Governor’s Commission on the Future of State Parks
WHEREAS, Vermont’s state parks have provided Vermonters and visitors with unparalleled opportunities for interaction with the outdoors for more than three-quarters of a century; and
WHEREAS, Vermont’s state parks are a place where people connect directly with the natural environment, fostering a further understanding of, and appreciation for, Vermont’s beauty and valuable natural resources; and
WHEREAS, Vermont’s state parks through their trails, bridges, stone walls, boat launches, picnic areas, swimming beaches, activity buildings and roads reflect the care and dedication of those that built them in the early 1900’s; and
WHEREAS, Vermont’s state park system, and those of systems nationwide, have experienced a period of decline, during which facilities have become worn, waterways have become less accessible and parks are generally in need of major repair; and
WHEREAS, Vermonters are recognized for their environmental stewardship and pragmatic and innovative approaches to preserving and enhancing Vermont’s natural resources; and
WHEREAS, Vermont’s technical and vocational education programs, workforce development and job training programs, and conservation programs are in need of projects that will provide hands-on opportunities that enhance the skills of individuals in these programs; and
WHEREAS, Vermont has a responsibility to return these valuable assets to a place where visitors can appreciate all that these parks have to offer; and
WHEREAS, Vermont’s state parks need to remain a viable resource for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, creation of a first-class sustainable state park system can be accomplished through partnerships with existing programs and services, solicitation of new ideas and a shared commitment to their success.
NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Vermont, I, James H. Douglas, do hereby create the Governor’s Commission on the Future of State Parks.
The commission shall be comprised of no more than 20 members appointed by the Governor. Members shall be representatives from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources; the Vermont Agency of Human Services; the Vermont Department of Education; the Vermont Department of Labor; and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. Additional members shall be representatives from the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps; the University of Vermont Extension Service; Vermont Technical College; the Vermont Community Foundation; the business community; the Green Mountain Club; the Vermont Woodlands Association; the Vermont Traditions Coalition; the Vermont Outdoor Guides Association, and public members. The Governor shall appoint the Chair and a Vice Chair from among the members. Administrative support shall be provided by the Agency of Natural Resources. To the extent funds permit, members may receive reimbursement of expenses pursuant to 32 V.S.A. §1010(e).
The Commission shall be advisory to the Governor and shall have the following duties:
1. The commission shall examine existing state and federal programs whose mission is to provide skills and job training and chart a course of how these programs and resources can be coordinated to help rebuild the state parks.
2. The commission shall make recommendations on how technical educational programs can take part in projects that will assist in the rebuilding of park infrastructure.
3. Working with those who are interested in fish and wildlife, recreation and forestry, and environmental stewardship, the commission shall examine how state parks could be used to educate the public and enhance these activities in the State.
4. The commission shall make recommendations on how our state parks can support these activities through working with non-profits and other entities who are engaged in promoting these activities in Vermont.
5. The commission shall make recommendations on how worthy projects and programs in the parks can be funded through endowments and other private funding sources.
6. The commission will recommend a strategy for creating sustainable partnerships into the future.
7. The recommendations shall include at least 5 business models on how, through partnering, the goals and objectives of creating the park system for the next generation might be accomplished.
8. The commission shall report its findings and make recommendations to the Governor no later than January 31, 2008. The commission may make interim recommendations to the Governor prior to issuing a final report.
This Executive Order shall take effect upon signing and shall expire upon the issuance of a final State Parks Sustainability Report by the Commission.
Witness my name hereunto subscribed and the Great Seal of the State of Vermont hereunto affixed at Montpelier this 23rd day of August, A.D. 2007.
James H. Douglas Governor
By the Governor:
Kiersten Bourgeois Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs
Executive Order No. 06-07