Gregoire backs off move of state parks into Department of Natural Resources

Gov. Chris Gregoire is set to issue an executive order this morning aimed at making it easier for the public to deal with the various agencies that manage the state's natural resource and recreation areas.

Her order will, among other things, create a Natural Resources Cabinet "to coordinate natural resource and environmental protection programs and policies" in Washington.

The order culminates months of discussions on possible reforms that involved the governor's office and leaders of the independent Department of Natural Resources and agencies such as the Department of Fish and Wildlife and state parks.

Also today, Gregoire was expected to propose moving state parks into the Department of Natural Resources.

But Tuesday she surprised Public Lands Commissioner Peter Goldmark, the department's elected leader, by dropping the proposal.

"That issue was on the table until I got a call today from the governor that she was no longer going forward with it," Goldmark said in a phone interview Tuesday afternoon.

He said he was not given a specific reason for the decision.

Karina Shagren, the governor's spokeswoman, said Gregoire felt "there was not consensus on how to do it or a clear plan on how to move forward."

If legislators in the 2010 session pass a "thoughtfully prepared" bill for a merger the governor would consider it, she said.

State parks director Rex Derr, who was reportedly on board with the change, did not want to comment Tuesday.

"He wants to wait for her announcement tomorrow," said department spokeswoman Virginia Painter

Gregoire's announcement is set for 10:15 a.m. at state park headquarters in Tumwater.