Maryland Park Service Leadership Meeting Notes
December 11, 2024
Virtual
Attendees: Angela Crenshaw, Rachel Temby, Jonas Williams, Kenneth Miller, Andrew Hangen, Mark Spurrier, Mary Ironside, Dana Paterra, and Sarah Milbourne
Director Angela Crenshaw opened the meeting at 9:01 am.
Director Update with Angela Crenshaw
Welcomed Williams, Ironside and Spurrier to their first Leadership meeting and went over how they are usually conducted.
Updates from Human Resources Services and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) were discussed. Crenshaw is working on a hiring plan to fill vacant PINs.
Classification issues exist with the Park Service Supervisor and the State Park Ranger Supervisor positions and with a number of other positions. Crenshaw is working to set up a meeting with DBM to discuss these issues and the timeline for resolution.
Eleven Great Maryland Outdoors Act PINs were approved by DBM. The hiring process has already begun.
The Maryland Park Service (MPS) Great Maryland Outdoors Act Town Hall is scheduled for January 16th from 11 am to 1 pm. Crenshaw will present on the plans for the GMOA PINs. It will be virtual and an invitation will be sent out shortly.
Performance Evaluation Season is upcoming. Knisely will send out an email shortly, please complete the evaluations based on the spreadsheet that is sent out. I acknowledge that Workday is not completely accurate right now.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) for select State Park day-use reservations is nearly completed.
Crenshaw will be on leave from the end of December 2024 through January 7, 2025
Deputy Director Update with Rachel Temby
In keeping with a longstanding holiday tradition and encouraging colleagues to spend quality time relaxing and enjoying the season, weekly reports are suspended for the report dates of 12/23 and 12/30. Reports submitted on 01/06 should cover the period from 12/16-01/06.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation continues to make strides on the development of a new E-Bike policy in close coordination with the Office of the Attorney General and Office of the Secretary. Many thanks to MPS staff who have been serving on the E-Bike Advisory Committee.
DNR Leadership is developing a process for accessing alternate work sites at field offices. MPS Leadership is working to ensure the current list of available state work sites on MPS properties is up to date and accurately reflects availability for use by employees from other units. Park Managers are asked to identify any changes to prior submission and update accordingly.
Updates have been made to the MPS Hot Spots List for ongoing coordination with NRP. This list will be dynamic and updated throughout the year and should reflect not only recurring law enforcement challenges but also large special events that may require NRP support.
Guidance regarding neighboring tree issues was discussed following recent review of relevant case law and prior departmental direction. Field staff are reminded to consider potential hazards reported by neighboring property owners on a case-by-case basis and discuss with their Regional Manager should they have questions or concerns.
Parks with NEC/PBX phone systems are reminded to make their selections for upgrade, maintenance, or deinstallation by IT’s deadline of December 17, 2024. This action is necessary due to NEC’s gradual withdrawal from the Telecom business. Eventually, these systems will need to be replaced with VoIP or landlines.
Initial Uniform orders for new Classified and LTC employees were discussed in the context of ramping up hiring amid significant budget challenges. Park Managers are encouraged to be reasonable with new uniform orders and also explore existing stock at uniform warehouse and neighboring parks. Existing uniform contracts and policy updates were also discussed.
Program Planning with Rachel Temby and Jonas Williams
A status update was provided on key MES contracts: Artmor Voluntary Cleanup Program at Wills Mountain State Park agreement is being finalized and nearing execution; Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance agreement is still being negotiated with the MES team.
Potential historic restoration projects were discussed for inclusion in the Conservation Services Agreement being drafted by Planning Team for review by DNR Leadership.
Key Projects
DNR projects identified as priorities for DGS were discussed and updates provided (Casselman Bridge, Greenbrier Dam, St. Clements Island, Janes Island Cabins 1-3).
The Corkers Creek project is pending - E&C is exploring alternate funding before making a determination to cancel the bid.
Tim Hamilton is finalizing a market analysis of Mt Airy for consideration of full investment for event use. Once complete, MPS will make a recommendation and seek approval of DNR Leadership to proceed with design.
Five proposals were received by American Rivers in response to the Daniels Dam Removal Feasibility Study and Design RFP and the proposal review meeting is scheduled for next week.
OOR Director Olek is engaged in discussions with MDOT regarding the Frederick Douglass Rail Trail. Being explored is DNR’s capacity to operate and maintain certain trail segments and gain a better understanding of design and construction costs and responsibilities.
Leases & Contracts
Gittings-Baldwin agreement is coming along, with benchmarks and conditions drafted and meeting scheduled next week to ready the document for DNR Leadership review.
Greenwell Foundation agreement has been redlined with maintenance responsibilities still being negotiated.
As the Housing Review Committee works to post properties for tenancy, it is very important that the Housing List remains current with any updates to the condition of properties for occupancy. Please communicate readiness or setbacks through Regional Managers to effectuate a smooth rollout of houses awaiting occupants.
Interpretation
First Day Hikes are posted and include Ranger-led, Self-guided, and new for 2025 - AllTrails-guided! The many opportunities offered by park teams are sure to provide a great start to 2025 for many park visitors - thank you to all involved
Administration with Kenneth Miller
The Park Service budget was briefly discussed.
Current 2024 visitation through November was reviewed and briefly discussed. Miller followed up with parks missing visitation data. Currently, 2024 visitation is slightly higher compared to 2023.
The Board of Public Works approved the new reservation vendor, Aspria, commonly known as Reserve America. We are waiting for the contract to be finalized to begin discussions with the contractor.
