Maryland Park Service Leadership Meeting Notes From February 12, 2025

Maryland Park Service Leadership Meeting Notes

From February 12, 2025

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 8:04 am.

Director Update with Angela Crenshaw

The day-use reservation process is moving along nicely. The timeline for starting will be in March in order to be operational by April and have all the wrinkles smoothed out by Memorial Day. All the equipment will be provided by the vendor.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming Maryland Park Service Town Halls. Lunch will be provided to those attending in person; virtual options are available as well.

The dates and locations are as follows:

• February 20 - Fair Hill
• February 26 - Chesapeake College
• March 5 - Kings Landing
• March 11 - Sideling Hill Creek

MPS staff are also encouraged to attend Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Town Halls; dates and locations are tentatively scheduled as follows:

• April 29 - Kings Landing
• May 6 (or thereabouts) - Sideling Hill Creek
• May 8 - Sandy Point
• May 20 - Wye Island and Spring Gathering

State email addresses are generally not approved for volunteers by Information Technology Services (ITS). Permission has been granted for a few key volunteers recently, however ITS has stated that this will not be a frequent option.

Social Media - The Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) would like the Park Service to maintain its autonomy with social media. Please keep the following guidelines in mind when considering what to post:

• If it is positive (beautiful sunset, fun event, etc.) follow the process and post it.
• If it is negative or could generate backlash, please move it up your chain of command for consideration and approval. Any proposed service cuts will be discussed later this month, shared with DNR Leadership, OCM, the State House and then messaged appropriately for public notification.
• If you are unsure if a post will generate negative attention, move it up your chain of command first. Please do not rely on the MPS Social Media Coordinator to serve as gatekeeper. Posts that have received approval should be forwarded to the MPS Social Media Coordinator accompanied by a statement that it has been signed off by MPS/ DNR/ OCM Leadership.

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations - All ADA Accommodations are made through the Office of Fair Practices, not at the park level. Anyone requesting an accommodation should be directed via email to Joanne Grant in the Office of Fair Practices.
• Maryland Invasive Species Council - Please check with teams to assess interest in serving as the Maryland Park Service representative on MISC.
• E-Bikes - Draft policy will be distributed soon; staff are encouraged to read the policy and have an open mind. The focus is on enforceability. A public comment and outreach period will follow.
• Hiring and Conversions - We will continue to post Great Maryland Outdoor Act (GMOA) positions. Human Resources (HRS) is handling the Long Term Contractual (LTC) conversions; we are working with them on dates, assignments, and long-term implications.
• Budget - We are presently not anticipating additional funds in FY25.
• MPS will need to focus on boosting revenues. The State Park Strategic Plan (SPSP) will highlight this need and it will be an ongoing discussion for MPS Leadership.
• Federal Funding is being monitored closely by the State House and Departmental Leadership, as 12% of the Department’s work is Federally-funded. The priority is to retain staff. Please elevate any concerns through your chain of command.
• Legislation - Emily Wilson is now serving as the department’s legislative contact; congratulations to Dylan Behler, recently confirmed as Delegate for District 30A.
• HB 0717, the Public Lands Bill went the House on 2/12. This bill secures one full-time PIN for every 400 acres of new property acquired by the Department. It provides alternative funding opportunities to operate public lands and will codify the Land and Property Management Program in the Department for leasing and real property management.
• Reminder: State employees cannot use work emails or Department letterhead to share their personal opinions on legislation.

Deputy Director Update with Rachel Temby

• Legislative Update - We are just over a month into Session and working through the first reader for many bills, coordinating with units to offer comments and prepare fiscal/policy notes and bill reports. An overview of legislative topics was provided and teams are asked to please continue to raise concerns and flag bills of interest/impact through your chain of command.
• The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) Coordination - Recent discussions have been very positive in working towards greater coordination across teams. Topics discussed include: enhanced communications (routine meetings at command and field level, distribution of updated contact lists, improved radio communication across talk groups, frequent check-ins during key operational periods), opportunities to collaborate on training for various types of incident response, and future planning (staffing needs, cadet program goals, upcoming academy, targeted park support). Regionals are encouraged to schedule meetings with NRP Sergeants and Lieutenants and Park Managers ahead of upcoming season
• Ranger School Planning is underway with the Dean Team identified and dates and location confirmed. The 2025 School will be held at Savage Highlands State Park (former Savage River Lodge) October 18-November 14, 2025. Thank you to the training division and our colleagues who have stepped up to serve on the Dean Team:
• Jacob Doyle (Head Dean)
• Aaron Mills (Asst Dean of Operations)
• Julia Musselwhite (Asst Dean of Administration)
• Jason Thomas (Asst Dean of Maintenance)
• Park Decomplexing Proposals have been assembled and discussed with Regional Managers. Meeting dates will be set soon (likely early spring) to present concept plans to the Director, posit questions, and identify next steps.
• A few policy questions were discussed, with the standing invitation to raise others through monthly regional meetings while we work towards a revised manual. Topics covered include: Chainsaw Directive under review by workgroup, new MOSH heat stress standards, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) updates to Personal Equipment Waiver, Uniforms, and Department-wide policy efforts.
• Conservation Corps Program Update - the team is working through budget challenges past, present, and future, and grappling with uncertainty on the federal funding front. A meeting was held last week to discuss the status of positions, program expansion through GMOA PIN for executive director, and work through vision-setting for the future.

