WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Commission Meeting – April 26, 2007 – Grant County Fire District #3, Quincy

Detailed Commission Agenda Items Item E-1: Cape Disappointment State Park – Properties Suitable for State Park Purposes Item E-2: Iron Horse State Park – JWPT – SSHI, LLC dba D.R. Horton Perpetual Easement Item E-3: Timber Harvests and Sales Related to Dash Point State Park – Sewer Facility Replacement Capital Project Item E-4: Timber Harvests and Sales Related to the Kanaskat-Palmer State Park – Campground Expansion Capital Project Item E-5: Timber Harvest and Sales Related to Seaquest State Park Item E-6: Seaquest State Park – Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center – Acquisition of U.S. Forest Service Park Improvement Item E-7: Hyak Lodge Commercial Lease Item E-8: Iron Horse State Park – Amendment of Cascade Rail Foundation Agreement Item E-9: Mt. Spokane State Park Master Facilities Plan Scope of Work Item E-10: Saint Edward State Park CAMP Management Plan Item E-11: Miller Peninsula and Sequim Bay Vision and Development and Conservation Concepts Item E-12: Wenatchee Area State Parks Classification and Management Planning (CAMP) Project Item E-13: Puget Sound Cleanup Program Status Item E-14: Status Update and Timeline for Implementation of the Berk and Associates Item E-15: 2009 Regular Meeting Schedule for WSPRC Item E-16: 2006 Workforce Diversity Achievements and Continuing Efforts 2

Item E-1: Cape Disappointment State Park—Properties Suitable for State Park Purposes—Requested Action

Action taken: Approved as requested

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to determine that three properties at Cape Disappointment State Park are suitable for state park purposes and authorize their acquisition. This complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Our Commitment— Your Legacy.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In 2003, the Parks and Recreation Commission adopted a long-term boundary for Cape Disappointment State Park. In the Seaview Dunes portion of the park, the Commission adopted long-term boundary extends approximately one mile north of current State Parks ownership.

Within the Seaview Dunes area two properties recently became available: one owned by the Portner family and the other owned by the Glenn family. A third property owner, NACO West, may have an interest in selling its property in fee, granting a conservation easement on a portion, or accepting a right of first refusal that would allow State Parks the first opportunity to purchase it if/when they elect to sell. See Appendix 1 for a map of the three properties.

Currently available funds are sufficient to acquire at least one property, with additional funding anticipated for this purpose in the next biennium.

AUTHORITY: RCW 79A.05.030 (7)

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Seaview Area Map

REQUESTED ACTION FROM COMMISSION: That the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Determines that the Portner, Glenn, and NACO West properties proposed for acquisition at Cape Disappointment State Park as shown in Appendix 1 are suitable for state park purposes; and 2. Authorize the Director or designee to acquire these properties using funds from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, the Parkland Acquisition Account, and donations.

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Item E-2: Iron Horse State Park - JWPT - SSHI, LLC dba D.R. Horton Perpetual Easement—Requested Action—Expedited

Action taken: Approved as requested 3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to grant SSHI, LLC dba D.R. Horton (SSHI) a perpetual easement for the purpose of installing and maintaining underground utilities including, but not limited to, natural gas, water, eletrical transmission, cable television and communication lines across Iron Horse State Park – John Wayne Pioneer Trail (JWPT). This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan elements, “Our Commitment – Financial Strategy; Facilities.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In March 2007, SSHI had requested, and the Commission authorized SSHI, to construct a new sewer line and needed equipment required to supply sewer service to a planned sub-division within the city limits of Ellensburg across the JWPT in Kittitas County. Subsequent to this easement grant, SSHI has notified staff that additional utilities were erroneously excluded from their original application/request.

SSHI Project Proposal The proposed project will construct additional utility crossings within the same ditch as the original sewer line as shown on Appendix 2. The anticipated temporary impacts will include a trench approximately six (6) feet wide by eight (8) feet deep and approximately one-hundred and twenty-five (125) feet long, together with temporary trail closures as needed to construct the line. Following construction, all trail facilities will be returned to in as-good or better condition.

Under terms of the easement, SSHI will be assessed a fair market value use fee (currently estimated at $16,000 plus administration fees) and be required to monitor the impact area for at least two (2) years thereafter to prevent any maintenance issues that may arise.

AUTHORITY: RCW 79A.05.070 - Further Powers (5) Grant franchises and easements for any legitimate purpose on parks or parkways, for such terms and subject to such conditions and considerations as the commission shall specify; Commission Policy 55-06-1 Real Estate Transactions and Non-recreational Uses of Parklands, Section II, General Principles.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Vicinity and Aerial Map Appendix 2: Project Area

REQUESTED ACTION OF COMMISSION: Staff requests that the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Authorize the Director or designee to grant a perpetual easement to SSHI, LLC dba D.R. Horton for the purpose of installing additional underground utilities as described in this item across parkland within Iron Horse State Park. 2. Authorize the Director or designee to make necessary legal description or other administrative adjustments as required to complete the transaction.

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Item E-3: Timber Harvests and Sales Related to the Dash Point State Park Sewer Facility Replacement Capital Project—Requested Action

Action taken: Approved as requested

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to authorize the Director or his designee to sell timber removed during construction of a new sewer system at Dash Point State Park. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Our Commitment – Stewardship.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission received funding in 2005 for the capital development of a new sanitary sewer system at Dash Point State Park in Federal Way. This project is necessary as the existing drainfield is at the end of its useful lifecycle. The new sanitary sewer system will tie into the Lake Haven Utility District’s municipal sewer system at the Palisades at a Dash Point apartment complex located at 31843--48th Court S.W. adjoining the park. This is the closest and most convenient tie-in location to the municipal sewer system. In order to install the sewer lines a 20’ wide clearing limit has been established to mobilize equipment, dig trenches, and install sewer lines. The alignment designated for clearing traverses through existing developed areas and forest. Dash Point does not have an approved CAMP and hence there is no land classification for the construction area.

In total, approximately 320 merchantable trees spread out over two acres of land will be removed due to this activity. The timber has been deemed surplus to the needs of the park. A public meeting to discuss the pending timber sale was held on March 8, 2007. This action complies with Forest Practices rules and other applicable laws and regulations. Staff has taken advantage of existing clearings, trails, and reusable portions of existing sewer lines where practical to minimize the overall clearing impacts. The project also includes a restoration plan to mitigate impacts and restore the disturbed area.

Net revenue derived from the sale of timber will be deposited in State Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account pursuant to RCW 79A.05.035(7). A portion of these funds will be used for dispersing non-merchantable materials on the ground for natural purposes and restoration of cleared areas related to this project. The anticipated gross revenue or value from the sale of downed-trees is estimated at $16,000.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Authorities Appendix 2: Public Comments

REQUESTED ACTION OF COMMISSION: That the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Delegate authority to the Director or designee to approve the sale of timber removed from Dash Point State Park for the construction of a new sanitary sewer system. The sale is contingent upon the completion of all regulatory requirements including Forest Practices and the timber sale guidelines in WAC 352-28-020.

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Item E-4: Timber Harvests and Sales Related to the Kanaskat-Palmer State Park Campground Expansion Capital Project—Requested Action

Action taken: Approved as requested

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to authorize the Director or his designee to sell timber removed during construction of a 50-unit campground expansion at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Our Commitment – Stewardship.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission received funding in 2005 for the development of a 50-unit campground expansion at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park to meet the growing demand for camping near the Green River Gorge. Timber removal is necessary to develop the infrastructure and facilities for the new campground area. A public meeting to discuss the pending timber sale was held on March 5, 2007 . The area designated for clearing is classified as “recreation” in accordance with the Green River Gorge Area CAMP adopted by the Commission in September of 1997.

In total, approximately 925 merchantable trees spread out over eight acres of land will be removed to accommodate construction of the new facility. This timber has been deemed surplus to the needs of the park system. This action complies with Forest Practices rules and other applicable laws and regulations.

