Senior Staff Meeting Notes From February 14, 2024Virtual
Attendees: Angela Crenshaw, Rachel Temby, Kenneth Miller, Mary Owens, Patrick Bright, Andrew Hangen, Sarah Milbourne, and Dana Paterra
Director Angela Crenshaw opened the meeting at 9:01 am.
Program Planning with Mary Owens
Project Review, Strategic Management Plans, Master Plans
- 53 projects have been submitted for review in 2024. There were 436 for 2023.
- Strategic Management Plans – Wolf Den Run State Park and the Graham Property are being worked on.
- Key Projects
- Swallow Falls Bridge - The 65% completion plan was received on January 14th and comments are due on February 16th.
- Capital Skeet – working on final memo and authorization to develop mitigation plan
- Solar projects in parks are getting underway.
- The Artmor Property – has not gone to settlement, that will likely occur within the month.
- The Wilson’s Picnic Area playground at Rocks State Park will get replaced through a new program, if this works it may be used at other places.
Leases
- There is a meeting scheduled for the Elkridge Furnace Inn property at Patapsco Valley State Park.
- Working on transition plan for the lease at the Patapsco Horse Center.
Interpretation
- Gearing up for 2024 - Two training events planned, one will be Advanced (in March or April) and one will be Novice (in June so seasonals can attend)
- The Interpretation theme for this year is, “In their footsteps…”
Historic Sites
- Chronicle Heritage - consultant hired for Historic Sites Survey and work underway, starting in Western Maryland. They are working to ensure that databases are integrated.
- The survey work will primarily focus on exteriors.
- Chronicle Heritage will provide advance notice to Park Managers.
Restoration Projects
There are many restoration projects underway, details can be found in this Google Document:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HSMkuM9FilhLn8uhSaG_OJL0qySiOhC_m0YLYumFzoo/edit
Regional Reports
Central Region & Conservation Corps Report with Patrick Bright
- As in previous months, Central Region personnel continue to effectively navigate many and various property and resource management challenges, including encroachments, lease violations, evictions, etc.
- North Point State Park suffered significant storm damage last month. Engineering and Construction is coordinating with the Park Service toward necessary and timely repairs as well as pre-existing needs such as the Trolly Barn, trails, and the sewage system.
- Corps Team - The Maryland Veterans Conservation Corps has officially returned to the Park Service. To date we have a Crew Lead and one member on board. Both are veterans, as are the three additional members who have been offered positions. Thanks, Angie!
- Interpretive Difficult Histories Team - On February 15th, St. Mary’s College and the Maryland Historical Trust will present findings of recent and ongoing archaeological work at Chapel Point State Park. The project is focused upon significant, early colonial interactions between the Catholic Church and the Piscataway Conoy.
- As in 2023, a Use Agreement is being processed for the Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League to conduct race events at Seneca Creek, Rosaryville, Patapsco Valley, Deep Creek, and Fair Hill. The league will continue to coordinate closely with the management teams of these parks.
Southern Region Report with Andrew Hangen- Sandy Point has two candidates for bilingual interpreters but approved questions do not exist. They are working with HRS to get a question approved and use questions from other jobs.
- Southern Maryland Recreational Complex (SMRC) is struggling to hire maintenance staff. They are looking into contracting out the mowing at Smallwood State Park.
- SMRC staff just completed the largest trail bridge constructed in house by Park Service staff at Rosaryville State Park, kudos to their team.
- A meeting is scheduled with the Friends of Chapman State Park and the Park Service planning team to discuss events and projects planned.
- The Friends of Greenwell State Park have been indecisive. They have not committed to leasing the manor house in writing. Their board has not come to a consensus. Efforts will continue to share our policies, processes and expectations with them.
- Concerns exist about the ability to hire lifeguards this year at Point Lookout State Park. They raised the salary this season (thanks, Ken) but concerns remain.
- Hunting proposals are coming in, a meeting is scheduled for March 8th to review them. There is a Departmental R3 meeting on February 15th, we hope to learn new ideas and then have a Park Service and Wildlife and Heritage meeting to discuss Seneca Creek State Park as a pilot.
