WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Commission Meeting – June 14, 2007 – Holiday Inn Express, Pullman

Detailed Commission Agenda Items Item E-1: Emergency Reserve in Budget Item E-2: Cistern Dedication Item E-3: 2009 Regular Meeting Schedule for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Item E-4: Communication Site Rental Rates Item E-5: Property Suitable for State Parks Purposes Item E-6: Berk Report – Draft Improvement Plan and Progress Item E-7: Capital Program Progress Status Item E-8: Puget Sound Cleanup Program Status Item E-9: Centennial Outreach Program Status Item E-10: Statewide Trail Program Update Item E-11: 2007 Legislative Session Outcomes Item E-12: Status of State Parks Enduring Partnerships Item E-1: Emergency Reserve in Budget—Requested Action

Action Taken: Approved with amendment (amendment in red).

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to adopt a policy for the funding and use of an emergency reserve stabilization fund. This complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan elements, “Our Commitment – Public Service and Financial Strategies.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Office of Financial Management (OFM) requires state agencies that are dependent on raising revenue for all or a portion of their budget to maintain an “emergency reserve fund.” Approximately 32 percent of State Parks Operating Budget is funded from the Parks Renewal Stewardship Account (PRSA). In the past, the Commission has had an informal policy of how much funds should be available. The state suggests that approximately three (3) months of critical expenditures (such as payroll) be held in reserve to ensure that State Parks can meet its legal obligations in the face of an economic downturn or emergency. OFM refers to this reserve as a ”Working Capital Reserve.”

In Fiscal Year ’07 State Parks changed its accounting practices to not record camping fees earned as revenue until the camping date has occurred. In many instances reservations are made nine (9) months in advance and the entire reservation amount is collected. If someone cancels a reservation, refunds are made. The practical result is that the agency’s cash is not counted as earned revenue in fund balance until the camping date. As such, while the cash is always there it is not available until it becomes earned revenue, and the amount available in the reserve fund may fluctuate between unearned and earned revenue. Additionally, the Commission no longer charges a vehicle parking fee and that revenue was replaced by a direct general fund appropriation. That change results in the need for lesser total reserve fund.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Draft Commission Policy 10-07-XX, Proposed Emergency Reserve Stabilization Fund Policy Appendix 1- B. Definitions “Working Capital Reserve Fund: means a fund used at State Parks and Recreation Commission’s discretion to address temporary cash flow shortages, emergencies, unanticipated economic disruptions and one-time opportunities, in accordance with the policy.

REQUESTED ACTION: Staff requests that the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Adopt the Proposed Policy for the Funding and Use of an “Emergency Reserve Stabilization Fund” as set forth in Appendix 1.

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Item E-2: Naming of Cistern at Fort Worden State Park—Requested Action Action Taken: Approved as requested.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to name the cistern at Fort Worden State Park the “Dan Harpole Cistern” in his memory. This complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Our Commitment – Public Service and Partnerships.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Dan Harpole was a great mediator, prominent community member in Port Townsend, and a very strong advocate for the arts whose work included holding the position of assistant director at Centrum, the non- profit arts organization at Fort Worden.

Mr. Harpole served on the Port Townsend City Council from 1994 to 1996, and on the Jefferson County Commission from 1997 to 2000. In 1995, then-Governor Gary Locke appointed Mr. Harpole to the Washington State Arts Commission; he was elected chairman in 1998. Mr. Harpole dedicated his career to educating the public and the policy makers about the importance of the arts to the fabric of community life. His personal and professional mission was to create opportunities for connecting people to the arts and for the public to invest in artists and arts organizations.

Mr. Harpole was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman's Medal to recognize his service to the arts in the United States a week prior to his death in December 2006.

In March 2007, the Washington State House of Representatives passed Resolution 4637 on behalf of the residents of the state of Washington, to honor Dan Harpole's life as an arts enthusiast, public servant, father, and friend.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: WAC 352-16-010 – Naming and Classification of State Park Areas Appendix 2: Commission Policy 78-72-1, Naming of Parks Appendix 3: Commission Policy 65-03-1 – Memorials and Donations Inscriptions

REQUESTED ACTION OF COMMISSION: That the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Name the cistern at Fort Worden State Park the “Dan Harpole Cistern” in recognition and memory of Mr. Harpole’s dedication to the arts and Fort Worden State Park. 2. Direct staff at Fort Worden State Park to erect, inside of the cistern, a naming plaque provided by the Washington State Arts Commission.