Net revenue derived from the sale of timber will be deposited in State Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account pursuant to RCW 79A.05.035(7). A portion of these funds will be used for dispersing non-merchantable materials on the ground for natural purposes and restoration of cleared areas related to this project. The anticipated gross revenue or value from the sale is estimated at $57,000. SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Authorities Appendix 2: Public Comments

REQUESTED ACTION OF COMMISSION: That the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Delegate authority to the Director or designee to approve the sale of timber removed from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park for the construction of a new 50-unit campground. The sale is contingent upon the completion of all regulatory requirements including Forest Practices, SEPA review, and the timber sale guidelines in WAC 352-28-020.

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Item E-5: Timber Harvests and Sales Related to Seaquest State Park—Requested Action

Action taken: Approved as requested 6

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to authorize the Director or his designee to sell, through a competitive sales process, timber removed during salvage operations to clear downed trees at Seaquest State Park. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Our Commitment - Stewardship.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In October 2006, timber just outside the Seaquest State Park’s northwestern boundary was harvested. The newly created forest edge made the dense, remnant plantation forest on park property extremely susceptible to severe winds. Beginning the afternoon of December 14, 2006, a wind event in western Washington led to the failure of numerous trees across the State Parks’ system. The situation was particularly extreme along the newly harvested property boundary at Seaquest State Park. To maintain park operation, Southwest Region staff removed some downed trees to clear the maintenance road to the park drainfield. The amount of down material greatly exceeds park maintenance, development, and environmental needs. If the downed trees are left in place, there is the potential for a buildup of Douglas-fir bark beetle. The downed trees will be attacked by beetles starting this spring. If salvage operations are delayed more than one year, there is a potential for the population to significantly increase and for beetles to move on to nearby standing trees. Park staff are exploring options for future forest prescriptions, developed through a forest health planning process, to address issues of future blow-down, habitat creation (the existing plantations have limited habitat value), acceleration of old growth attributes, and forest health in general.

The lands impacted by this action have not been classified by the Commission. In 1993, The Washington Natural Heritage Program did an assessment of Natural Forest eligible parcels throughout the State Parks’ system. The forests of Seaquest State Park were not recommended for this status during the 1993 Natural Forest Inventory. Hence, in the absence of a Commission approved land class, park staff is managing this area in a manner compatible with the Resource Recreation classification. Pursuant to WAC 352.28.010(c) timber harvests are allowed in Resource Recreation forests for “cleanup of trees fallen, tipped, or damaged by the weather, fire, or other natural causes.”

Net revenue derived from the sale of timber will be deposited in State Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account pursuant to RCW 79A.05.035(7). A portion of these funds will be used within available appropriation authority for the clean-up of non-merchantable materials. The anticipated gross revenue or value from the sale of downed trees is estimated at $20,000.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Authorities Appendix 2: Public Comments

REQUESTED ACTION OF COMMISSION: That the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: D elegate authority to the Director or designee to approve the sale of timber salvag ed from the northwestern corner of Seaquest State Park, where trees were significantly impacted by a December 14-15, 2006 , extreme wind event. The sale is contingent upon the completion of all regulatory requirements including Forest Practices and the timber sale guidelines in WAC 352-28- 020.

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Item E-6: Seaquest State Park—Mount St. Helens Visitor Center— Acquisition of United States Forest Service Park Improvement— Requested Action

Action taken: Approved as requested

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to authorize the Director to accept ownership transfer of the building and improvements of the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center (Visitor Center) from the United States Forest Service. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan elements, “Our Commitment – Enjoyment and Learning and Public Service.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In 1986, six years after the Mount St. Helens catastrophic eruption, the U.S. Forest Service constructed a major visitor center on Washington State Parks’ property bordering Silver Lake to interpret the geologic phenomena of the eruption and devastation of Mount St. Helens. It has been a major statewide attraction since its opening. After the Visitor Center opened, four additional visitor centers opened to the public: two operated by the U.S. Forest Service, one by the Weyerhaeuser Company, and one by Cowlitz County. A major highway was also developed to the blast zone to handle the thousands of visitors who come to that area of Washington.

For fourteen years, the U.S. Forest Service operated the Visitor Center adjacent to Seaquest State Park, as part of a three-center operation interpreting the cataclysmic eruption and regeneration of Mount St. Helens. The U.S. Forest Service, due to declining budgets and a decision to concentrate its efforts on the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, decided to discontinue its operation of the Visitor Center.

The Visitor Center is just five minutes off Interstate 5. It is the most frequently used of all the Mount St. Helens visitor centers, although it is 45 miles from the actual site of the eruption. This Visitor Center plays a critical role in the local tourism economy as it provides a way to keep visitors in the area to patronize local businesses. This is particularly true in the off-peak seasons when other centers are closed or operating on reduced hours. A closed visitor center discourages visitors to stop and spend time in the area. The Visitor Center is an introductory experience, and not only attracts the traveler who is unwilling to travel the extra two hour roundtrip to the monument, but creates an opportunity to encourage visitors to make the effort to visit all of the centers. Because of its importance to the local economy and service to the users of Seaquest State Park, Washington State Parks began operating the Visitor Center on October 1, 2000, as a one- year, revenue-supported pilot project under a special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service. After completing the first year, an evaluation of this operation was performed. Visitor comments indicated that without a center near Interstate 5, they may not have chosen to travel the additional 45 miles to explore the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The public and local business association responded favorably to the five-day-per-week winter operation and extended summer weekend operating hours. Campers at Seaquest State Park enjoyed additional summer interpretive programs provided by this Visitor Center’s interpretive staff.

Based on the success reported in this evaluation, Washington State Parks entered into a three-year special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service to continue operating the Visitor Center through September 30, 2004. This action was consistent with the authority delegated to the Director by the 8

Commission on July 28, 1995. The 2001 Legislature approved $432,000 of the Park Renewal and Stewardship Account (PRSA) appropriation for the operation of this Visitor Center.

During the first year of operation (December through March), the Visitor Center was operated five days a week. Public visitation prompted the staff to operate the Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days per week, year around, and to extend the summer weekend operating hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Visitor Center is operated under the direction of the Upper Cowlitz River Area Manager. The Northwest Interpretive Association, a non-profit organization and long time partner in the operation of the Visitor Center’s bookstore with the U.S. Forest Service, was retained to help park staff with public service.

Parks staff, using a portion of the fees collected from Visitor Center visitors, has continued to operate the Visitor Center for the past seven years under a permit from the U.S. Forest Service. The U. S. Forest Service continues to have funding problems with the operation of the national monument. In a further effort to downsize and consolidate their operational activities, they have decided they would like to convey all of the U.S. Forest Service park improvements at Seaquest State Park to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Those improvements include a 16,000 square foot Visitor Center with interpretive exhibits, a 195 space parking lot, associated paths and paved walkways, and a ¾ mile wetland interpretive board walk.

Visitor Center Future If transferred to Washington State Parks, the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center will continue to operate in much the same way as the current operation on generated use fees. Because the U.S. Forest Service will no longer receive a portion of the use fees, these will be utilized to offset major maintenance and repairs to the almost 20-year-old structures. (See Appendix 1 for revenue and operating projections.) The U.S. Forest Service and Washington State Parks will continue to cooperate together by coordinating their interpretive messages, market each others services, and provide assistance when needed. The U.S. Forest Service has also offered to include park staff in their yearly interpretive training program, which will benefit park staff.

The Visitor Center is well located to be a portal to the natural resources of the state. Washington State Parks will utilize the Visitor Center to not only encourage visitation to the Mount St. Helens Volcanic Monument, but to provide tourist information for the local area and the state as a whole. This trip-planning service is another way Washington State Parks can serve visitors to our state. The Visitor Center will help the general public better understand the natural systems at work within Washington. The Visitor Center offers opportunities to work with other state agencies, such as our colleges and universities, and to provide dynamic interpretive programs on the geologic history of Washington State.

In summary, the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center offers an exceptional opportunity at Seaquest State Park to provide a full range of programs. These programs will reflect the mission of Washington State Parks that, “…fosters outdoor recreation and education statewide to provide enjoyment and enrichment for all, and a valued legacy to future generations.”