Knisely has submitted the 2025 seasonal recruitment packets to Human Resources with the goal of having the positions posted in early January. Changes for the Spring 2025 recruitment process include:
New seasonal contract. (will be shared)
Approved disqualifying history (will be shared)
Provisional driver licenses will not be accepted.
No additional $0.25 raises for returning employees.
The upcoming Town Halls were discussed. Please be sure to sign up for one of the following dates. You may join virtually or in person.
February 20, 2025: Fair Hill NRMA
February 26, 2025: Chesapeake College
March 5, 2025: Kings Landing
March 11, 2025: Sideling Hill Creek State Park
The Land Preservation and Recreation Plan (LPRP) and State Park Strategic Plan (SPSP) were discussed. Agency Landscape and Planning will be developing the plans, and they are coordinating park site visits December 17 and 18. Thank you to staff members assisting with these visits and gathering all the data they have requested.
Regional Reports
North Central Region Report with Andrew Hangen
An interim leadership plan for Elk Neck State Park has been developed to bridge the current vacancy in the park manager position.
A long-awaited ADA improvement project has started in the Susquehanna State Park Campground.
The Appleton Road bridge replacement project and the 5 Star repairs and site remediation work are underway at Fair Hill NRMA.
Fair Hill Special Event Zone manager has been selected and will start in January and Track analysis with Maryland Thoroughbred Racing Operating Authority (MTROA) is ongoing.
Park Managers should work with Regional Managers to develop/ implement a winter work plan.
South Central Region Report with Mark Spurrier
The pipes froze at a vacant house at Seneca during the recent cold snap. Staff responded quickly to limit damage and are working to get estimates for repairs. This property is on the rental house list. Reminder to check all properties and make sure the housing list is updated with the most current information.
ADA accessible hunting was recently requested at Dundee Creek Marina. Staff worked with RM Hangen to determine that for this season, reasonable accommodations had been met but are developing a strategy to allow more access next season. Parks are encouraged to look for opportunities for Accessible Hunting areas for hunters with mobility challenges and relay ideas to RM Hangen.
North Point staff received a complaint about a historic weapons live fire demonstration at Todds Inheritance. Concerns about safety were relayed to the park well after the event, however the safety officer onsite had documented that concerns were addressed on the day of. Park staff worked with Ranger Study to navigate the concerns and address these events moving forward to help prevent future issues from occurring.
The curator of the Shipley House in Morgan Run NEA passed away. The park is preparing plans to secure the area with fencing until further action is identified.
Southern Region Report with Mary Ironside
Alternative lighting options are being considered for the fishing pier project at Point Lookout.
The Chapel Point agricultural lease is set to expire in March 2025 and discussions are underway with Maddy Williams and WHS for habitat diversification areas, including a discussion of a Red Cedar planting with Piscataway Tribal Leaders.
The Sandy Point concessions contract is set to expire after the 2025 summer season. The team will work with Conoway and Miller to ensure that the concession facility is contracted while also providing for food truck opportunities for multiple vendors.
It was discovered that the Cottage/Beach Cottage operational house floor joists are failing. Staff are exploring in-house repair options that are expected to carry minimal costs to the park.
Unauthorized access and partying has been reported on the grounds of the vacant Newburg House (Rices Place); occupancy would be beneficial to ensure such behavior is curbed. Work is needed on the bathroom to ready the dwelling for a tenant, and further follow-up with LAP is needed to confirm Right of Entry.
There are issues with a flexible waterline under floating concrete piers at Smallwood. MES is to provide a report detailing the leak of treated, potable water into the Potomac River, and the team will discuss options further once that report is received.
Eastern Region Report with Dana Paterra
Back-to-back bedbug cases at Janes Island and Pocomoke River State Parks resulted in issuing refunds to guests, closures during treatments, and potential tort claims against the State.
Next week’s field meeting with Preservation MD at Knocks Folly and Bohemia represents an opportunity to revisit potential partnerships for those sites.
Regional Managers will meet with Deputy Director Temby monthly to discuss any operational issues, questions, and concerns.
Western Region Report with Sarah Milbourne
Leadership discussed options for transferring $750k from E&C to Preservation Maryland for Fort Frederick State Park Fort repairs.
Regional Manager Milbourne reported that New Germany staff have been working to manage Savage River Lodge since its transition to Maryland Park Service ownership. Challenges like frozen pipes, snowy roads, and underestimated maintenance costs led to discussions about the proposed budget for fixed expenses like propane.
Scales & Tales permit updates from all nature centers and aviaries are due to Western Regional Manager Milbourne by 12/20/2024. The list includes endangered species specimens (mounts, furs, bones, etc). Instructions are included in the link.
Please remember to route cultural event requests through your chain of command to ensure that cultural sensitivity and accurate representation are appropriately addressed.
Staff at Swallow Falls are collaborating with the Heritage team to develop a plan for reclaiming the lagoon site, which will be decommissioned following the new MES wastewater project. Additionally, the team has engaged with The Nature Conservancy to explore habitat enhancements that could complement the nearby Cranesville Swamp.
Conservation Corps Programs with Rachel Temby
Congratulations to MCC for being named a finalist for the Corps Network’s Project of the Year award for their work treating hemlock trees at New Germany and Swallow Falls State Parks for Hemlock Wooly Adelgid!
Conservation Corps Headquarters Team invites field staff to use the Conservation Corps Project Proposal Form to request MCC and VCC crew assistance with park projects of varying priority levels throughout the year.
Ongoing coordination with the GOSV continues to ensure files are uploaded to a new online member file system required by the grant. The GOSV Executive Director requested the Corps HQ team highlight the work of MCC at this week’s Americorps/State Commissioners meeting.
Meeting was adjourned at 12:45 PM.
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