Western Region Report with Sarah Milbourne- Efforts continue at South Mountain Recreation Area to address concerns regarding a problematic and difficult patron. The team is engaged in additional training and facility assessment for security upgrades and the Natural Resources Police (NRP) is staffed in the park at all times. Teamwork between Park staff, NRP and the Office of the Attorney General has been very helpful and appreciated.
- There does not appear to be a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Parks and NRP for Echo Lake. This is a task to be completed in the near future.
- An assessment of Gambrills State Park for a park-wide security system was completed by NRP and sent out for a quote. The returned quote is being reviewed.
- The Western Regional Team meeting was held at Rocky Gap State Park. One of the big ticket outcomes presented by all units was a universal need for training in dealing with difficult people/conflict resolution and hosting public meetings for Depart staff. Options are being explored and will be presented to Executive staff. The next meeting is scheduled for May 1st at New Germany State Park and Savage River State Forest.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors have made contact with multiple aviaries. The first virtual pre-inspection meeting will be held on February 15th with Soldiers Delight. Milbourne will attend in order to glean insight to share with other aviary managers. Updated documents and resources have been added to all site files in preparation for meetings.
- Rocky Gap State Park Manager Puffenberger and Milbourne discussed with Heritage staff and the Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Sandra Olek about managing Artmor when settlement occurs, sharing the need for site assessment and safeguarding resources.
- Radio number assignment will be put on hold to account for the time being. Staff should continue to utilize numbers assigned. Additional numbers needed for seasonals can be offset with using titles, titles with names and titles or locations (i.e.Seasonal Ranger, Lifeguard Last Name, Headquarters).
Eastern Region Report with Dana Paterra
- Pocomoke River State Park Pool update - Staff will be checking the hollow spot behind the pool wall this morning. Substantial completion has not been achieved yet. The next meeting is February 21st.
- Spring signature events -
- Tubman Day, March 9th, plans are well underway. The Underground Railroad stamp unveiling ceremony will include living history interpreters, a choir, and remarks from family members, officials, and scholars. A big thanks to Director Crenshaw for agreeing to emcee the event.
- The seventh annual Algonquin 50K was a big success. The event represents a productive collaboration between partners including NRP, Forest Service, Park Service and community organizations that support this race that includes about 300 participants plus their families annually.
- The Eastern Region is already benefiting from the opportunity to network in-person as interagency follow up meetings are occurring as a result of productive conversations. Please work with your unit representatives to communicate any needs, topics, or issues that should be discussed during these quarterly meetings. Parks in the east are represented by Rangers Parenteau and Paterra.
- Ahead of the final seven year lease renewal for the Inn at Black Walnut Point, staff are meeting with innkeepers to discuss the recent inspection report and deficiencies.
- The climate resiliency webpage data request is on-going. If you have not already done so, please provide the requested information as soon as possible so that it can be effectively compiled.
Administration with Kenneth Miller
- The Request For Proposals for the new Park Service Reservations and Revenue Management System and the contract extension for CAMIS continue to move forward.
- Park Service Leadership has a meeting scheduled with Human Resources to discuss the lateral transfer policy.
- The Complimentary Family Pass will be sent to the parks along with written guidance on what it specifically permits.
- The FY24 and FY25 budgets were discussed. Everyone should begin reducing their spending in FY24 for our benefit and use in FY25. Our spending is being monitored closely. Instructions and more information will be shared in the near future.
Deputy Director Update with Rachel Temby- This has been a very busy Legislative Session so far with a number of bills that have the potential to impact parks. We are actively tracking these bills and reviewing them in close coordination with Department Leadership. Thank you for the quick turnaround of information requested. This information is used to project fiscal and operational impacts.
- The Department is engaged in high level Strategic Planning. Top priorities are set by Department Leadership and objectives are being drafted by workgroups. The Park Service is actively participating and providing direct input in several priority areas for the FY25 Plan.