AUTHORITY: RCW 79A.05.070 (2)

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Revenue and Operating Projections 9

Appendix 2: Draft Forest Service Conveyance Documents

REQUESTED ACTION OF COMMISSION: That the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Find that this action is consistent with existing Commission policy. 2. Find that this property is a suitable addition to the park system and consistent with the Commission’s goals and Strategic and Action Plan. 3. Authorize the Director or designee to accept the U.S. Forest Service Mount St. Helens Visitor Center building and all of the improvements on park land within Seaquest State Park. 4. Direct park staff to continue with their working relationship with the U.S. Forest Service to provide visitor information and experiences in the Mount St. Helens area.

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Item E-7: Hyak Lodge Commercial Lease—Requested Action—Expedited

Action taken: Approved as requested

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to approve a three-year commercial lease, with an automatic two-year renewal unless terminated, of Hyak Lodge (Hyak). This complies with the Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Our Commitment – Financial Strategy.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Washington State Parks acquired a former snowplow-operator's dormitory from the WSDOT in 1996. The Snoqualmie Pass facility was then upgraded for building codes and amenities, and opened to the public in 1999 for group rentals. Hyak features a 1,500 square-foot central meeting room, a den with a fireplace, a dining room, a commercial kitchen, and an attached two-story dormitory wing with 34 sleeping rooms and communal restrooms. The building contains a total of 13,000 square feet of space.

State Parks has operated Hyak for more than seven years with a series of four private concessionaires. The agency's annual operational expenses have exceeded its lease fees by an average of approximately $35,000 per year. That loss excludes the value of staff time, which was significant. The private concessionaires have also lost money. Hyak has never generated the amount of business necessary to operate economically or to achieve its public service potential.

In the summer of 2006, the agency conducted a competitive bid for a new concessionaire. No responsive bids were returned. The agency then explored a wide range of alternative uses of the facility, leading to an agreement-in-principle for a commercial lease to Suncadia Resort, based in Roslyn. Suncadia is a 6,300-acre master-planned destination resort community that will eventually have thousands of private homes, three golf courses, and a lodge with hundreds of vacation rental units. The company proposes us ing Hy ak to house its seasonal hospitality service employees. Hyak may also be made available for public rental during ski season.

Lease Agreement Highlights 10

TERM The lease will run three years beginning May 2007, with an automatic two-year extension unless declined by either party, for a potential total of five years.

PREMISES The premises consist of the lodge itself, the adjacent parking area, and bridge. Premises do not extend to the Hyak Trailhead of the Iron Horse State Park.

LEASE FEE Suncadia will pay a base lease fee to State Parks of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) over five years, plus leasehold excise tax of more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). A portion of the lease fee will be paid monthly as revenue, while another portion will be held as reserve for major equipment replacement. If not needed, the reserve becomes revenue to Parks. Lessee is responsible for routine maintenance and small equipment replacement.

Financial Projection 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Total Direct Cash to Parks $36,000 $58,000 $68,000 $78,000 $88,000 $328,000 Maintenance Reserve $24,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $72,000 Total Base Lease $60,000 $70,000 $80,000 $90,000 $100,000 $400,000 Event Revenue $6,000 $7,000 $8,000 $9,000 $10,000 $40,000 Property Insurance ($4,000) $4,500 ($5,000) ($5,500) ($6,000) ($16,000) Operational savings $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $175,000 Est. Benefit to Parks $590,000

OTHER FEE Suncadia will pay 20% of gross revenue to State Parks on public rentals.

INSURANCE State Parks has added Hyak to the State's Master Property Insura n ce policy. The cost is $4,000 per year and the policy has a deductible of $250,000. Suncadia will maintain "Damage to Rented Premises" insurance in the amount of the $250,000 deductible, and will also carry commercial general liability insurance.

DAMAGES If Suncadia prematurely abandons the lease or fails to perform its obligations, it faces damages of ten-thousand dollars ($10,000) in addition to other damages.

REQUESTED ACTION OF COMMISSION 1. St aff requests the Commission authorize the Director or designee to execute a commercial lease of Hyak Lodge to Suncadia LLC, and any renewals or similar successor leases at Hyak Lodge.

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Item E-8: Amendment of Cascade Rail Foundation Agreement—Iron Horse State Park—Requested Action

Action taken: Approved as requested

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to allow the Cascade Rail Foundation (CRF) at Iron Horse State Park, permission to sell beer and wine for on-site consumption at the South Cle Elum Rail Yard (SCERY). The CRF has requested that the agency approve the sales of wine and beer at the SCERY to complement food sales. Under the current agreement approved by the Deputy Director in December 2004, CRF’s permitted use is for a restaurant, gift shop, recreational equipment rental, and sale of miscellaneous items that support the CRF’s activities and the public use of Iron Horse State Park. Staff is proposing that the Commission authorize amendment of the agreement to allow beer and wine sales for on-site consumption to complement food sales. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Our Commitment - Financial Strategy - So that citizens know that innovation and accountability will sustain their parks.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In December 2004, the Deputy Director approved a new cooperative agreement with the CRF for a term of 20 years. Section 2.1, Subsection D of the agreement permits “operation of a restaurant, gift shop, recreational equipment rental, and sale of miscellaneous items that support the CRF's activities and public use of Iron Horse Sate Park.”

APPLICABLE ADMINISTRATIVE RULES – WAC: Commission approval is required to allow alcohol consumption in a state park facility.

WAC 352-32-210 Consumption of alcohol in state park areas.

(2) Opening, possessing alcoholic beverage in an open container or consuming any alcoholic beverages is prohibited at the following locations:

(a) Dash Point State Park; (b) Saltwater State Park; (c) Sacajawea State Park;

Except in the following designated areas and under the following circumstances:

(ii) In any building, facility or park area operated and maintained under a concession agreement wherein the concessionaire has been licensed to sell alcoholic beverages by the Washington state liquor control board, and where the dispensation of such alcoholic beverages by such concessionaire has been approved by the commission. STAFF ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: CRF has requested that the agency approve the sales of wine and beer at the SCERY. Staff believes the primary market for the beer and wine sales will be visitors to the SCERY and Iron Horse State Park to complement their meal. Because of the expected limited nature of these sales, park staff does not anticipate a significant increase in alcohol related visitor contacts. 12

Staff believes that the availability of this additional service at the SCERY will be appreciated by the visiting public and will generate additional sales for the CRF and the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the SCERY, a part of the Iron Horse State Park. Accordingly, staff recommends that the Commission authorize the Director or designee to amend the cooperative agreement with the CRF to allow the sales of beer and wine for on site consumption at the South Cle Elum Rail Yard on the Iron Horse State Park.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Amendment to Cooperative Agreement with CRF Appendix 2: CRF request to Amend Cooperative Agreement Appendix 3: Town of South Cle Elum Letter of Support

REQUESTED ACTION FROM COMMISSION: That the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission approve the amendment to the Cooperative Agreement with Cascade Rail Foundation to include the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption to complement food sales at the South Cle Elum Rail Yard.

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Item E-9: Mt. Spokane State Park Master Facilities Plan Scope of Work —Requested Action

Action taken: Approved with modifications

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission to include analysis of a proposal to expand alpine skiing into the Potential Alpine Ski Expansion Area at Mt. Spokane State Park in the scope of work for the Mt. Spokane Master Facilities Plan and its associated environmental review. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Your Legacy.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

History As part of its October 1999 C lassification and M anagement P lanning action for Mt. Spokane State Park, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) left unclassified a portion of the park covered by the current ski area concession agreement known as the Potential Alpine Ski Expansion Area (PASEA). In the Spring of 2006, Mount Spokane 2000 (MS 2000), the non-profit alpine ski area concessionaire at Mt. Spokane State Park, came to the Commission with a proposal to expand skiing into about 400 acres of the 850-acre PASEA (Appendix 1). The expansion proposal also came with preliminary support from the Mt. Spokane State Park Advisory Committee, in conjunction with that committee’s work towards developing a comprehensive trails plan for the park.

In response, the agency engaged in a master facilities planning process with MS 2000 and the community, starting last autumn. That process consists of two phases. The end of Phase 1 is this completed Commission action item and decision. Phase 2 would include the development of a master facilities plan and a detailed environmental review and analysis. 13

Staff held three public meetings on the proposed expansion, attracting more than 100 people at each meeting. The agency web site contains all materials provided to the public at those meetings, along with comments and questions raised at the meetings and by email to staff. In addition, staff participated in numerous sessions and discussions with the Mt. Spokane State Park Advisory Committee, MS 2000, natural resources agencies, community groups and other interested parties. The Commission has received briefings at four work sessions providing background information and planning updates. At its last meeting on March 8, 2007, the Commission heard testimony for and against inclusion of the PASEA in the Phase 2 scope of work.