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Item E-3: 2009 Regular Meeting Schedule for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission—Requested Action Action Taken: Approved with amendment (amendment in red).

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item requests the Commission approve the 2009 meeting dates and locations for their regular meeting schedule. This complies with the Centennial 2013 Plan, element “Our Commitment-Public Service.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Commission meetings are dispersed across the state to enable citizens to more easily address their suggestions and concerns to the Commission. Commission work sessions are typically conducted the day before Commission meetings and park visits the day after.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Summary of Pertinent Rules and Regulations Appendix 2: Previous Meeting Dates and Locations Appendix 3: Map of Previous Meeting Dates and Locations Appendix 4: Suggested Meeting Dates and Locations for 2009

REQUESTED ACTION: Staff requests that the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: Approve the 2009 Commission meeting dates and locations as set forth in Appendix 4. Amend March 5 meeting location to Port Angeles. Amend June 18th meeting date to June 11.

2009 Commission meeting locations and dates as approved by Commission: January 22 Ocean Shores SW March 5 Port Angeles NW April 23 Ellensburg E June 11 Issaquah PS August 6 Tri Cities E October 1 Spokane E December 3 Gig Harbor PS

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Item E-4: Communication Site Rentals—Requested Action

Action Taken: Approved with amendment (amendment in red). Amend Appendix 2: Delete entire row under TYPE: Local or quasi governmental entities Add: Under TYPE: Non-profit organizations (e.g.-city, service clubs, and schools) local or quasi-governmental entities. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to adopt a rate schedule for use of parklands for communication facilities. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Our Commitment – Financial Strategy.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In 1953, the Legislature, pursuant to an agency request bill, authorized the Commission to lease parklands for television stations on lands the Commission deemed suitable.

In 1974 Governor Evans vetoed Senate Bill No. 3039, which directed the Commission to extend existing leases of transmitter sites for KVOS-TV on Mt. Constitution and KXLY-TV on Mt. Spokane. The Commission wanted to renew the KXLY lease, but did not want to extend the lease on Mt. Constitution because KVOS had not met the requirements of the Commission’s mountain-top policy; most significantly, KVOS had not provided Parks staff with “the private, gross income generated by the exclusive use of the specific broadcast privilege” and the company’s gross receipt figures. The Legislature then overturned the Governor’s veto, directing the Commission to renew the KVOS lease, which included provision to charge fair market value for these uses and to accept some in-kind benefits.

In January 2006, agency management transferred responsibility for managing the Commission’s communication site leases to the Parks Development Service Center. Upon receipt of program files, Lands Program staff began conducting internal audits of the approximately 70 existing agreements.

In August 2006, Parks contracted with a private consultant to provide on-site audits and equipment inventories for each lease. Staff had notified lessees in writing in July that such inventories would be taking place. The consultants inspected sites at Mt. Spokane, Steptoe Butte, and Fields Spring state parks. The consultant concluded that Parks needed to update a number of expired leases and, once Commission-approved fee guidance was in place, needed to update the fee schedule for communication sites to reflect current market rates. Staff expects to follow up on all of the consultant’s recommendations and to implement modern leasing practices to include:

 Offering new agreements to all holders of expired contracts.  Reducing by approximately 50 percent the total number of agreements managed, through designating “master tenants” on a building-by-building basis.  Completing all overdue lease transfers, amendments, and rental adjustments or revaluations in a timely manner as required in each contract into the future.  Minimizing the developed footprints of communication sites and improving the overall aesthetics of these sites.

