SENIOR STAFF MEETING NOTES August 10, 2022

SENIOR STAFF MEETING NOTES

August 10, 2022

Via Google Meet

 

Attendees: Nita Settina, Amanda Mock, Mary Owens, Christy Bright, Steve McCoy, Andrew Hangen and Patrick Bright. (Next Visiting Manager of the Month – Southern Region).

 

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS – Mary Owens

 

·        To date, 278 projects have been submitted for project review in 2022 and Shane is the sole coordinator at this point.

·        Scales and Tales – Need to identify a new food supplier in response to concerns with the current supplier. Discussion about implementing recent program recommendations, such as not increasing the current number of birds in the program and seeking specified approval to add additional animals.

·        Forest Pests – Additional citings of Spotted Lanternfly in parks.

·        Project Butterfly and Bumblebee – Please let Maddy Williams know if any pollinator gardens, meadows, or trees are planted so we can report these efforts to policymakers and build support for parks conservation efforts.

·        Strategic Management Plans (SMPs) – Assateague plan is with the Office of the Secretary. The Superintendent is reviewing the draft Cunningham Falls SMP. The Rocky Gap and Deep Creek Lake SMPs are close to completion. 

·        Create Your Own State Park – Discussion about strengthening and rebranding this effort in the future.

·        Cunningham Falls – The nature center procurement is nearing completion.

·        Irreplaceable Natural Areas Program – Discussion about DNR’s implementation of HB 784 of 2022. This new law requires DNR to identify and develop regulations to protect Irreplaceable Natural Areas on State-owned lands managed by DNR.  An INA is an area with habitat to support a unique natural community or listed RT&E species. The INAs need to be mapped and regulations adopted by July 1, 2023. 

·        EV Charging Stations – MPS hopes to install EV charging stations for state vehicles throughout the State over the next year.

 

 

REGIONAL REPORTS

South and Conservation Programs – Patrick Bright

·        Conservation Crews – Will work with the Student Conservation Association over the next few months to address program issues that surfaced this summer.

·        Point Lookout State Park – Discussion about rebuilding a park pier that is periodically used by one small business to launch tours to Smith Island.

·        Merkle NRMA – Plan to meet with "Destination Southern Maryland" (formerly the Southern Maryland Heritage Area) to discuss a potential partnership to improve the visitor center.

Central – Steve McCoy

           

·        Gunpowder Falls – We may have identified a prospective tenant for the Gittings Baldwin property.

·        Elk Ridge Furnace Inn – Discussion about archeological digs being completed near two period cabins on the Inn property.

·        Freedman State Park – A meeting was held on July 25 to discuss park development efforts and assembling the required advisory committee.

·        Bohemia River – Meeting scheduled for later this week to discuss the design program, with a focus on improving water access.

 

West – Christy Bright

 

·        Youghiogheny – A citizen meeting was recently held by legislators to discuss a proposed trail concept.

·        Sideling Hill Creek – Discussion about the proposed 14-space parking area and the ability of current seasonal staff to establish the parking area. A plan is needed to ensure the park is opened by November 2022.

·        Woodmont – Meeting scheduled to discuss potential lead shot mediation at the site.

·        Rocky Gap State Park – The casino’s proposed ice-skating rink concept has been approved, assuming certain requirements are met, by the internal review team. Additional use concepts are still under review.

 

 

East – Andrew Hangen

 

·        Assateague – Discussion about continued concerns about shark fishing in the swimming area.   

·        Janes – Renovations ongoing at the Tidewater Cottage.

·        Tuckahoe – Met with NRP about the shooting range and transfer of an additional property.

·        Bill Burton Fishing Pier – Work is underway to stabilize and gate a portion of the pier. There are no new policy directions or developments.

 

All Regions

 

·        The July 2022 customer service survey results were reviewed. The customer remarks illustrate that park staff are doing a remarkable job juggling many challenges and providing exceptional customer service.

·        Park Inspection Reports – The Regional Managers are working with Park Managers to complete updated Park Inspection Reports.

 

ADMINISTRATION – Amanda Mock

·        Finance – The FY 2022 budget closeout process is complete and MPS closed out with little appropriation to spare.  Documents and times for the fiscal 2023 Senior Staff Park budget meeting are forthcoming. Discussion about proposed fiscal 2023 special projects and park budget needs. Procurement for the next five highest priority heavy equipment items has begun.

·        Reservation Service - Amanda Mock is supporting efforts by DNR IT to identify reservation service needs and develop a new reservation service procurement.

·        Personnel – Discussion about the status of various recruitments. A draft MPS seasonal hiring guide was sent to DNR Human Resource Services for review.

 

 

SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE

·        Discussion about the Fall 2022 Managers meeting agenda, speakers, and associated logistics.

·        Chesapeake Conservancy – The Superintendent met with Chesapeake Conservancy to discuss a proposed bilingual ranger program effort at several State parks.

·        Discussion about several issues pending with the Office of the Secretary.

·        The July 13, 2022, Senior Staff meeting notes were reviewed.