Key Issues and Considerations The question of whether to further consider development in the PASEA requires weighing the relative values of expanding alpine skiing versus natural resources protection in the context of the history of Mt. Spokane State Park and the core values, mission and vision that guide the operation of the agency as the steward of a valuable public resource. This agenda item and appendices portray information on several relevant and significant factors for Commission consideration and provides additional data requested by the Commission at the March 2007 meeting.

Quality of Information During the development and evaluation of financial, market, and biological information, staff has worked with consultants to obtain the best information possible. It has also been described to the public that information gathered is preliminary and not definitive.

Predicting profitability of alpine skiing operations is difficult. It requires making assumptions about market share between several regional ski areas, future trends in skiing, how a north facing slope impacts the number of days in a ski season, the ability of MS 2000 to raise substantial capital funds, and continue its significant amount of donations. Financial outcome models using the assumptions above have been prepared as part of the planning completed to date. It is staff’s opinion that additional financial analysis needs to be part of future planning and decision making regarding the possible inclusion of alpine skiing in the PASEA.

Biological data are also general at this stage. Some rare and iconic animals may use the PASEA, although there is no conclusive evidence that the area is critical habitat for any rare plants or animals. Significant voids exist in understanding the role of the PASEA and the balance of the park as habitat to sustain the animal populations. For some animals, the PASEA represents an extreme perimeter of their potential range. A determination of the local/regional need for the habitats found in the PASEA and the importance of Mt. Spokane State Park remains to be made, especially in an environment subject to changes with global warming and continued fragmentation of habitat by regional growth and development. Staff has described species and habitat within the PASEA as being “priority.” WDFW catalogs habitats and species considered to be priorities for conservation and management on a Priority Habitat and Species list. The list includes State Endangered, Threatened, Sensitive, and Candidate species, those species of recreational, commercial, or tribal importance that are vulnerable, and the habitat which supports those species. For plant species an adequate survey is still required. The PASEA is potential habitat for five Federal and/or State listed endangered, threatened, or sensitive plant species. Yet overall, biological impacts of development of the PASEA are not well understood.

Community Perception of Commission Decisions 14

The decision being asked of the Commission is whether to include the PASEA in the Scope of Work for the Mt. Spokane Master Facilities Plan. The Requested Action in this item is not a staff recommendation to expand skiing into the PASEA. Under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), the Commission cannot make that decision until it receives adequate environmental information. However, many people are likely to perceive continued study of expanding alpine skiing into the PASEA as an indication of a final Commission conclusion, especially in light of the substantial investment of time and money required from both MS 2000 and the Commission to complete a facilities master plan and associated environmental analysis.

1999 Commission Criteria and Current Evaluation In 1999, the Commission identified five specific parameters to guide this decision. Below, based on information available to date, is staff’s conclusion on each of those issue areas:

1. A range of alternatives for long-term use and deve lopment within the existing and potential alpine ski area: The planning process developed alternatives that include no action, improving only the existing developed ski area, and two alternatives that expand skiing into the PASEA. Two options emerged as most viable. One, called the Improved Facilities Alternative, focuses on the existing developed ski area, with some minor expansion permitted around the northern Chair 4 area. The other, called the Shared Facilities Approach, carries out the Improved Facilities Alternative and expands alpine skiing into the PASEA.

2. Regional recreational demand analysis for downhill skiing and snowboarding: The Mt. Spokane Ski Area has been holding fairly steady at 13 percent of the regional alpine skiing market over the last 10 years. Without expansion into the PASEA, the percentage of market share is projected to drop over the long-term by almost half. It is unclear if actual visitation would remain constant or suffer some degree of decline in actual total skier days. Many of its competitors have already, or are about to increase skiable terrain. All of its competitors are less susceptible to bad weather conditions due to north-facing terrain and other factors.

3. Financial analyses of alternatives including potential fiscal implications: The MS 2000 business model relies heavily on volunteer support and donations, without which the ski operation risks financial failure. MS 2000’s biggest asset appears to be its broad-based community support and historic ability to raise funds for improvements when needed. Even as a non-profit business, its financial condition is marginal and data gathered in the planning process to date indicates that marginality will be true irrespective of the PASEA decision. Additionally, cost analysis done to date does not include assumed increased operating impacts on the park associated with ski area expansion.

4. Biological assessment of alternatives, including impacts on endangered, threatened, and sensitive species and their habitats : Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) identify bona fide sightings of wildlife species on the federal and state endangered and threatened species list within the PASEA (Appendix 2). However, information regarding the impacts of ski area expansion on those species is unavailable at the time of this writing. Parks staff has requested information from WDFW, and has asked WDFW to present that information to the Commission as part of its decision making process for this issue. Parks staff understands that impacts associated with expansion of alpine skiing into the PASEA include loss of wildlife habitat, the negative effects of 15

increased human presence, and cumulative impacts on wildlife migration.

The Washington Natural Heritage Program has identified the PASEA and Mt. Spokane State Park as containing three significant vegetation communities associated with the undisturbed forest. A more complete survey and condition assessment is required to fully understand the significance of impacts of development in the PASEA. Such an assessment would be completed as part of the environmental analysis and SEPA requirements of a study of possible alpine ski expansion into the PASEA.

The biological scarcity and significance of the PASEA and the park is minimal at a global level because it is at the very southerly edge of a vast eco-region, centered on the west side of the Canadian Rockies. At the state level, the forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows of the PASEA represent an important natural resource, but more study is needed to determine its relative scarcity and significance. At a more local level, the PASEA is an important contributor to wildlife movement and priority habitats, with Mt. Spokane State Park being the core of the most significant open space and wildlife corridor system in Spokane County. As such, WDFW has planned its regional conservation strategy with the state park as a center for continued preservation.

At the March 2007 Commission meeting, several Commission members requested additional information on the natural and cultural history of the PASEA. Information collected from history link websites and archival data suggest that logging, recreation for economic development, and preservation were primary forces on the mountain while it was evolving into a state park. Aerial photo interpretation and review of property transactions are not definitive in determining past logging activity in the PASEA. A large forest fire in 1910 motivated preservation efforts on the mountain resulting in the purchase of 120 acres of mature timber south of the PASEA in 1939 to protect it from logging, and “to forestall a serious fire hazard which would be the certain result of the slashings left by lumbering operations” – Cheney Cowles. As regards historic ski area development, Appendix 3 contains a map showing the location of the previous alpine lift-assisted activities in the area.

5. Assessment of effects on existing recreation, including snowmobile, equestrian, bicycle and pedestrian trail use : If the PASEA were used for alpine skiing, there would be improved opportunity for alpine ski and snowboard activities, and minor positive and negative effects on other recreational activities. Some separation of incompatible uses could aid snowmobiling, and some additional summer trail opportunities could assist hiking, biking and equestrian activities. On the other hand, there would be some reduction in pure backcountry skiing opportunities.

Appendix 4 contains background on the creation of Mt. Spokane State Park and the community ideas and ideals that affected its past. Excerpts from Commission policies that apply to this decision can be found in Appendix 5.

Financial Ramifications It is also important to understand the financial implications for both State Parks and MS 2000 as the Commission’s non-profit concessionaire. The planning and environmental review process is a major financial undertaking for both State Parks and MS 2000. The estimated cost of this work is 16 approximately $150,000 plus management costs for State Parks and $250,000 plus staff costs for MS 2000. The expected costs are $100,000 to $150,000 less if alpine ski expansion into the PASEA is not included in the scope of work, with most of the cost savings being realized by MS 2000.

ALTERNATIVES: While a number of variants have been discussed by staff this agenda item presents two alternatives, with detailed information found in Appendices 6 and 7.

1. Alternative 1 includes the PASEA in the scope of work for a facilities master plan and environmental review. In this alternative the Commission would direct staff to work with MS 2000 to develop a mutually agreeable plan and development schedule for redevelopment of the existing ski area and possible expansion into the PASEA for Commission consideration. Appendix 6 contains an explanation and arguments for this approach.