In November 30, 2006, the Commission approved policy 55-06-4 “Communication Facilities in State Parks.” Section II. D. provides for fees: “The Commission sets application and processing fees and guides staff in deriving use fees and their renewal per its annually revised ‘Fee Schedule – Real Estate Services’.” (Appendix 1) At the January and March 2007 Work Sessions preceding the regularly scheduled Commission meetings, the Commission held policy-level discussions on communication site lease issues and the lease fee schedule.

Communication Facilities Customers Parks’ communication site lessees fall generally into four categories: 1. For-profit entities – corporations and commercial enterprises. 2. Public entities – state and federal agencies. 3. Public entities – local or quasi-governmental (e.g., fire or utility districts). 4. Non-profit organizations (e.g., educational groups or amateur radio operators).

Reduced Rents Staff proposes in the attached fee schedule that the Commission reduce the fair market rent we charge to non-profit organizations and public entities, with the percent of reduction being based on the applicant’s ability to document (in priority order) that: 1. It provides in-kind services or benefits to the Commission (i.e., that it waives fees it charges to State Parks; that it provides park-level goods or services, etc.) 2. The proposed use is of benefit to the general public (e.g., health, safety, education, resource protection, etc.)

Some non-profit entities may be eligible for discounts in excess of 50 percent. Staff recommends that discounts be capped at 35 percent for state or federal agencies, and at 50 percent for local or quasi-governmental entities. Applicants must request and support discounts in writing, detailing the in-kind service or other public benefit to be derived from the facility. State Parks staff must follow existing Commission policy on a case-by-case basis prior to granting any discount.

Upon Commission approval of a fee schedule (Appendix 2) staff will revise the current real estate services fee schedule to include the communication site lease rates.

AUTHORITY: RCW 79A.05.030 Powers and duties – Mandatory The Commission shall: (5) Grant concessions or leases in state parks and parkways, upon such rentals, fees, or percentage of income or profits and for such terms, in no event longer than fifty years, and upon such conditions as shall be approved by the commission: PROVIDED, that leases exceeding a twenty-year term shall require a unanimous vote of the commission… (8) Cooperate with the United States, or any county or city of this state, in any matter pertaining to the acquisition, development, redevelopment, renovation, care, control, or supervision of any park or parkway, and enter into contracts in writing to that end… RCW 79A.05.080 Lease of park lands for television stations. The state parks and recreation commission is hereby authorized to lease the use of such areas in Mount Spokane state park, Steptoe Butte state park, Kamiak Butte state park or any other state park for television stations as the commission may decide are suitable for that purpose: PROVIDED, That this authority shall not extend to school lands or lands held by the state of Washington for educational purposes. RCW 79A.05.085 Lease of park lands for television stations — Lease rental rates, terms — Attachment of antennae. The commission shall determine the fair market value for television station leases based upon independent appraisals and existing leases for television stations shall be extended at said fair market rental for at least one period of not more than twenty years: PROVIDED, That the rates in said leases shall be renegotiated at five year intervals: PROVIDED FURTHER, That said stations shall permit the attachment of antennae of publicly operated broadcast and microwave stations where electronically practical to combine the towers: PROVIDED FURTHER, That notwithstanding any term to the contrary in any lease, this section shall not preclude the commission from prescribing new and reasonable lease terms relating to the modification, placement or design of facilities operated by or for a station, and any extension of a lease granted under this section shall be subject to this proviso: PROVIDED FURTHER, That notwithstanding any other provision of law the director in his discretion may waive any requirement that any environmental impact statement or environmental assessment be submitted as to any lease negotiated and signed between January 1, 1974 and December 31, 1974.

WAC 352-32-300 Easement, franchise, license, and special use permit applications and fees (1) A party shall pay the commission process and use fees as apply according to a schedule adopted by the commission… (2) The application fee, processing fee, use fee…may be waived by the director or designee when the director or designee determines that the action authorized by an easement, franchise, license, or special use permit will be of benefit to the general public, if approved by the commission.”

Commission policy 55-06-01 Real Estate Transactions and Non-recreational Uses of Parklands “II.G. The Commission may, at its sole discretion, waive or reduce rents in lieu of other considerations when the proposed user is a public entity or a non-profit organization.”

