Shonda Belknap

Discussions included the formation of a community council in an out-of-town area and related challenges concerning bylaws and funding. The board also addressed correspondence, noting issues such as the use of remote-controlled mini boats for dropping bait and the subsequent problem of fire leftovers and trash from unauthorized beach fires, potentially causing grass fires. A staff presentation by the Community Engagement Manager provided an overview of the Office of Community Engagement, including its organizational structure, support for various park divisions across the six regions, and engagement activities such as attending CAB meetings, supporting regional events, and managing the decal program, which includes donating passes for non-profit fundraisers. Financial details regarding revenue generation from Seward cabins (Tonina Cabin being the highest producer) and camping sites were reviewed. The board is also involved in the evaluation process for a new reservation contract, reviewing four proposals.

The meeting involved discussions regarding the minutes from the previous session, specifically clarifying details about parking lot construction analysis involving GIS and BLM restrictions. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the administrative order transferring the administration of the Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grants, which previously funded projects like the Pon Cena cabin, from State Parks to the Department of Transportation (DOT). This transfer dissolves the previous ORTAB board and shifts the focus of future funding to DOT's mission of connectivity between communities. State Parks staff reported submitting a new RTP grant application for trail improvements on the Tonina Trail focusing on drainage and switchbacks. Other topics included the decision to provide the board with a concise list of top capital maintenance priorities due to the lack of a capital budget, discussions on mooring buoys, and updates on the finalization of a previous RTP grant, including the ordering of the associated toolkit and ATVs. Additionally, the board addressed the retrieval of a historic chair from Rocky Point for potential display.

Key discussion topics included the Spruce Creek boardwalk replacement, considering options like gravel access while addressing its deteriorating condition. Updates were sought regarding the 1998 Coastal Management Plan, particularly concerning the Fort McGilvery Historical District and associated interpretive signage, with potential grant applications noted for 2025. Support was expressed for the Fort McGovery Historical Preservation Master Plan and signage improvement, and plans for a ribbon cutting ceremony in 2025 (potentially shifted to 2026) were discussed. Other agenda items covered the annual budget from Metco, advocating for establishing a local friends group to raise funds, and maintaining the state park website's currency for visitors. Discussions also touched upon exploring new public cabin locations, including potentially replacing Kalisto, following a successful dismantling and salvage effort of old timbers from that site. Concerns were raised regarding ongoing erosion at the Tonsina Creek mining issue area, and the need for better kayak staging areas near the launch ramp was raised to improve safety and organization. The purchase of an ATV, noted as nearing end-of-life, was mentioned as an accomplishment, and the future involvement of Americanore volunteers for trail work was discussed.

The meeting addressed administrative items, including roll call and confirmation of a quorum, and the approval of prior meeting minutes. Key discussion topics involved public feedback regarding winter trail usage, specifically a query about using grooming equipment to create wider paths, which was contrasted with the current practice of only plowing the initial section of the trail. Discussions also covered the potential for State Parks to address regulations for drones, including drone fishing, noting that the technology is advancing faster than current regulations, and that the matter is being prepared for proposed regulation. Staff reports covered ongoing recruitment efforts for board vacancies, the tentative April 1st closure date, and the anticipated arrival of a grant-funded toolkit for winter maintenance. Furthermore, staff reported on the inclusion of $1 million for deferred maintenance in the governor's budget, although not directly allocated to the Kenai Peninsula, and updates on a hiring freeze impacting seasonal staff recruitment. There were ongoing discussions regarding landscape architecture work for the lower parking lot upgrades and federal land communication. A significant portion of the public comment involved concerns over heavy usage of the second most traveled road in the Seward area, Little Point Road, and the need for safety improvements, with a commitment to seek support from Senator Sullivan for grant applications. Finally, concerns were raised regarding dead branches near the staff cabin at Kes North Beach.

The primary focus of the meeting was the review and ranking of four Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant applications. Projects reviewed included South Fairbanks Park Phase II, Yellow Hill Park Phase I (noted for cultural significance and accessibility), Bird Creek Campground host site consolidation, and Halibut Point State Recreation Site toilet replacement due to floodplain mapping changes. The Board unanimously approved a motion to recommend funding for all four LWCF projects based on their initial rankings. Old Business included an update on the Alaska Trail System, noting GIS-based trail inventory progress. New Business involved a discussion supporting the alignment of scoring rubrics with application questions for consistency, expressing concerns regarding the transfer of Recreational Trails Program administration to DOT&PF, and updates on the SCORP planning model and State Parks initiatives such as the Alaska State Parks Passport Challenge.