Mark Bibeau

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission held a virtual work session. Key discussions included a financial update covering the 2025-27 biennium operating and capital budget expenditures, Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account (PRSA) revenue, and supplemental budgets released during the Legislative Session. Another item provided an update on the 2026 Legislative Session results. Additionally, the commission received a high-level overview of the 2025 employee engagement survey results.

The Commission meeting covered the adoption of revised Rules of Procedure, including changes to leadership selection, and the appointment of the Chair, Vice Chair, and Past Chair. The Commission unanimously approved the Director's 2026 performance evaluation, concluding she exceeded expectations in 2025. Another key action was the unanimous approval of the list of acquisition, development, and restoration grants to be sought through the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, with common themes being aging infrastructure and ADA improvements. The Commission also delegated authority to the Director to approve a Letter of Agreement to subdivide a leased parcel at Saint Edward State Park to facilitate the development of a Nordic-style spa. A discussion provided updates on the proposed Scottish-links style golf course at Westport Light State Park, including litigation status and EIS progress, though no action was taken.

This planning meeting for the Commission focused on internal procedures and updates, with no public comment or formal decisions made. Key discussion topics included the Commission Rules of Procedure document and the Commission decision making document. The agenda also incorporated a collections tour, budget updates for 27-29, and a legislative update. Executive sessions were held to review the performance of a public employee and to discuss potential litigation with legal counsel.

This document compiles metadata and agenda information from a combined Commission Work Session held on January 28, 2026, and a subsequent Commission Meeting held on January 29, 2026. Key discussions during the Work Session included a presentation on the State Parks Leadership School, updates on the Winter Recreation Program, an update on the Boating Program and Clean Vessel Act findings, information regarding a proposed perpetual road easement at Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site, a presentation on Historic Preservation, a Legislative Session update, and a Financial Update. The Work Session concluded with Executive Leadership Updates and an Executive Session to review employee performance and discuss potential litigation. The subsequent Commission Meeting focused on the adoption of the Commission's Rules of Procedure, which included rescinding the Commission Travel Policy. Other business involved the Election of Officers for 2026 and Committee Assignments. Requested actions included delegating authority to the Director to approve a Letter of Agreement to Subdivide a parcel at Saint Edward State Park, adopting the 2026 Director's Performance Agreement, and approving a list of acquisition, development, and restoration grant requests for the 2027-2029 biennium. The meeting also featured public comment periods and committee reports.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission work session addressed several key operational and planning items. Discussions included the 2025-2027 biennium operating and capital budget, as well as revenue from the Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account (PRSA). The Commission received a report regarding a request from The Lodge at Saint Edward, LLC, to approve a Letter of Consent for the subdivision of their leasehold parcel into two lots. An update was also provided on the Mount Spokane State Park Master Plan, covering the Draft Preferred Recommendation and next steps. Finally, the process for developing the 2026 Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant list was reviewed, with a preliminary list shared ahead of a requested approval in January 2026.