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Commission Policy 55-06-4 Communication Facilities in State Parks Appendix 2: Communication Facilities Lease Rate Schedule - Proposed

REQUESTED ACTION OF COMMISSION: That the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Adopt the proposed lease rate schedule for communication facilities on parklands. 2. Direct staff to revise the Commission’s current real estate services fee schedule to include the Commission-approved lease rate schedule for communications facilities in state parks. 3. Direct staff to update all communication site lease agreements in a diligent manner and implement the provisions of this agenda item immediately. 4. Report to the Commission on communication site lease renewals and lease income at the November, 2007 Commission meeting.

Return to top of document Item E-5: Kanaskat-Palmer State Park—Property Suitable for State Park Purposes—Requested Action

Action Taken: Approved as requested.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to determine that the Moy property at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is suitable for state park purposes and authorize its acquisition. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Our Commitment - Your Legacy.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In 1998, the Parks and Recreation Commission adopted a long-term boundary for the state parks in the Green River Gorge Conservation Area, including Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. Due to rapidly rising land prices and unwilling sellers it has become increasingly difficult to acquire properties to fill out the Commission approved long-term boundary. Recently the undeveloped Moy property, adjacent to the park and abutting the Green River, became available. The property owner has agreed to sell this approximately one acre parcel of undeveloped land at appraised value. The property will serve as open space and help secure the Kanaskat Palmer State Park boundary. See Appendix 1 for a map of the property. Staff proposes to acquire the property using funds from a 2001 WWRP grant dedicated to obtaining properties in the Green River Gorge Conservation Area.

AUTHORITY: RCW 79A.05.030 (7)

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Kanaskat-Palmer Map

REQUESTED ACTION FROM COMMISSION: That the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Determines that the Moy property proposed for acquisition at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park as shown in Appendix 1 is suitable for state park purposes; and 2. Authorize the Director or designee to acquire this property using funds from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program.

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Item E-6: Status update and timeline for implementation of the Study of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s Capital Budget Development, Execution and Monitoring Process recommendations - Report

Action Taken: Report only, no action requested. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: On January 11, 2007, the Commission adopted recommendations included in a report prepared by Berk and Associates entitled, “Study of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s Capital Budget Development, Execution and Monitoring Process.” This item provides a status update and timeline for implementation of the recommendations outlined in the Berk and Associates Report. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan elements, “Our Commitment - Facilities and Financial Strategy.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Office of Financial Management (OFM) contracted with Berk and Associates in July 2006 for an evaluation of State Parks capital budget development and monitoring processes. The final report was issued December 1, 2006. OFM sponsored the study to help State Parks enhance its capacity in light of proposed increases in capital spending for the Centennial 2013 Plan. Funds were included in the 2006 Supplemental Budget for OFM to hire a contractor to conduct the study. Parks staff was involved in the consultant selection process. A legislative budget note stated, “The scope of the study will include, but not be limited to, processes for identifying and scoping proposed capital projects, management and administration of funded projects, and implementation of best management practices.”

Berk and Associates conducted 60 interviews that included State Parks Commissioners and staff, stakeholders, governmental staff, and external partners. They reviewed the current processes, agency publications, and budget documents, compared State Parks with other states, and performed quantitative analyses to arrive at the 30 recommendations included in the report. Berk and Associates has highlighted 13 of the recommendations as “Phase 1 Priority” action items.

Staff has discussed with OFM the need for additional funding in both the operating and capital budgets for a management tracking system, core competencies training, staffing increases and consultant services to fully implement the recommendations. The Governor’s proposed 2007- 2009 Capital Budget Proposal included some funding to assist in the implementation of the report and a proviso that requires the agency to report to both legislative fiscal staff and OFM by September 1, 2007. A key priority action item in report is the creation of a comprehensive Agency Improvement Plan that consolidates recommendations from this study with past efforts and establishes a specific implementation timeline and individual accountability for improvement. Staff anticipates a phased approach to implementation of the recommendations other than the thirteen “Phase 1 Priority” action items. To ensure focus and timely implementation of report recommendations the Director has tasked an Executive Team including the Deputy Director, Budget Director and responsible Assistant Director to provide oversight and direction. Additionally, staff reassignments have been made to identify a project lead person who will have task scoping, planning, coordination and problem solving as his primary work assignment in recognition of the importance and size of this effort.