- Park Service Policy review is ongoing. There is recognition of the need to have clear, concise, written communication of Department-wide policies that affect every employee (incorporated in the Department’s Strategic Plan). This is a very positive direction for the Department to be moving in but may further delay our unit-specific efforts to finalize Standard Operation Procedures and guidelines for Park Service staff in the short term amid a larger Department-wide push. Everyone’s continued patience is appreciated while we work to refine and overhaul the Park Service Manual.
- Organizational Charts/Great Maryland Outdoors Act (GMO) PINs - WorkDay is still not accurate and does not reflect the correct location of the GMOA PINs. A revised GMOA PIN allocation is in the works and incorporates feedback from the Park Service staffing survey, GMOA goals, the Department of Legislative Services study, direct information from Regional Managers and Park Managers, and staff to develop a plan.
Director Update with Angela Crenshaw
- Departmental Regional teams have been a huge success. Thank you to Milbourne and Paterra for coordinating the West and East, respectively. Central and Southern meetings are upcoming. Information about paying for food and how information will be moved up the chain of command is forthcoming.
- The Office of the Secretary has hired JoAnne Grant as the Director of the Office of Fair Practice, Mariah Davis as the Environmental Justice Officer and Orlando Lilly as the Superintendent of Maryland Natural Resources Police. Their start dates vary and announcements are forthcoming.
- There is a virtual Housing Policy Town Hall scheduled for February 29th at 10 am. Everyone from the Maryland Park Service should have received an invitation. If you have a question you would like answered please share it with your Regional Manager so it can be moved up the Chain of Command. If there are specific questions about the new policy and you would like to speak to Assistant Secretary for Land Resources Paul Peditto, please email him at paul.peditto@maryland.gov or he can be reached at 410-991-8679.
- Maryland Park Service Town Halls are scheduled, please register for one.
- An ongoing issue at Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area was discussed.
- Ranger School Graduation for the Class of 2024 is on Friday, February 16 at NorthBay. It will be live-streamed for those unable to attend.
- Port of Deposit State Historical Park has been in the news. Department of Natural Resources staff is coordinating with members of the stakeholder advisory committee and conducting due diligence as it relates to the goals set forth for the park.
- Thank you to everyone who has been sending social media updates in, they are much appreciated and everyone is enjoying seeing the beautiful locations in our parks. Please continue to send things in.
Meeting was adjourned at 12:30 pm.
Senior Staff Meeting Notes From February 14, 2024
Virtual
Project Review, Strategic Management Plans, Master Plans
- 53 projects have been submitted for review in 2024. There were 436 for 2023.
- Strategic Management Plans – Wolf Den Run State Park and the Graham Property are being worked on.
- Key Projects
- Swallow Falls Bridge - The 65% completion plan was received on January 14th and comments are due on February 16th.
- Capital Skeet – working on final memo and authorization to develop mitigation plan
- Solar projects in parks are getting underway.
- The Artmor Property – has not gone to settlement, that will likely occur within the month.
- The Wilson’s Picnic Area playground at Rocks State Park will get replaced through a new program, if this works it may be used at other places.
- There is a meeting scheduled for the Elkridge Furnace Inn property at Patapsco Valley State Park.
- Working on transition plan for the lease at the Patapsco Horse Center.
Interpretation
- Gearing up for 2024 - Two training events planned, one will be Advanced (in March or April) and one will be Novice (in June so seasonals can attend)
- The Interpretation theme for this year is, “In their footsteps…”
- Chronicle Heritage - consultant hired for Historic Sites Survey and work underway, starting in Western Maryland. They are working to ensure that databases are integrated.
- The survey work will primarily focus on exteriors.
- Chronicle Heritage will provide advance notice to Park Managers.
There are many restoration projects underway, details can be found in this Google Document:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HSMkuM9FilhLn8uhSaG_OJL0qySiOhC_m0YLYumFzoo/edit
Regional Reports
Central Region & Conservation Corps Report with Patrick Bright
- As in previous months, Central Region personnel continue to effectively navigate many and various property and resource management challenges, including encroachments, lease violations, evictions, etc.
