepted into the system
- Capital program update on 2013-15 and 2015-17 projects
- Beacon Rock climbing plan update on the efforts of an eight-member climbing committee appointed to advise State Park staff on climbing issues
- 2014-15 Winter Recreation Program update
- Agency Financial update
Wednesday Work session: A Commission work session is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Hegewald Center, 710 S.W. Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson. 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:
- Potential rule and Washington Administrative Code updates
- Business Development plans for the 2015-17 biennium
- Agency Strategic Plan development
- Agency wildfire program overview
- Statewide park acquisition and development strategy update
- Interpretative initiative update and overview of interpretive efforts funded through sales of State Parks license plates
- Washington State Parks Foundation relationship with State Parks and goals
- Conversation with Oregon State Park Director Lisa Sumption, who will be on hand to meet the Commission
Tuesday Commission tour: Commission members will meet at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Horse Thief Lake parking lot for a staff-led tour of Columbia Hills State Park and the Horsethief Lake area of the park.
UPDATED INFORMATION 11/13/15: Additional Commission tour: On Friday morning, Nov. 20, the Commission members will tour Beacon Rock.
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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.
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