As of May 7, a selection process has been completed to hire a consultant in order to assist with the development of the Agency Improvement Plan. A scope of work is also being finalized by the Executive Team for the consultant. One other significant development is the creation of a project manager position for each of the four park regions. The Berk Report recommended that State Parks utilize project managers to manage outside design consultants, in order to augment the additional capital workload associated with the upcoming biennium. Due to the relatively short period of time before the start of the biennium and need to initiate these capital projects immediately after its start, staff will be recruiting to fill these positions in an expeditious manner. Attached is a recitation of each recommendation and a proposed reporting format. (Appendix 1)

NEXT STEPS: 1. August 9, 2007 - Requested Action agenda item to the Commission at its meeting in Westport regarding adoption of an Agency Improvement Plan. 2. September 1, 2007 - Agency Improvement Plan submitted to Office of Financial Management and Legislative fiscal staff.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: 1. Appendix 1: Study of the Washington State Parks and Recreation’s Capital Budget Development, Execution, and Monitoring Process, recommendations and status reporting format.

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Item E-7: Capital Development Program Status - Report

Action Taken: Report only, no action requested.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item reports on the Capital Program’s progress for the 2005- 2007 biennium, funding available for the 2007-2009 biennium, and references the Agency Improvement Plan as recommended by the Berk Report. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan element, "Our Commitment – Facilities (Goal 4) and Your Legacy (Goals 7-10).”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The State Parks Capital Program underwent a complete reorganization in 2002. Since that reorganization, agency management has continued to explore ways of improving performance, customer satisfaction, and product delivery. 11

In 2006, the Governor’s Office of Financial Management (OFM) contracted for a review of Parks’ Capital Program. The resulting Berk Report made 30 recommendations for improvement, including the creation of an Agency Improvement Plan. A separate agenda item details those recommendations and progress towards completion of an Agency Improvement Plan. To assure that stakeholders, the Commission, and agency management have access to Capital Program progress, a recurring status report will be provided at each Commission meeting. Future reports will include the use of progress reporting measures identified in the Agency Improvement Plan, which is currently under development for Commission consideration at its August 2007 meeting.

The capital budget approved for the 2005-2007 biennium provided funding in a variety of categories including major maintenance, trail development, park improvements, revenue creation, new park developments, and others. This report summarizes the financial status of the capital budget as of May 23, 2007 (Appendix 1). A future visual presentation to the Commission will detail and highlight park improvements made as a result of capital budget funding in the 2005- 2007 biennium.

The Legislature and the Governor approved a Capital Budget of $52,959,000 in direct appropriations with a focus on the facility preservation element of the Centennial 2013 Plan. Appendix 2 is a high level summary of funding available in the 2007-2009 biennium.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: 2005-2007 Capital Program Expenditure Summary Appendix 2: 2007-2009 Capital Program Funding Summary

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Item E-8: Puget Sound Cleanup Program Status—Report

Action Taken: Report only, no action requested.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item reports on the progress to date towards completion of Puget Sound and Hood Canal water quality projects using funds appropriated during the 2006 Legislative Session. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan element, "Our Commitment – Stewardship.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: As part of a larger program, the Legislature appropriated $17.3 million to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (State Parks). This appropriation was prompted by an initiative led by Governor Gregoire and supported by the Legislature to clean up the waters of Puget Sound and Hood Canal. State Parks is one of several agencies and organizations working to carry out this important task. In addition to basic infrastructure renovation, this appropriation will enable State Parks to develop the concept of parks as model neighbors to saltwater shorelines in a way that can serve as an example for others to follow. Appendix 1 is a map showing the location of the twenty-four state parks included in the 2006 appropriation. Appendix 2 is a chart with basic progress information by park in matrix form.

Since the April 2007 Commission meeting: 12

1. The Interpretive and Education Plan is complete. A scope of work is being developed for implementation. The plan was developed so that it could not only be used by parks who received Puget Sound Initiative funding, but also any park where there are water quality interests and educational needs. This supports the Director’s contract, Task 2, Enjoyment, Health and Learning Goal: All 120 state parks have community events and interpretive programs.

