Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission meeting involved several key decisions and updates. Discussions included the authorization of a 30-year easement for the Flora Road River Trail Project, the evaluation and ranking of grant projects for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, and the adoption of the Mount Spokane State Park Master Plan. A financial update was provided for the current biennium. The Commission also approved rescheduling and consolidating the October meeting. Work session presentations covered a legislative update, agency request legislation proposals for the upcoming session, updates on the 2027-29 capital and operating budget requests, operational plans for Fort Worden State Park, and an update regarding the Westport Golf Links proposal. Additionally, the Commission received the State Auditor's Stewardship Award and presented various volunteer and staff recognition awards.

The Commission held a work session and a formal meeting. Key topics included updates on 2027 agency request legislation, the 2027 supplemental operating budget, the 2027-29 operating budget request, and the 2027-29 capital budget request. Additional discussions covered Fort Worden operations, 2027 commission scheduling logistics, and a proposal regarding a golf course at Westport Light State Park. Formal actions taken included approving a thirty-year easement for a trail project in Spokane Valley, adopting a master plan and land classifications for Mount Spokane State Park, and approving a ranked list of projects for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program. The Commission also rescheduled their upcoming October meeting dates.

This document presents the Mount Spokane State Park Master Plan, outlining a 20-year vision for the park. The plan focuses on strategic land classification, long-term boundary adjustments, comprehensive trail network development, and interpretive planning. It aims to protect significant natural habitats and species, enhance existing park features and visitor experiences, and identify limited new strategic features, including development for downhill skiing and snowboarding, implemented across three distinct phases.

The meeting provided an update on the Westport Golf Links project, detailing the development of a Scottish link-style golf course, lodging, and associated park facilities. Key discussion topics included the project's purpose as an economic and community driver, the commitment to environmental stewardship through comprehensive studies of the site's wetlands and habitats, and the transition toward the city taking a lead role in the environmental and shoreline permitting processes to accelerate progress.

The Commission addressed several items including housekeeping changes to WACs regarding headquarters address, leadership roles, and reservation fee benefits for the Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass. They approved a third amendment to the lease for the Lodge at Saint Edward State Park and granted a perpetual easement to the Department of Natural Resources for access at Steptoe Butte State Park. Presentations included a recap of mountain resort operations, a legislative update on ski lift safety and policy bills, financial updates on the operating and capital budgets, a briefing on the 2027-2029 capital budget request, and a master planning update for Mount Spokane State Park.