- North Point State Park suffered significant storm damage last month. Engineering and Construction is coordinating with the Park Service toward necessary and timely repairs as well as pre-existing needs such as the Trolly Barn, trails, and the sewage system.
- Corps Team - The Maryland Veterans Conservation Corps has officially returned to the Park Service. To date we have a Crew Lead and one member on board. Both are veterans, as are the three additional members who have been offered positions. Thanks, Angie!
- Interpretive Difficult Histories Team - On February 15th, St. Mary’s College and the Maryland Historical Trust will present findings of recent and ongoing archaeological work at Chapel Point State Park. The project is focused upon significant, early colonial interactions between the Catholic Church and the Piscataway Conoy.
- As in 2023, a Use Agreement is being processed for the Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League to conduct race events at Seneca Creek, Rosaryville, Patapsco Valley, Deep Creek, and Fair Hill. The league will continue to coordinate closely with the management teams of these parks.
- Sandy Point has two candidates for bilingual interpreters but approved questions do not exist. They are working with HRS to get a question approved and use questions from other jobs.
- Southern Maryland Recreational Complex (SMRC) is struggling to hire maintenance staff. They are looking into contracting out the mowing at Smallwood State Park.
- SMRC staff just completed the largest trail bridge constructed in house by Park Service staff at Rosaryville State Park, kudos to their team.
- A meeting is scheduled with the Friends of Chapman State Park and the Park Service planning team to discuss events and projects planned.
- The Friends of Greenwell State Park have been indecisive. They have not committed to leasing the manor house in writing. Their board has not come to a consensus. Efforts will continue to share our policies, processes and expectations with them.
- Concerns exist about the ability to hire lifeguards this year at Point Lookout State Park. They raised the salary this season (thanks, Ken) but concerns remain.
- Hunting proposals are coming in, a meeting is scheduled for March 8th to review them. There is a Departmental R3 meeting on February 15th, we hope to learn new ideas and then have a Park Service and Wildlife and Heritage meeting to discuss Seneca Creek State Park as a pilot.
- Efforts continue at South Mountain Recreation Area to address concerns regarding a problematic and difficult patron. The team is engaged in additional training and facility assessment for security upgrades and the Natural Resources Police (NRP) is staffed in the park at all times. Teamwork between Park staff, NRP and the Office of the Attorney General has been very helpful and appreciated.
- There does not appear to be a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Parks and NRP for Echo Lake. This is a task to be completed in the near future.
- An assessment of Gambrills State Park for a park-wide security system was completed by NRP and sent out for a quote. The returned quote is being reviewed.
- The Western Regional Team meeting was held at Rocky Gap State Park. One of the big ticket outcomes presented by all units was a universal need for training in dealing with difficult people/conflict resolution and hosting public meetings for Depart staff. Options are being explored and will be presented to Executive staff. The next meeting is scheduled for May 1st at New Germany State Park and Savage River State Forest.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors have made contact with multiple aviaries. The first virtual pre-inspection meeting will be held on February 15th with Soldiers Delight. Milbourne will attend in order to glean insight to share with other aviary managers. Updated documents and resources have been added to all site files in preparation for meetings.
- Rocky Gap State Park Manager Puffenberger and Milbourne discussed with Heritage staff and the Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Sandra Olek about managing Artmor when settlement occurs, sharing the need for site assessment and safeguarding resources.
- Radio number assignment will be put on hold to account for the time being. Staff should continue to utilize numbers assigned. Additional numbers needed for seasonals can be offset with using titles, titles with names and titles or locations (i.e.Seasonal Ranger, Lifeguard Last Name, Headquarters).
Eastern Region Report with Dana Paterra
- Pocomoke River State Park Pool update - Staff will be checking the hollow spot behind the pool wall this morning. Substantial completion has not been achieved yet. The next meeting is February 21st.
- Spring signature events -
- Tubman Day, March 9th, plans are well underway. The Underground Railroad stamp unveiling ceremony will include living history interpreters, a choir, and remarks from family members, officials, and scholars. A big thanks to Director Crenshaw for agreeing to emcee the event.
