Senior Staff Meeting Notes - November 2017

MARYLAND PARK SERVICE

SENIOR STAFF MEETING NOTES

November 8, 2017

Tuckahoe State Park Headquarters

Attendees: Nita Settina, Chris Bushman, Amanda Mock, Mary Owens, Mike Riley, Christy Bright, Steve McCoy, Mark Spurrier (next meeting’s manager-of-the-month – Central)

REGIONAL REPORTS

West - Christy Bright

·        Association of Southeast State Park Directors Conference – Many State Park systems are prioritizing identifying the natural and cultural resources in each park; using citizen scientists to gather data (e.g. bioblitz efforts); better serving more visitors and a more diverse clientele; operating with less resources; and developing carrying capacity plans due to experiencing park closures due to filling to capacity.

·        In response to concerns about damage (e.g. pets) to MPS cabins, mini-cabins, and other facilities, Amanda Mock will investigate damage fee possibilities (e.g. deposit fees, damage assessment procedures) with CAMIS and/or State Treasurer’s Office. 

·        Western staff are developing a plan to freshen yurts at Rocky Gap and Deep Creek Lake.

·        Discussed development of a Spring 2018 survey, in partnership with Frostburg State University, of park visitation sustainability and natural resources impacts.

·        Reminder – As per established attendance reporting procedures, it is absolutely essential that park managers ensure that all visitation count data is accurate and includes explanatory notes.

Central – Steve McCoy

·        Staff are working with Montgomery County police to address Black Rock Mill parking enforcement strategies at Seneca Creek.

·        Avalon History Center (Patapsco Valley) is under reconstruction and is scheduled for completion / reopening in Spring 2018.

·        Discussed proposals for the Gittings-Baldwin property and DNR lease / curatorship procedures.

·        Sewer line relocation / Bloede Dam deconstruction is underway. Secretary Belton visited site last week.

Southeast – Mike Riley  

·        MPS headquarters staff working to correct uniform item numbers in DGS system that prompted incorrect and late uniform order fulfillment. Field staff should email headquarters fiscal officers if uniform parts are not received within three months (by next uniform order).

·        Sandy Point State Park, NRP, MdTAP and AA County Police will continue to implement the traffic management strategy initiated in summer 2017.

Reviewed October customer satisfaction survey comments, as well as year-to-date park visitation data.

ADMINISTRATION (Amanda Mock)

Compliments to staff who participated in the pilot Close Quarters Defense course. Senior staff will review evaluations and discuss next steps.

·        Discussion of the results of the first annual seasonal employee survey. A total of 144 respondents provided generally positive comments. Park Managers to follow up on specific employee comments.

·        We strongly encourage all classified and long-term staff to complete the 2017 MPS employee viewpoint survey by November 13.

·        Senior Staff discussed a recent civil rights training and actions being taken in the field to ensure that parks meet non-discrimination obligations.

·        Christy Bright has attended recent Accident Review Board meetings and has reviewed and taken action on 35 DNR employee vehicle accidents.

·        Important for Park Managers to check employees’ driver’s license status annually, in accordance with the DBM Policies and Procedures for Vehicle Fleet Management http://www.dbm.maryland.gov/Documents/FleetManagementServices/fleet_mgmt_manual.pdf. Sites to use include the MVA’s LMS and/or DARS systems.

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS (Mary Owens)

·        There are 304 projects in the Project Review queue and a description of project types that require project review will be distributed.

·        The Susquehanna State Park Strategic Management Plan was just approved and the Belt Woods Strategic Management Plan is under development. 

·        The new MPS Chief of Interpretation, Melissa Acuti, is working on 2018 First Day Hikes and a new Park Quest program is under development.

·        Chief of Interpretation will coordinate the Scales & Tales Program in collaboration with field staff.  

SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE (Nita Settina)

·        Discussion of the fall manager meeting agenda and final details.

·        Electric bicycles are considered Off-Road Vehicles, as they are motorized vehicles, and are therefore not allowed on State Park trails. However, DNR is looking into the potential use of electric bicycles on State lands in the future.

·        Governor Hogan recently announced Executive Order 01.01.2017.24 establishing a Maryland Outdoor Recreational and Economic Commission. This commission will be responsible for developing strategies and making recommendations to the governor to strengthen the state’s outdoor recreation industry and help ensure increased investment in our state’s outdoor recreation.

·        State Highway Administration stormwater management projects are underway throughout the state, including at Orange Grove (Patapsco Valley State Park).

DEPUTY SUPERINTEDENT (Chris Bushman)

·        No policy issues brought forth at this time.

·        Regional Managers to provide Chris Bushman with recommended Pet Policy amendments prior to the next Senior Staff meeting.

·        2017 NRP Officer of the Year - Submit nominations.