2. Alternative 2 excludes the PASEA from the scope of work for a facilities master plan and environmental review. This alternative limits improvements of terrain, facilities, and amenities to within the existing developed area of the MS 2000 concession agreement, with some expansion in the Chair 4 area included for consideration. Appendix 7 contains an explanation and arguments for this approach.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends continued analysis of the expansion of alpine skiing into the PASEA as described in Alternative 1 above. Staff believes that a quality viable, recreational ski area is consistent with the mission and vision of the agency and the cultural heritage of Mt. Spokane State Park. A future staff recommendation to the Commission requesting approval of the expansion of alpine skiing into the PASEA as described in Alternative 1 is contingent upon the completed facilities master plan and environmental review confirming or concluding the following:

1. MS 2000 agrees, and subsequent planning and financial analysis demonstrates, the ability to meet Commission requirements for what constitutes a quality viable, recreational ski area on Mt. Spokane; 2. MS 2000, to the satisfaction of the Commission, demonstrates the ability to finance agreed upon improvements, based upon the approach described in Appendix 6; 3. The impacts of development in the PASEA are fully described following a thorough environmental review and analysis; 4. The completed Mt. Spokane Facilities Master Plan, after considering all factors, supports the expansion of alpine skiing into the PASEA.

AUTHORITY: RCW 79A.05.030 (1).

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Map of Ski Operation and PASEA Appendix 2: Biological Considerations: Presence and Significance of Species and Habitats Appendix 3: Historic Use of PASEA for Skiing Appendix 4: Mt. Spokane State Park History Appendix 5: Commission Policy Guidance Appendix 6: Alternative 1 - Include PASEA in Scope of Work 17

Appendix 7: Alternative 2 - Exclude PASEA from Scope of Work

REQUESTED ACTION OF COMMISSION: That the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Consider the data, views, or arguments submitted by any person or organization on the proposal to include the area known as the Potential Alpine Ski Expansion Area in the scope of work for the Mt. Spokane Master Facilities Plan; 2. Clearly affirms that a decision to include analysis of the Mount Spokane 2000 proposal to expand alpine skiing into the Potential Alpine Ski Expansion Area does not assure or imply prejudice a future Commission approval of decision on development in the Potential Alpine Ski Expansion Area; 3. Directs staff to include the area known as the Potential Alpine Ski Expansion Area within the scope of work for the Mt. Spokane Master Facilities Plan and the associated in the proposed action for environmental review; 4. Directs that staff work with Mount Spokane 2000 to develop a mutually agreeable plan and development schedule for the redevelopment of the existing Mount Spokane Ski Area and possible expansion into the Potential Alpine Ski Expansion Area for future Commission consideration, based upon the approach described in Appendix 6; 5. Directs that staff identify for Mount Spokane 2000, at the earliest opportunity, the structure, process, funding requirements, and timelines for completing a facilities master plan and environmental review regarding the redevelopment of the existing Mount Spokane Ski Area and proposed expansion of alpine skiing into the Potential Alpine Ski Expansion Area; 6. Directs that staff begin work on a facilities master plan and environmental review only after: a) a detailed scope of work and budget has been developed that precisely identifies financial responsibilities of State Parks and Mount Spokane 2000; and b) an agreement between both parties identifies expected long-term responsibilities for operations and capital improvement costs; and 7. Directs that staff bring a progress report to the Commission at least every six months during the facilities master plan and environmental review work effort.

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Item E-10: Saint Edward State Park Management Plan—Requested Action

Action taken: Approved with modifications

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to approve the park Management Plan for St. Edward State Park. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Our Commitment – Stewardship.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In August 2005, the State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) directed staff to prepare a Classification and Management Plan (CAMP) for Saint Edward State Park. The Commission adopted park land classifications and a long-term boundary at its January 12, 2007, meeting. 18

Beginning in the fall of 2005, staff initiated two sets of public meetings; the first to identify public issues and the second to solicit public comments on three alternative management themes. Staff created an advisory committee during the fall of 2005 to provide guidance to the Director on the wide array of management issues associated with the park. The make-up of the Advisory Committee emphasized obtaining information from the public who frequently use the park.

The Advisory Committee met more than two dozen times as a body; in addition, it met in sub- committees and held six public meetings. Their commitment and advice has proved invaluable.

Management Plan Approval The Advisory Committee prepared recommendations on the content of the park Management Plan in addition to providing counsel on the long-term boundary and land classifications. The recommendations covered 15 topic areas: (1) parking; (2) use of the seminary building; (3) ballfields; (4) traffic; (5) cultural landscape; (6) improved beach area; (7) gymnasium; (8) pool; (9) trails; (10) natural resources; (11) shoreline protection; (12) special event alcohol sales and alcohol brought in by visitors; (13) staff housing; (14) governance; and (15) general topics. These recommendations helped staff develop the Saint Edward State Park Management Plan (Appendix 2).

For purposes of comparison, Appendix 3 contains the verbatim Advisory Committee recommendations side-by-side with the staff recommended Management Plan language. Of the 80 Advisory Committee recommendations, staff agrees with 54; makes clarifying or strengthening revisions to 18; revised 6; and disagrees with two elements of the Seminary Building recommendation. Additionally, staff recommended Management Plan language adds fourteen new items. The table on the following page summarizes the major staff recommendations that differ from the Advisory Committee’s recommendations.

Topic Summary of Revision or Disagreement Parking Requires proponent to share in cost or provide a plan. Additional visitation may not require additional parking in the park. Adds language about fostering non-vehicular access. Use of Seminary Makes positive statements on role of historic building use and incorporating Building natural, cultural and recreation attributes in park management. Removes reference that use of the Seminary Building must be secondary to and complementary to the primary attraction of the park: as natural sanctuary and recreation site. Inserts reference to Commission Cultural Resources Policy. Emphasizes need to maintain historic character of the Seminary Building. Expands language regarding alteration of seminary grounds. Make positive statement on compliance with all requirements of National Park Service and IAC. Adds state policy on energy efficient buildings. Ballfields Clarifies park manager’s role. Allows for field improvements within footprint of existing field consistent with Commission January, 2007 policy direction on Community Recreation Facilities. Makes statement about role of local government and facility financing. Traffic Provides authorization for a road to access any new staff housing. Removes redundant language. 19

Cultural Landscape Clarifies that when prepared, the Cultural Resources Management Plan will supersede National Park Service guidelines and Advisory Committee recommendations. Improved Beach Provide s latitude for better service and greater health protection in response Area to regulatory change or change in physical setting. Gymnasium Makes statement about role of local government and adequate financing. Pool Encourage other governments to participate in pool funding. Makes statement about role of local government and adequate financing. Trails Broadens recommendation for improved trails to all trails in the park. Adds trail condition evaluation s as a starting step. Includes re-design , resource protection and modern standards as options. The creation of a trail management plan in an open planning process should address most situations. Natural Resources Allows for tree removal to implement a forest management plan that achieves certain desired outcomes. Provides for preservation and enhanc ement as well as prevention and treatment. Directs the creation of inventories including a condition assessment. Shoreline Protection No change Special Event Alcohol Sales and No change Alcohol Brought in by Visitors Staff Housing Identifies potential role for future tenant(s) in replacing staff housing. Governance Director will appoint an Advisory Committee to provide advice to Park Manager. General Topics No significant change.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Vicinity and Location Map. Appendix 2: Staff Recommended Management Plan for Saint Edward State Park. Appendix 3: Comparison of Staff and Advisory Committee Management Plan Recommendations.

