NEWS17-062 | Media contacts:
Virginia Painter, (360) 902-8562 |
OLYMPIA – Sept. 18, 2017 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene its next regular meeting in Spokane Valley Sept. 28.
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at the Center Place Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. (Directions). The Commission gathers for six regular meetings a year at various locations around the state, and time for public comment is provided. A full agenda, including information about opportunities for public comment is available at http://parks.state.wa.us/154/Commission-Meetings-Agendas.
In non-budget years of each biennium, state agencies ask the legislature for supplemental funding to pay for unanticipated costs associated with non-discretionary work and only the highest-priority enhancements. The Commission will consider a $2 million supplemental operating request for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. The proposed supplemental includes a request to cover additional supplies and materials for preventive maintenance.
The Commission also will consider adopting a $48 million supplemental capital request that focuses primarily on preservation projects needed to catch up or stay apace with the conditions of park facilities. The request includes money for design, permit and project construction and staff capacity to do the projects.
In other action, the Commission will consider re-classifying about 40 acres of land at Mount Spokane State Park to facilitate the relocation of an existing maintenance shop compound to a site with minimal detrimental effects on the environment. The plan would result in greater protected acreage and would allow for the ecological restoration at the existing site.
Several reports to the Commission are on the agenda, with no action requested. These include highlights of the 2016-17 Winter Recreation Program, the agency’s Natural Heritage Initiative and an agency financial update.
Commission work session
A work session is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Center Place Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Commission work sessions are open to the public; however, there is no opportunity for public comment. No formal action is taken at work sessions.
Work session topics include information on State Parks’ newly established Greater Spokane Management Area; a progress report on the agency’s effort to update a 10-year Capital Plan and status of 2015-17 strategic initiatives. The work session will include a discussion of statewide trails and an overview report of the agency’s trails program, including the role of the trail coordinator and current planning and development activities.
The Commission also will receive an update on a Ruckelshaus Center-facilitated project on recreation access fees in Washington. Staff will share information on the recent National Association of State Parks Directors Conference.
Commission tour
Commission members will take a tour in small boats on the Little Spokane River through Riverside State Park and meet with area partners on Tuesday, Sept. 26. The boat trip will depart at 10 a.m. from Oxford Suites in Spokane Valley and will return to the hotel at 5 p.m.
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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 http://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.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Washington Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388