MARYLAND PARK SERVICE
SENIOR STAFF MEETING NOTES
January 18, 2022
Via Google Hangout Meeting
Attendees: Nita Settina, Amanda Mock, Mary Owens, Christy Bright, Steve McCoy, Andrew Hangen, and Patrick Bright. (Next Visiting Manager of the Month – Western Region).
PLANNING AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS – Mary Owens
· To date, 22 projects have been submitted for project review in 2022. There were 403 projects in 2021 – the highest number ever. The previous record was 396 projects in 2019.
· Restoration Projects – Seneca Creek meetings ongoing with Soil Conservation District (SCD) on regenerative farming at Pier Point property. The SCD plans to work on similar efforts at Patuxent after the Seneca effort is implemented. Discussion about trail access around agricultural fields and Senate Bill 86 of 2022. Working on new management strategies for two agriculture leases at Sassafras NRMA with lease terms that are ending soon. Discussion about developing a strategy for a 30-acre agricultural area near Calvert Cliffs that went out to bid but did not receive any bids. A draft restoration project tracking table has been developed by MPS Project Review staff and is being reviewed and improved.
· Strategic Management Plans – Point Lookout SMP is done. Assateague and Janes Island SMPs are nearly finished. Cunningham Falls, Swallow Falls, Bohemia River, Rocky Gap and Deep Creek Lake are nearing completion of review.
· Historic Resources – A determination was made that we do not have to redo the ridge vent on the roof at the schoolhouse near Fort Frederick.
· Interpretation – Installation of the new mural at Sandy Point State Park’s nature center is scheduled to start this week. The 2022 Park Quest theme is pollinators and meadow habitat.
REGIONAL REPORTS
South and Conservation Programs – Patrick Bright
· Greenwell Foundation Agreement – Discussion about partnering with the Foundation on the potential installation of a Ventek Gate. Regional Manager Bright and park staff still discussing this concept, and DNR FAS approval for this strategy would be required.
· Conservation Programs – Discussion about Senate Bill 228 “Maryland Corps Program – Revisions”. Among other things, the bill creates a significant mandatory appropriation for a Maryland Department of Education "Maryland Corps Program" and allows funding to be used for a: (1) Maryland Civilian Climate Corps to serve the state and local park systems and to alleviate park staff shortage; and (2) Maryland Historic Trades Corps to place young adults and young veterans in regionally based work crews tasked with rehabilitation of state historic resources.
Central – Steve McCoy
· Seneca Creek – The hunt was moderately successful - twenty deer were harvested.
· Gunpowder Falls - Unfortunately had to cancel the first day due of the Sweet Air Area hunt due to poor weather.
· Bohemia River – Discussion about the impending opening, current projects, and ensuring that visitors are able to reach park staff if there are issues with the new gate. A soft opening is planned for January 28th.
West – Christy Bright
· Cunningham Falls – Staff is meeting with Ricard Ortt this week to discuss a water monitoring project at Hunting Creek, to help ascertain the source(s) of significant nutrient loads in the creek. A Nature Center design meeting occurred last week, and staff will be working on a procurement for this project.
· Swallow Falls – Discussion about a bridge replacement project meeting occuring this week to chart out a stormwater management strategy.
· DNR Incident Management Team – DNR is looking for new members for the DNR Incident Management Team. Interested staff should inform their Park Manager / Regional Manager. The IMT is hosting a drill/training event operation this spring at Western Maryland parks. Regional Managers should submit IMT member recommendations to Regional Manager Christy Bright and Superintendent Settina.
East – Andrew Hangen
· Assateague – Discussion about the janitorial and concessions procurement outcomes and next steps. Surprise MOSH inspection last week, that appeared to go reasonably well.
· Pocomoke River – Discussion about expanding pet friendly areas and working with Amanda Mock to amend the existing policy.
· Cypress Branch – Park staff will submit a proposed budget for remaining work that could be funded with POS access funding. Park staff can likely complete remaining work associated with the entrance road and small parking area. It would be ideal to officially open the park during State Park Week (April 15-22, 2022).
All Regions
· The 2021 park attendance tracking spreadsheet indicates approximately 20.4 million visitors in 2021. These numbers will be finalized over the next two weeks.
· The December 2021 customer service survey results were reviewed.
· Park Inspection Reports – The Regional Managers should be working with Park Managers to develop updated Park Inspection Reports using the new form.
· Finance –The Governor’s proposed FY 2023 budget will be released tomorrow. Over the next three months, the Maryland General Assembly will review and then approve the State’s FY 2023 budget. The FY 2022 park/program Google budget projection spreadsheets should be updated through December 2021 to allow a thorough mid-year assessment of expenditures and determine whether adjustments are required. Discussion about service procurements moving forward to DGS’s Office of State Procurement.
· Personnel – Discussion about the status of various recruitments and recent posting of seasonal jobs. The 2022 seasonal hiring template will be made available to staff soon.
· Park Reservation Service – Over the next three months we intend to update the pin pads associated with the CAMIS reservation system. More information will be forthcoming.
SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE
· State Parks Week – Parks are encouraged to develop events and outreach associated with State Parks Week (April 15-22, 2022). We hope to celebrate the opening of several parks and amenities during State Parks Week, including the Sandy Point State Park nature center and Patapsco Valley history center.
· Next month, the Governor plans to declare 2022 the year of Harriet Tubman.
· Program Open Space Public Access Funds – A new DNR policy will allow this very significant funding source to be used for a greater variety of park infrastructure development needs.
· The December 2021 Senior Staff Meeting Notes were reviewed.
· It is recommended that Park Managers procure KN95 and/or N95 masks for park staff use. Park staff are encouraged to wear this most effective type of mask protection.
· Thank you to the many park staff who managed recent weather events and cleared and reopened parks in such a timely manner.
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