REQUESTED ACTION FROM COMMISSION: That the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Express its deep appreciation to all participants on the Saint Edward State Park CAMP Advisory Committee for their thoughtful efforts in preparing recommendations on a land classification, long-term park boundary, and park Management Plan; 2. Authorize the Director to appoint a Saint Edward State Park Advisory Committee with a Director-approved charter; and 3. Approve the Management Plan as contained in Appendix 2., except for and excluding the section labeled, “Uses of Seminary Building.” 4. Direct staff to complete an evaluation of the seminary building including an historic context study by the National Park Service and a comprehensive structural evaluation. 5. Report the results and recommendations of the evaluation of the seminary building to the Commission and public immediately upon completion. 6. Eliminate the following language, “within the footprint of the existing (in 2006) field” from the “Ballfields” section of the management plan, as contained in Appendix 2. 20

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Item E-11: Miller Peninsula and Sequim Bay State Park Concept —Requested Action

Action taken: Approved with modifications

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to adopt planning principles and a park concept to guide development of the Miller Peninsula property and redevelopment of Sequim Bay State Park. The item also requests that the Commission formally name the Miller Peninsula property as Juan de Fuca State Park. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Your Legacy – New Destinations.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Project Inception In 2005, the Commission formally identified development of a new park at Miller Peninsula near Sequim (Appendix 1) as part of State Parks’ Centennial 2013 Plan. The Centennial 2013 Plan proposes a budget request of $12 million over the next three biennia to plan, permit, and construct basic facilities for the park. For the 2005-07 biennium, the agency received a capital appropriation to complete preliminary park planning tasks. These included:

 Explore with the public a full range of potential experiences and supporting facilities suited to the Miller Peninsula property.  Craft a park concept with the public for Commission adoption that will inspire support and engage partners to help achieve it.  Formally name the park.  Complete pre-design activities necessary for project budgeting.

Staff estimates overall property development cost could exceed $40 million. Appendix 2 describes the proposed park concept.

Overall Development Process Staff developed a five-phase development process with the goal of opening the park for initial public use in 2013. While timing depends entirely on funding, staff anticipates the following general phases: Phase 1: Craft park concept, name, and identify development/conservation elements (2005-07). Phase 2: Prepare park master plan, environmental review, and schematic design (2007-09). Phase 3: Complete design development, construction documents, and obtain permits (2009-11). Phase 4: Construct welcome center, day-use area, trailheads, trail system and related infrastructure (2011-13). Phase 5: Construct major recreation facilities, administrative facilities, and complete infrastructure (2013-15).

Current Planning Process (Phase 1) 21

The intent of Phase 1 is to involve the public in crafting a park concept, naming the park, and identifying potential development and conservation elements to consider during park master planning (next phase of planning). In Phase 1, staff completed the following tasks:

1. Asked the public to identify hopes/concerns and suggest potential development and conservation ideas. 2. Prepared preliminary environmental opportunities and constraints analysis. 3. Prepared alternative concepts for public input. 4. Prepared single preliminary park concept for public input. 5. Asked public to suggest park names for Commission consideration. 6. Requested formal Commission adoption of guiding principles for park planning and finalized park concept. 7. Requested formal Commission naming of the Miller Peninsula property.

Guiding Principles To help inform public expectations of the park planning process, staff created six guiding principles (Appendix 3). Staff continues to review the principles at the start of every public workshop, exploratory committee meeting, and presentation to civic organizations, interest groups, and local government bodies. In describing the principles, staff addresses many of the public’s fundamental concerns about the project while setting a positive, collaborative, and solution- oriented tone to the meeting or presentation that follows.

Public Input Public input for this project came to staff and the Commission from several constituencies and through a variety of mechanisms. Not surprisingly, park neighbors and local recreation and conservation interests account for most of the direct public input. Although the internet and e-mail have revolutionized public participation, engaging and obtaining input from the broader statewide Parks’ constituency remains a challenge.

Park Exploratory Committee To expand on local input, staff assembled an exploratory committee to help facilitate communication with the public (Appendix 4). While still largely made up of local members, the committee included representatives of user groups from throughout the Olympic Peninsula region and began to reflect a more regional and statewide perspective.

Public Workshops, Web Postings, and Questionnaires To help structure input, project staff divided public participation into four distinct stages: 1) Hopes and Concerns; 2) Alternative Park Development and Concepts; 3) Single Preliminary Concept; and 4) Final Concept Recommendation. Appendix 5 (available upon request) provides public meeting notes, hard copies of written public comment, and tabulations of written public comment.

1) Hopes and Concerns For the hopes and concerns stage, project staff held a public workshop in Sequim. Approximately 160 participants identified concerns, as well as potential recreation and conservation opportunities for both Sequim Bay State Park and the Miller Peninsula property. Participants followed up after the workshop with over thirty e-mail comments.

To reach a broader statewide audience, project staff also e-mailed a questionnaire to visitors who had camped at Sequim Bay State Park during the prior two seasons. The questionnaire 22

asked for ideas on how to improve the visitor experience at Sequim Bay State Park, as well as ideas on recreational development and conservation of the Miller Peninsula Property. Sixty visitors responded to the questionnaire sharing a wealth of personal experience and insight – particularly about how to improve Sequim Bay State Park.

2) Alternative Park Development and Conservation Concepts In the next stage, project staff and consultants incorporated suggestions into four alternative park concepts: Family/Group Retreat, Accessible Wilderness, Adventure Sports, and Cultural Campus (Appendix 6). The alternatives describe four distinct kinds of park and suggest the types of amenities each might provide. At this early stage, concepts were intentionally general – providing enough information to impart a visceral sense of each, while not creating specific expectations about particular facilities, their appearance, or location within the park.

Over one hundred people participated in a second public workshop, indicated their preferred concept, and provided specific input on each. Staff also received over one hundred e-mail comments and questionnaires in response to materials posted on the agency website – roughly two thirds from the local Sequim area and one third from outside the area.

While there were some notable differences between local and non-local preferences, the Accessible Wilderness concept resonated with a resounding majority of participants. The Family/Group Retreat concept won some favor with participants from outside the area, while the Adventure Sports concept received significant support from locals (although a large number of local participants stated their opposition to the Adventure Sports concept as well).

The local vs. non-local difference is however not surprising. It follows that visitors from outside the area would place higher importance on overnight accommodations emphasized in the Family/Group Retreat concept. Local residents by contrast, place a higher importance on developing recreational amenities like trails, conserving natural areas, and limiting overall development to protect their neighborhoods.

3-4) Single Preliminary and Final Recommended Park Development and Conservation Concept Building on the Accessible Wilderness concept and popular elements from the other concepts, project staff and consultants next developed a single preliminary concept: Nature Within Reach. At a third public workshop, almost one hundred people suggested ways to fine-tune the preliminary concept.

Although not adequately reflected in the written workshop notes, participants indicated a general satisfaction and support of the Nature Within Reach concept. Nevertheless, some disagreement among participants persisted about whether or not to include a lodge as a potential amenity and whether to reduce overall development footprint from 10% to 5% of the site. Staff now has incorporated public input into a recommended park concept for Commission adoption (Appendix 2).

Park Name During the Alterative Concepts stage of the planning process, project staff began to solicit the public for potential names for the Miller Peninsula property. Since that time, staff collected over forty name suggestions (Appendix 7). 23

With respect to park naming, agency administrative rules direct that, “…The official name of any state park area shall generally include in it the term "state park." See WAC 352-16-010(2). Commission policy further provides: “In naming of sites, priority shall be given to geographic locations, historic significance or geologic features. Park sites may be named for a living person if the site has been donated by the individual. Where it is desirable to give recognition to a living person for their contribution to the State Park system, it is permissible to name for them individual natural or man-made features within a park.” See Commission Policy 72-78-1. Staff pared suggestions to six names and outlined the pros and cons of each.

Centennial State Park Juan de Fuca State Park Miller Peninsula State Park Olympic Discovery State Park Quiet Waters State Park Rain Shadow State Park

Name Pro Con Centennial State Park  Links to the agency  Potential for confusion with the Centennial Plan agency’s Centennial Trail Juan de Fuca State Park  Ties park to a major  Names park after a little known water body recognized explorer (adding “Strait of” too statewide cumbersome)  Park could be anywhere along the strait Miller Peninsula State Park  Geographically most  Not a geographic name accurate recognized outside the Sequim area Olympic Discovery State Park  Ties park to the  Potential for confusion with the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic Discovery Trail and the interpretive aspects Olympic National Park of the park Quiet Waters State Park  Translation of  Does not tie the park to any Jamestown S’Klallam geographic location recognized word from which throughout the state Sequim is derived Rain Shadow State Park  Describes unique  Not a widely understood quality of the area phenomenon beyond the Olympic Peninsula

Project Funding Staff anticipates requesting funding for development of a new park on the Miller Peninsula property and other new park development projects during the 2009-11 biennium.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Park Concept Staff recommends that the Commission adopt the finalized park concept as described in Appendix 2 to guide future development of the Miller Peninsula Property and redevelopment of Sequim Bay State Park.