- The seventh annual Algonquin 50K was a big success. The event represents a productive collaboration between partners including NRP, Forest Service, Park Service and community organizations that support this race that includes about 300 participants plus their families annually.
- The Eastern Region is already benefiting from the opportunity to network in-person as interagency follow up meetings are occurring as a result of productive conversations. Please work with your unit representatives to communicate any needs, topics, or issues that should be discussed during these quarterly meetings. Parks in the east are represented by Rangers Parenteau and Paterra.
- Ahead of the final seven year lease renewal for the Inn at Black Walnut Point, staff are meeting with innkeepers to discuss the recent inspection report and deficiencies.
- The climate resiliency webpage data request is on-going. If you have not already done so, please provide the requested information as soon as possible so that it can be effectively compiled.
- The Request For Proposals for the new Park Service Reservations and Revenue Management System and the contract extension for CAMIS continue to move forward.
- Park Service Leadership has a meeting scheduled with Human Resources to discuss the lateral transfer policy.
- The Complimentary Family Pass will be sent to the parks along with written guidance on what it specifically permits.
- The FY24 and FY25 budgets were discussed. Everyone should begin reducing their spending in FY24 for our benefit and use in FY25. Our spending is being monitored closely. Instructions and more information will be shared in the near future.
Deputy Director Update with Rachel Temby
- This has been a very busy Legislative Session so far with a number of bills that have the potential to impact parks. We are actively tracking these bills and reviewing them in close coordination with Department Leadership. Thank you for the quick turnaround of information requested. This information is used to project fiscal and operational impacts.
- The Department is engaged in high level Strategic Planning. Top priorities are set by Department Leadership and objectives are being drafted by workgroups. The Park Service is actively participating and providing direct input in several priority areas for the FY25 Plan.
- Park Service Policy review is ongoing. There is recognition of the need to have clear, concise, written communication of Department-wide policies that affect every employee (incorporated in the Department’s Strategic Plan). This is a very positive direction for the Department to be moving in but may further delay our unit-specific efforts to finalize Standard Operation Procedures and guidelines for Park Service staff in the short term amid a larger Department-wide push. Everyone’s continued patience is appreciated while we work to refine and overhaul the Park Service Manual.
- Organizational Charts/Great Maryland Outdoors Act (GMO) PINs - WorkDay is still not accurate and does not reflect the correct location of the GMOA PINs. A revised GMOA PIN allocation is in the works and incorporates feedback from the Park Service staffing survey, GMOA goals, the Department of Legislative Services study, direct information from Regional Managers and Park Managers, and staff to develop a plan.
Director Update with Angela Crenshaw
- Departmental Regional teams have been a huge success. Thank you to Milbourne and Paterra for coordinating the West and East, respectively. Central and Southern meetings are upcoming. Information about paying for food and how information will be moved up the chain of command is forthcoming.
- The Office of the Secretary has hired JoAnne Grant as the Director of the Office of Fair Practice, Mariah Davis as the Environmental Justice Officer and Orlando Lilly as the Superintendent of Maryland Natural Resources Police. Their start dates vary and announcements are forthcoming.
- There is a virtual Housing Policy Town Hall scheduled for February 29th at 10 am. Everyone from the Maryland Park Service should have received an invitation. If you have a question you would like answered please share it with your Regional Manager so it can be moved up the Chain of Command. If there are specific questions about the new policy and you would like to speak to Assistant Secretary for Land Resources Paul Peditto, please email him at paul.peditto@maryland.gov or he can be reached at 410-991-8679.
- Maryland Park Service Town Halls are scheduled, please register for one.
- An ongoing issue at Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area was discussed.
- Ranger School Graduation for the Class of 2024 is on Friday, February 16 at NorthBay. It will be live-streamed for those unable to attend.
- Port of Deposit State Historical Park has been in the news. Department of Natural Resources staff is coordinating with members of the stakeholder advisory committee and conducting due diligence as it relates to the goals set forth for the park.
- Thank you to everyone who has been sending social media updates in, they are much appreciated and everyone is enjoying seeing the beautiful locations in our parks. Please continue to send things in.
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