2. General Administration approved Park purchasing authority for membrane bioreactor (MBR) treatment systems. This will expedite procurement from one vendor of all MBR systems installed. Proceeding in this direction standardizes all agency MBRs, which ultimately reduce overall operating and maintenance costs.

3. State Parks participated in a public meeting regarding the potential community system at Fay Bainbridge State Park. Of those who attended, 85% were in favor of it.

4. Discussions have occurred, and will continue, with Department of Health and Department of Ecology on how State Parks can work with both regulatory agencies to streamline and improve processes. The focus is how the agency can tap into their staffing expertise earlier in the process so they are on board and participating in understanding problems and developing solutions for all capital wastewater improvement projects.

5. At the Shine Tidelands and Wolfe Property, the project scope was to add a new comfort station, drainfield, parking lot and stormwater management. After an assessment of both sites, it was determined that at this time, there should be no improvements at the undeveloped Wolfe Property until a site development plan is completed. Because of the limited space at Shine Tidelands, staff will proceed with installing a vault toilet and improve the parking lot and stormwater management.

6. As treatment solutions are determined and more accurate cost estimates are established there are funding shortfalls on several projects. To make informed decisions on how to proceed, staff has developed criteria and is prioritizing projects to determine which projects proceed and which projects we design and permit only, then hold as additional funding is established.

7. In an effort to use state funding wisely, it was decided to postpone designing an MBR system at Kopachuck State Park. As indicated in earlier agenda items, this project has the potential to partner with two local schools. Whether or not a partnership is successful, this project is extremely short on funding. The best solution is to work toward the partnership, thereby opening up opportunities to apply for grant funding jointly with the school district. If successful, this option provides for a much better water quality solution in this area. If unsuccessful, and additional funding is not received, State Parks will need to determine whether the best solution is minor upgrades with existing funding, or design and permit the preferred solution of an MBR facility. This project will go beyond the target December 31, 2007 date.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: 13

Appendix 1: Map Showing the Location of the Twenty-Four State Parks Appendix 2: Chart with Basic Progress Information by Park in Matrix Form

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Action Taken: Report only, no action requested.

Item E-9: Centennial Outreach Team—Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item reports to the Commission on the progress of the Centennial Outreach Team and the special effort it represents to communicate park needs, the Centennial 2013 Vision, and tangible outcomes to the Governor, legislators, and the public. This item complies with the agency’s Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Our Commitment – Financial Strategies.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Commission and its Director have made the Centennial 2013 Plan and its achievement the agency’s number 1 priority over the next several years. In July, 2006 we launched a new effort to engage our regional and field staff in communicating our Centennial Vision and what it means in each legislative district through inviting legislators and their staff to tour local parks. Seventeen local park managers were selected for the effort, together with regional staff for coordination.

The goals of the outreach effort are to provide first hand information to legislators about their parks, and what urgent needs will be addressed and work completed with new funds. We also hope to foster new, long-term relationships between legislators and local park managers, learn about their interest and concerns about the park system, and thank them for their support.

While most legislators were involved in campaigns last fall, we did succeed in providing tours and having meetings with nearly 50, which significantly contributed to our visibility and success in the 2007 regular session and budget. Given that outcome, the Commission has included in the Director’s work plan for 2007 a doubling of the outreach effort.

To implement the new goal, 44 local park managers have volunteered to join or remain on the outreach team from the four regions. Training sessions for all four regions have been completed, information packets distributed, and the Director has sent all legislators a letter once again inviting them to join us for a ‘walk in the park’. The Outreach Team has now begun follow-up invitations. Fred Romero is co-leading this effort and is responsible for all PDC reports.

Staff will deliver a summary of new Outreach activity and results to the Commission at the meeting, with most recent information provided verbally.