Guiding Principles 24

Staff recommends that the Commission adopt the project’s guiding principles as contained in Appendix 3 to guide future planning activities for the Miller Peninsula property and Sequim Bay State Park.

Park Name Staff recommends that the Commission name the Miller Peninsula property Juan de Fuca State Park.

AUTHORITY: RCW 79A.050.030(1), WAC 352-16-010, WAC 352-11-052, Commission Policy 15-78-1 Advisory Group Policy – Citizen and Commission Policy 72-78-1 Naming of Parks

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Sequim Bay State Park and Miller Peninsula Vicinity Map Appendix 2: Final Park Development and Conservation Concept Recommendation Appendix 3: Guiding Principles for Park Planning Appendix 4: Miller Peninsula Park Exploratory Committee Appendix 5: Public Workshop Notes, Written Public Input, and Tabulation of Written Public Comment (available upon request) Appendix 6: Alternative Park Development and Conservation Concepts (available on project webpage www.parks.wa.gov/plans/millerpenn) Appendix 7: Public Name Suggestions for the Miller Peninsula Property

REQUESTED ACTION OF COMMISSION: That the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Express its gratitude to the Miller Peninsula Park Exploratory Committee for their efforts on behalf of the park. 2. Adopt the park concept described in Appendix 2 as recommended by staff. 3. Adopt the guiding principles contained in Appendix 3, as modified at the Commission meeting, to guide future phases of park planning as recommended by staff. 4. Direct staff to proceed with park master planning and associated environmental review as funding is secured. 5. Adopt Juan de Fuca State Park as the name of the Miller Peninsula property.

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Item E-12: Wenatchee Area State Parks Classification and Management Planning (CAMP) Project—Requested Action

Action taken: Approved with modifications

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Commission to adopt a long-term boundary and land classification plan for the Wenatchee area state parks: Daroga, Lincoln Rock, Peshastin Pinnacles, Squilchuck, and Wenatchee Confluence. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 Plan element, “Our Commitment – Stewardship.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: 25

The Classification and Management Planning (CAMP) Project In December 1995, the Commission adopted a revised land classification system (WAC Chapter 352-16). At about the same time, staff sought to fulfill an agency Strategic Plan objective to prepare management plans for each park in the system. The agency’s Classification and Management Planning Project (CAMP) derived from dual goals: to develop long-term boundaries/classify lands and prepare park management plans.

The Wenatchee Area CAMP project The Wenatchee Area State Parks consist of three Chelan County Public Utility District-owned camping parks along the Columbia River (Daroga, 186 acres; Lincoln Rock, 80 acres; and Wenatchee Confluence, 197 acres) plus two agency-owned day-use parks (Peshastin Pinnacles, 30 acres; and Squilchuck, 263 acres). The Wenatchee Area CAMP planning process began in December 2005 with selection of the core planning team comprised of the Wenatchee Confluence and Lincoln Rock State Park Area Managers, Eastern Region staff, and the Chelan County PUD Recreation Coordinator, with State Parks Headquarters planning staff mentoring and assisting. The process continued with a staff scoping meeting to gather initial planning information and identify management issues.

In two public workshops, stakeholders shared their vision of what the Wenatchee Area State Parks should become. Public participation was also engaged by sending approximately 3,000 e-mails to park neighbors, local businesses, and people who had reserved campsites at the parks in the last two years. The mailing list was later narrowed down to the 240 people who responded to the initial contact. Numerous documents, public comments, and meeting notices were posted on the park planning webpage, and follow-up e-mails were sent each time a new document was posted. Most of the input came via e-mail; public workshops were sparsely attended.

Long-Term Park Boundary Staff is recommending establishment of a long-term park boundary for each park (Appendix 1) with the following changes from existing park ownership or management:

Daroga:  Include the Auvil Fruit Company in-holding into the park management area to build one or two additional group camps.

Lincoln Rock:  Retain the existing park boundary.

Peshastin Pinnacles:  Acquisition of the 20-acre parcel adjacent to the north boundary of the park to act as a buffer between the park and potential residential development.

Squilchuck:  Surplus a small parcel across street from park entrance with no anticipated future park use.

Wenatchee Confluence:  Include the Hawley Street Chelan County PUD shops property into the park management area to develop a day-use picnic area. 26

 Include the “old orchard” property, north of the Chelan County PUD shops, into the park management area to add to the Horan Natural Area.  Include the private property, east of the old orchard property, into the park management area to build an environmental education/interpretive center.  Include the narrow strip of property on the north side of the Wenatchee River (just upstream from the railroad bridge) into the park management area to allow for the construction of a non-motorized boat take-out area.

Land Classification Plan Classification (Appendix 1) is proposed as a mixture of Recreation, Resource Recreation, and a Natural Area.

Recreation Areas include:  Existing campgrounds and existing park administrative areas.  The more highly developed sections of the parks, including the part of the Apple Capital Loop Trail adjacent to the campground at Wenatchee Confluence, the lodge and campground at Squilchuck, the parking lot and restroom at Peshastin Pinnacles, most of Daroga, and all of Lincoln Rock.

Resource Recreation Areas include portions of the parks that are most suited and/or developed for natural and/or cultural resource-based medium-intensity and low-intensity outdoor recreational use, such as the trails and climbing areas at Peshastin Pinnacles, portions of the Apple Capital Loop Trail that run through less developed portions of Wenatchee Confluence, and the forested areas at Squilchuck.

The only proposed Natural Area classification is the existing Horan Natural Area.

Park Management During initial stages of planning, staff worked with stakeholders to craft a series of objectives to guide future management of the area. Later, staff developed a draft Park Management Plan, portions of which are attached as Appendix 2.

AUTHORITY: RCW 79A.050.030(1); WAC 352-16-010(4); WAC 352-16-020; WAC 352-32- 075(3)(a); WAC 352-32-070(2); and WAC 352-04-020. Commission policies 50-62-1, 72-99-1, and 65-04-2.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Wenatchee Area State Parks Proposed Long-Term Boundary and Land Classification Appendix 2: Wenatchee Area State Parks Management Objectives and Management Issues

REQUESTED ACTION OF COMMISSION: That the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Receive staff's findings that the “Determination of Non-Significance" originally issued on March 15, 2007, sufficiently addressed the environmental impacts associated with this request, and resulted in a finding that the proposed action is minor and the environmental effects are not significant; 27

2. Consider the data, views, and arguments submitted by any person on the proposed long-term park boundary and land classification for the Wenatchee Area State Parks; 3. Adopt the long-term boundary and land classification as recommended in Appendix 1; 4. Approve the conditional use of non-motorized bicycles on trails in Wenatchee Confluence State Park (other than those within the Horan Natural Area), Lincoln Rock State Park, Daroga State Park, and Squilchuck State Park, and the conditional use of horses on designated multi- use trails and development of equestrian support facilities in Squilchuck State Park; 5. Affirm that long-term boundary and land classification decisions are for Commission policy direction only and should not affect private property values, or be used as an indication of a property owner’s willingness to sell, or as a basis for regulatory, permitting, or zoning decisions on private land holdings, and; 6. Direct that staff work with owners of properties within the park’s long-term boundary to voluntarily protect natural resources contiguous to park property to achieve the desired conservation effect and avoid the need for fee acquisition of these properties.

Return to top of document Item E-13: Puget Sound Clean-Up Program Status—Report

Action taken: Report, 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 March 2007 Commission meeting:

1. The Interpretive and Education Plan is approximately 90 percent complete. There will be signage at each of the Puget Sound Initiative parks. Also included are five basic interpretive programs that each of the parks can use to support the Centennial 2013 goal for interpretive programs in all parks. The plan also includes proposals for several showcase interpretive displays. Current funding supports one and lays the groundwork for future showcase projects as funding is secured. Interpretive signing is scheduled to be in the parks in 2007. 28

2. Staff is working with Department of Ecology and a consultant to develop a standard specification for all membrane bioreactor (MBR) treatment systems that are constructed as a result of Puget Sound/Hood Canal funding.

