Thomas Beranek

The board conducted the election of the 2026 Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Key discussion topics included the consideration and approval of various grant applications for recreational trails, motorized grants, off-highway vehicle recreation funds, state lake improvement projects, land and water conservation, and heritage fund historic preservation. The board also reviewed the Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch application, received information on the Arizona Site Steward Program, and discussed legislative updates regarding several state bills, the fiscal year 2027 budget, and agency deferred maintenance services.

The board meeting agenda included a legislative update, regional highlights from the Southwest region, and a presentation regarding the history and future management of the Tubac Presidio Historical State Park, resulting in a motion to direct staff to work toward transferring its operations back to the state agency. Additional topics included the Reptiles on the Road program, an Executive Director's report covering charity contribution hikes, local park events, and upcoming outdoor recreation initiatives, and a review of the tentative meeting schedule for the remainder of the year.

The meeting included discussion on the FY26 Budget Highlights and Financial Overview, focusing on SPRF Increases, SLIF Grants Deposit, Heritage Grant Deposit, Major Maintenance, and Verde River funding. The board also reviewed the FY27 Funding Request for Operations Staffing Increase. A retrospective and future vision was presented by the Chief of Grants and Trails. The board also considered action to approve the Armijo Ditch Agreement. The Arizona State Parks and Trails Volunteer Program was also reviewed. The Executive Director provided a report on current events, including the National Association of State Park Directors Conference and the APRA Conference. Upcoming events such as Apple Picking at Slide Rock State Park, Taste of the Bridge at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Everybody Runs Catalina State Park, and Rockin River Ranch Rye IPA Tasting Event were highlighted.

The Arizona State Parks Board meeting includes discussion and potential action on approving the minutes from the June 19, 2025, meeting. The FY26 budget highlights and financial overview will be presented. There will be a retrospective on the first 100 days and future vision from the Chief of Grants and Trails. The board will review and may consider action to approve the Armijo Ditch Agreement. The Arizona State Parks and Trails Volunteer Program will be presented, highlighting the contributions of volunteers. The Executive Director will report on current events, and board members may discuss current events of interest to the outdoor recreation community.

The 2025-2029 Strategic Plan for Arizona State Parks and Trails (ASPT) focuses on sustainable outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and connecting people with Arizona's outdoors and history. Key areas of focus include building and maintaining non-motorized trails, completing deferred maintenance projects, increasing first-time park visitors, and enhancing employee engagement through innovation and professional development. The plan also prioritizes stakeholder engagement and transparent communication to ensure alignment with agency goals and objectives.