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Item E-10: Statewide Trails Program update—Report 14

Action Taken: Report only, no action requested.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item reports on the status of the State Trails Plan. This report complies with Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Your Legacy—Trails.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Trails play a significant role in the Centennial 2013 Plan. This report provides an update on the status of trail accomplishments and opportunities in the following four major categories:

1. Water Trails  Cascadia Marine Trail – currently 55 sites, several others under construction  Willapa Bay Water Trail – currently 12 sites  Lower Columbia River Water Trail – 146 miles from Cape Disappointment to Bonneville Dam  Northwest Discovery Water Trail – 367 miles from Bonneville Dam to Canoe Camp (Orofino, Idaho)  Greater Columbia Water Trail – 512 miles from Tri-Cities to Canadian border on Columbia, Okanogan and Similkameen Rivers (in development)  Juan de Fuca Water Trail – Neah Bay to Port Townsend (proposed)  Green River Water Trail – Hanson Dam to Elliott Bay (proposed)

2. Major Land Trails  John Wayne Pioneer Trail (JWPT) – 216 miles (113 west of Columbia River, newly- acquired 103 miles, from Lind to Tekoa)  Columbia Plateau Trail – 130 miles from Pasco to Cheney  Willapa Hills Trail – 56 miles from Chehalis to South Bend  Klickitat Trail – 31 miles from Lyle to Warwick  Spokane River Centennial Trail – 37 miles from Stateline to Nine Mile Falls

3. Connections to Local Trail Systems  Pacific Crest Trail to JWPT  William O. Douglas Trail to JWPT  Coal Mines Trail to JWPT  Willapa Hills Trail to JWPT  City of Ellensburg trail system to JWPT  Spokane River Centennial Trail to Columbia Plateau Trail  Sacagawea Heritage Trail to Columbia Plateau Trail

4. Trails within State Parks  Nisqually-Mashel State Park  Miller Peninsula State Park  Banks Lake  Columbia Hills State Park  Beacon Rock State Park

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Item E-11: 2007 Legislative Outcomes—Budget and Policy—Report

Action Taken: Report only, no action requested.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item reviews state parks-related legislation passed in the 2007 Session. This complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan elements, “Our Commitment – Public Service and Financial Strategies.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The 2007 Legislature had over twenty bills introduced that focused specifically on State Parks. Bills ranged from establishing a stable funding source that dedicated a penny of property tax to State Parks, to bills transferring all the Capitol Campus buildings, monuments, and parks to State Park management.

On the fiscal side, State Parks received unprecedented levels of budget support in the 2007-09 Operating and Capital Biennial Budgets. On the operating side, the agency received a $25 million increase over the last biennium. In the capital budget passed by the legislature, the funding was approximately 50 percent above last biennium’s levels, including the increases in State Parks’ role in cleaning up Puget Sound and in the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program’s historic $100 million level appropriation and corresponding increases in its state park-related habitat and development accounts.

2007 POLICY LEGISLATION A half-dozen policy bills were signed by the Governor into law. They included the following:

Agency Request Legislation:  SB 5259 - Modifying the provisions of the sale of unneeded park land. ( Agency Request) Adds electronic/internet bidding to agency “toolbox” when selling surplus park land.  SHB 1259 – Park passes. (Agency Request) Allows the Commission to deny or revoke the issuance of any park pass in certain circumstances; for example –fraud, violation of state park rules resulting in eviction, assault, or threatening behavior. Also allows a research permit “pass” to take animals for research purposes from parks, to be issued under Commission rules.

Other Relevant Policy Bills Signed into Law:  SHB 1651 – Boating activities. Creates a boating activities account funded by receipts from the watercraft excise tax revenues. The IAC “shall create a grant program and distribute moneys” to: 1) state parks and recreation commission for boating-related law enforcement, administrative expenses and pump-out stations; 2) [other grant money] to state agencies, counties, municipalities, non-profits, and Indian tribes to improve boating access, boater safety, boater education, and boating-related law enforcement.  SSHB 1677 – Outdoor education/recreation – Creates an outdoor education and recreation grant program under State Parks for schools and others, resulting in improved student health and science scores; designates State Parks as the grantor. Administrative costs from grants/donation moneys. Funded at $ 1.4 million in Operating Budget.  SHB 2275 – Funds for State Parks. Provides for voluntary donation of up to $5 to State Parks at the point of registering or renewing license for an automobile or truck. Estimated $1.6 million in annual donations. 16

FINAL BIENNIAL BUDGETS: 2007-09 OPERATING and CAPITAL BUDGETS Parks Capital Budget – At $57 million (not including water quality) the capital budget was about double the historic average for new capital funds for State Parks. The numbers represent a "big" step forward on the "first priority of the Centennial 2013 Vision …Fix what we have."