3. Discussions are continuing with the City of Bainbridge Island regarding the Fay Bainbridge State Park wastewater project. This park has the potential to incorporate a regional MBR wastewater treatment system. This project could be a showcase for using reclaimed water for toilet flushing at the new comfort station.

4. Meetings are continuing with Department of Ecology and Department of Health to help projects move through regulatory requirements at a faster pace.

5. Discussions are continuing with the Peninsula School District and the related water district for Kopachuck State Park to determine whether neighboring schools would be hooked into the park wastewater treatment facility.

6. Parks has been partnering with Puget Sound Action Team and Department of Transportation at Triton Cove and Pleasant Harbor State Parks for storm water treatment solutions.

7. Parks has continued to work with the Skokomish Tribe and Mason County PUD on a regional wastewater treatment solution that would include an expanded Potlatch State Park.

8. The Green Vision Report describes a plan to make Twanoh, Fort Casey, and Saltwater state parks examples of model neighbors to Puget Sound as part of our public education and interpretive efforts for the Puget Sound Initiative. The Report will detail strategies and provide an illustrative vision plan for each of the three parks, as well as several illustrative perspective sketches and a narrative description of key green improvements in each park.

9. Progress is continuing at the design level for other projects not identified above. With all projects that include the potential for regional or shared wastewater treatment facilities, State Parks is proceeding on meeting its goal of wastewater improvements within each park by the end of 2007.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: 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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Item E-14: Status Update and Timeline for Implementation of the Berk and Associates Study—Report

Action taken: Report, 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 29

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 the 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 recommendations not included in the thirteen “Phase 1 Priority” action items. To ensure focus and timely implementation of report recommendations, the Director has tasked 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. Attached is a recitation of each recommendation and a proposed reporting format (Appendix 1).

NEXT STEPS: 1. June 14, 2007 - Progress report to the Commission at its meeting in Pullman. 2. August 9, 2007 - Requested Action agenda item to the Commission at its meeting in Westport regarding adoption of an Agency Improvement Plan. 3. September 1, 2007 - Agency Improvement Plan submitted to Office of Financial Management and legislative fiscal staff.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Study of the Washington State Parks and Recreation’s Capital Budget Development, Execution, and Monitoring Process, recommendations and status reporting format. 30

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Item E-15: 2009 Regular Meeting Schedule for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission—Report

Action taken: Report, no action requested

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item reports to the Commission on the proposed 2009 meeting dates and locations for their regular meeting schedule. This complies with our 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: Schedule of Meeting Dates and Locations Appendix 3: Map of Previous Meeting Dates and Locations Appendix 4: Options for Meeting Dates and Locations for 2009 Appendix 5: Calendar for Year 2009

Return to top of document Item E-16: 2006 Workforce Diversity Achievements and Continuing Efforts —Report

Action taken: Report, no action requested

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item reports on the progress of diversity efforts as a follow up to the November 2005 report to the Commission. This item complies with our Centennial 2013 plan element, “Our Commitment – Public Service.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Commission adopted a diversity policy statement at its March 2005 meeting (Appendix 1). Staff reported on 2005 diversity efforts at the November 2005 Commission meeting (Appendix 2). The agency as a whole continues to make significant progress in diversity achievements.

AGENCY PROGRESS ON DIVERSITY: 2006 Completed Actions:  Hiring Statistics: The agency hired four females and one person of color as new park rangers. As of December 31, 2006, the agency has 162 females and 53 persons of color in permanent positions. Also as of that date, the agency hired 465 Park Aides, Senior Park Aides, and Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) members for 2006. This includes: 31

Females - 209 (44.9%): up from 43.6% in 2005 People of color – 49 in 38 parks (10.5%): up from 8.7% in 2005  Diversity Specialist: The agency hired a part-time Diversity Specialist in December 2005 to focus on outreach efforts.  Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks: The program coordinated 25 diverse events around the state (Appendix 3).  Diversity Camping Program: Six camping events utilizing a variety of parks and activities were held in 2006 that included five diverse families and one youth outreach group. Program staff coordinated 20 “learn to ride” sessions in partnership with the Snowboard Outreach Society. The sessions were hosted by White Pass and Snoqualmie Pass and involved 200 youths. Staff also planned/coordinated a guided snowmobile event involving three agency partners (USFS, Cispus Conference and Learning Center, and Junco Snowmobile Club).  Boating Programs: Staff participated in five community events and gave multiple presentations in Western Washington for people of many different national origins including: Asia-Pacific Islanders, Chinese, Korean/Filipino, Samoan, Hispanic, Native American, African-American, and Eastern European. Boating and Water Safety media campaigns were conducted in Spanish, Vietnamese, combination of English and Tagalog, Korean, Chinese, and Russian.

 Affirmative Action Plan: The Human Resource (HR) Service Center recently developed the agency’s four-year Affirmative Action Plan. The plan includes hiring goals for people of color, females, persons with disability, Vietnam-era veterans, and disabled veterans for job classifications where the agency is under-utilized.

2006 Agency Efforts to Increase Diversity:  Diversity Task Force: A task force of employees representing each service center and region was reestablished and meets every other month to discuss strategies for diversity programs, events, recruitment, and retention.  Diversity Outreach: The Diversity Specialist is establishing relationships with diverse organizations, colleges, high schools, other state agencies, and private sector businesses for recruitment purposes (Appendix 4).  Region Efforts: Each region made numerous diversity efforts (Appendix 5).  Park Aide/WCC Recruitment: The HR Service Center established an applicant tracking form for parks to report their recruitment efforts for WCC and Park Aide positions (Appendix 6). HR is analyzing the data and will assist those parks that had difficulty reaching diverse candidates.

2007 Continuing Agency Efforts:  Commission Work Session on Diversity: At the June 2007 work session, Commissioner Fearn will facilitate a discussion about the value and purpose of diversity in Washington State Parks, with the goal of developing a clear vision to articulate to staff and the public.  Management Led Diversity Focus: The agency is evaluating the potential for a member of the Senior Management Team to lead at least a one-year focused effort on diversity issues. This project would address at least the following: evaluation of barriers to diversity at Parks, ensuring staff have a clear understanding of the Commission’s vision, implementing strategies to further diversity in Parks, and developing a partnership with natural resources agencies at all levels of government around diversity issues. The decision 32

regarding this effort will be made following the June commission work session on diversity.  Diversity Discussions: The Diversity Task Force will create sub-committees to begin having one-on-one discussions with park staff regarding diversity (barriers, agency culture, etc.).  Affirmative Action Goals: The Diversity Specialist will have one-on-one discussions with Senior Management Team members to discuss hiring goals as identified on the agency’s Affirmative Action Plan, recruitment opportunities, and barriers.  Affirmative Action Statistics: The HR Service Center will review and distribute affirmative action statistics quarterly.  Park Ranger Testing/Selection Process: The HR Service Center is working with the Department of Personnel’s Assessment and Selection staff to review the Park Ranger recruitment and testing process. This review includes and assessment of possible barriers to diversity.  Park Aide/WCC Recruitment: In 2007, the HR Service Center is working directly with those parks that have had difficulty recruiting diverse candidates this year.  Internships: Puget Sound Region applied and was approved for an internship this summer through the National Park Services’ Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program. The program provides career exploration opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students from diverse communities in historic preservation and cultural resources management. The costs for the internship are split with the Park Service. In addition, HR is currently working with the University of Washington’s Becoming Citizens Program on the possibility of offering internships to students at Puget Sound Region parks.  Americorps Grant: Parks has submitted a grant application that would bring 20-40 inner city diverse youth into an internship program funded by Americorps. Interns would receive training to better prepare them for careers with state parks and other natural resource fields.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: March 2005 Commission Agenda Item—Diversity Policy Statement Appendix 2: November 2005 Commission Agenda Item—Workforce Diversity Report Appendix 3: Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks year end summary Appendix 4: Diversity Contact list Appendix 5: Region Diversity Efforts Appendix 6: 2006 Applicant Tracking Form