SRK Greenway Trog [Trail-log]

From: Amy Bassett <Amy.Bassett@dred.state.nh.us>
Subject: NH Division of Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan Update
To:
Date: Monday, August 31, 2009, 4:02 PM
UPDATE (August 31, 2009): New Hampshire State Park System Ten-Year Strategic and Capital Improvement Plan

At the August 26, 2009 State Park Systems Advisory Council (SPSAC) meeting, discussion centered on the Division’s Ten-Year Strategic and Capital Improvement Plan.  The Council benefited from a presentation on the overall finances for the Division of Parks and Recreation.  The presentation illustrated current expenses and income, with the objective of identifying the complexity of the financial issues.  The information included many items that are either overlooked or often not associated with parks.  For SPSAC members, as well as the public, it was deemed that an understanding of this financial profile was imperative in support of future recommendations.  The same presentation did present a potential funding option which batched expenses into two categories – one that could be supported by fees, with the other supported by the general fund.

Ted Austin, Director of the Division, presented the Council with both a new Table of Contents and a new timeline for completion.  The new timeline would be as follows:

• Revised draft Strategic and Capital Improvement Plan posted to the Division’s website by Monday, November 2, 2009.
• Public sessions concluded by Wednesday, November 25th, 2009.
• Final version completed by Monday, January 4, 2010.

By legislation (SB 216), the Division is supposed to have the final draft plan presented by September 30^th 2009, but the Director will request an extension.  “A plan that will serve as a catalyst for real improvement via solutions and not just a reiteration of long-standing issues is of paramount importance.  A plan that ultimately produces a vital park system is what we seek to generate. At this point that objective of a more complete plan requires additional time.  If successful, this plan provides the foundation for future generations, not just the next ten years,” said the Director.

Following discussion, the new outline and timeline for completion were adopted by SPSAC at the 8.26.09 meeting.

The new Table of Contents and subsequent plan outline includes thumbnail explanations of content of many of the topics.  SPSAC has taken on the important role of authoring the first section of the plan, “Core Findings and Overarching Principals.”  That approach is perceived as potentially more effective, as SPSAC is arguably the more effective voice for philosophical observations and issues. This will allow the Parks team to focus on improved operations, which is the balance of the plan.

The Ten-year Strategic and Capital Improvement Plan will tie directly to and compliment the annual State Parks Directors Report.  As part of the Directors report, an operating plan will allow implementation of strategic initiatives across the five bienniums. This will provide the opportunity for the ten-year plan to stay dynamic and remain flexible and responsive to changing market conditions.

The Division and SPSAC have reviewed over 300 public comments that came in during the comment period.  The comments have been reviewed and will continue to be used as a resource as the redrafting is in process.

The revised draft plan will integrate public perspective on each park while recommending a process and timeline for the analysis of what it will cost for stewardship of a vibrant parks system. Additionally, the plan will highlight broader economic impacts of parks to date, as the broader business community, which strives to tout quality of life issues as it promotes New Hampshire, is dealing with the cost of missed opportunities of a park system in decline.   Lastly the plan will also identify ways in which it can maximize opportunities with existing programs such as the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and grants received from the Land, Water and Conservation Fund (LWCF).

Visit the Division’s website to find the following:

• Draft Table of Contents
• Financial Powerpoint Presentation
• Summary of Comments

http://nhstateparks.org/planning-development/development-plan.aspx

We will continue to keep the public informed as we move forward in this process.  Thank you for your support as we create this new foundation for parks.

Please forward to people you know would be interested in the division’s plan.

This article is on the Great Brook Trail.

http://www.vnews.com/07172009/5850424.htm

This was published in Friday’s edition of the Valley News.  Unfortunately it does not mention the Greenway.

Andy Hager

Chairperson

Yesterday Mike Snow from Bartlett ’s Blueberry Farm in Newport stopped by to say that for the 2^nd year in a row, Ausbon Sargent would be getting the proceeds from their “sin bin”.  They have already collected over $200.  Last year, we received $634.71.  So if you’re looking for a place to pick blueberries, consider visiting Bartlett ’s.  For directions and hours of operation, visit their website.

http://bartlettsblueberryfarm.com/index.html

Deborah Stanley

Executive Director

The Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust (ASLPT)

71 Pleasant Street

PO Box 2040, New London , NH 03257

Tel/Fax #603-526-6555, Ext 25  email:  aslpt@tds.net

Website:  www.ausbonsargent.org

“Helping to preserve the rural landscape of the Mt. Kearsarge/Lake Sunapee Region”

Yesterday Mike Snow from Bartlett ’s Blueberry Farm in Newport stopped by to say that for the 2^nd year in a row, Ausbon Sargent would be getting the proceeds from their “sin bin”.  They have already collected over $200.  Last year, we received $634.71.  So if you’re looking for a place to pick blueberries, consider visiting Bartlett ’s.  For directions and hours of operation, visit their website.   http://bartlettsblueberryfarm.com/index.html