Parks Operating Budget – At an increase of about $25 million, the operating budget will double the capacity for resource stewardship and facility repair. The budget included $3 million for Preventive Maintenance, $1.8 million in operating impact moneys, a lifeguard pilot project, $800,000 in the Department of Information Services for leasing new computer equipment for parks, and almost 40 new FTEs.

These 2007 -09 operating budget numbers of $150 million and 752 FTEs compare very favorable to the agency’s current $125 million and 713 FTEs.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Summary of 2007 Parks-Related Policy Bills Passed by the Legislature Appendix 2: Summary of 2007-2009 Operating Budget Comparison Appendix 3: Summary of 2007-2009 Capital Budget Request—Governor Budget and Conference Committee

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Action Taken: Report only, no action requested.

Item E-12: Status of State Parks Enduring Partnerships—Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item reports progress with the development of enduring partnerships. This complies with the Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Our Commitment—Service.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In 2004, the Partnership and Community Service Center Manager presented to the Commission partnership definitions, the establishment of 100 Enduring Partnerships, and future partnership actions (Appendix 1). In addition, a baseline list of partners was established. The list was divided into two categories. The first list shows partnerships where formal agreements are in place. The second list consists of ongoing partnerships without formal agreements. The Centennial 2013 Plan adopted by the Commission calls for the establishment of 100 Enduring Partnerships. To qualify as an Enduring Partnership, the following criteria were established.

 The partnership or the direct result must be long-term (i.e. lasting through 2013).  The relationship must be formalized by a written agreement between the parties.  There must be evident public benefit.  There must be consistency with agency plans, policies, and priorities.  It must be consistent with appropriate legal authority (RCW 79A.05).  There must be voluntary participation. 17

 Partners may include other governmental entities, individuals, and private non-profit and for-profit organizations.

The partnerships in the first category would generally qualify as Enduring Partnerships.

The 2004 report recommended the following actions to achieve the Centennial 2013 Plan:

 Keep public benefit at the forefront of any agreement.  Assure that partnership agreements are flexible enough to encourage relationships with groups of varying levels of sophistication (one size does not fit all).  Strengthen existing partnerships and develop relationships with new partners to respond to evolving community needs.  Nurture and strengthen "friends" groups by encouraging inter-group communication, mentoring relationships, and providing training and technical assistance in fundraising, grant writing, and board development.  Identify unmet needs that new partnerships could satisfy.  Through proper training in asset-based community development, seek to integrate park staff into their local communities to make connections with potential partners.  Maintain an inventory of partnerships and partnership benefits.

Enduring Partnership Baseline Appendix 2 is the current list of State Parks partnerships. The list is divided into two main categories; one where formal agreements exist, and another showing ongoing relationship without formal agreement. As relationships are strengthened with those partners in the second category, it is anticipated that some will sign formal agreements and move into the first category.

The baseline for formal partners has increased 45% from 99 to 180 partners.

The baseline for informal partners has increased 38% from 152 to 245 partners.

Summary The results of this report indicates that staff is leveraging partners to assist with providing quality services so that the agency may provide the level of service desired and expected by our visitors.

This is by no means a comprehensive list as this is a very dynamic program. Partnerships are being developed every day. This report only identifies partners that have been reported at this time.

Due to this growing success of partnering, the agency recognizes the need to review current policies and procedures along with the development of a new reporting and point of contact system.

Staff understands that formal and informal partners are very critical to our success in reaching our 2013 goals. Staff will provide the Commission with an annual report recognizing our existing and new partners. 18

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: 2004 Agenda Item- Status of Enduring Partnerships Appendix 2: Partnership Master List