Program Planning with Jonas Williams

• In 2025, 51 projects have been sent in for internal review. The Planning Team is exploring different ways to modernize our submission and tracking processes, which will take time. We are currently working on updating the Project Review/Project Information Form guidance for park staff. We plan to accompany these updates with training opportunities to answer any questions.
• Key Projects - The process for the Land Preservation and Recreation Plan and the State Park Strategic Plan is entering a new phase. The Focus Groups have concluded, and the large online survey is nearing completion. The next steps include public forums and an assessment of the collected data. Work on the first drafts of the reports will start soon.
• Leases - Housing Leases are progressing through Land Acquisition and Planning and the Office of the Attorney General. The Housing Review Committee is currently collecting information on the next batch of houses, which will be posted soon. Information on known vacant houses is being collected so the MPS can be prepared for future HRC requests. The process is still quite new, and we are working with LAP and the HRC to streamline some aspects and to keep parks better informed.
• Interpretation - This year’s statewide interpretation initiative has been chosen- “25 in 2025.” This program will be a fun photo scavenger hunt inviting visitors to explore our State Parks. Participants can choose from different themed activities, with the primary goal being to visit 25 State Park locations before the end date in November. The interpretation team is excited to promote this more passive-style program and will iron out details with field staff during future interpretation meetings.

Administration with Kenneth Miller

• All park visitation numbers need to be recorded in the 2025 visitation sheet and be kept up to date.
• Discussions have begun with the new reservation system vendor, Aspira. Migration to the new system is tentatively scheduled for next winter (2025/2026). Parks will continue to use the Camis software for the 2025 camping season.
• All park money handling procedures need to be reviewed and updated before February 19, 2025. Please reference Dana St Clair’s email titled “Cash Handling Procedures 2025” sent January 28th for further directions.
• LaTrece Elsey with Audit and Management Review is working with Nakia Johnson to perform the physical inventory for our agency. Each park has a copy of their inventory lists and this task should be prioritized to ensure the process goes smoothly. Be sure all items are located ahead of LaTrece’s visit and be upfront about items you are unable to locate.

Regional Reports

North Central Region Report with Andrew Hangen

• Park leadership met with Natural Resources Police to discuss a request to close Susquehanna State Park to night fishing. The dialog was productive and a follow up meeting with the Fishing and Boating Service was requested.
• The new Special Event Zone coordinator, Trish Brown, was hired at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. Plans are in progress with partners to utilize the race track in the future.
• End of season hunting meetings were held in the Central and Southern Regions. A list of recommendations will be generated from the discussions for leadership review. Managers, please make sure all websites indicate that deer hunting programs end after the primitive season. If you believe your park warrants an exception, please contact Andrew Hangen

South Central Region Report with Mark Spurrier

• Discussions were held about how to collect delinquent rent and utilities payments for lease properties that were terminated. This included the possibility of turning the issue over to collections and the next steps forward.
• There was a conversation about legislation concerning the maintenance of trails in Wildlands and how proposed changes to current regulations may impact Patuxent River State Park.

Southern Region Report with Mary Ironside

• Discussions are ongoing with park managers regarding operational changes and/or service reductions. Staffing outlook at Sandy Point is dire and options to address shortfall are being explored.
• A site visit has been scheduled to discuss the historic resource/interpretive plan at Chapman State Park/Mt. Aventine, followed by a visit to Mt. Airy.
• The delineation of the Department of General Services (DGS) & MPS responsibilities at Tawes Garden was discussed, and files will be reviewed to further assess the situation.
• The vacant-again Cedarville House requires a new Engineering and Construction (E&C) inspection and Lead Certification to be submitted for re-posting.

Eastern Region Report with Dana Paterra

• MPS/NRP will work on an updated contact list reflecting the most up-to-date assignments ahead of the busy season.
• The administrative series reclassifications remain in process.
• Acquisition of the 445 acres in Wicomico County was approved by the BPW. Wetipquin Creek State Park will be the first State Park in Wicomico County! The press release is posted and an interview with Ranger Paterra will air on the WBOC evening news Thursday, February 13.

Western Region Report with Sarah Milbourne

• An update on work projects at Savage Highlands State Park (former Savage River Lodge) was shared with Leadership. Thank you to the New Germany Team for their efforts with this property.
• A team consisting of Fisheries, NRP and Park staff will convene to formulate concerns and recommendations regarding electric motors on impoundments.
• The final 2024 Western Team Meeting took place at Savage Highlands State Park. Participants contributed to a work project before convening for the meeting, and the day concluded with a discussion to compile lessons learned for the Executive Team.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:11 pm.