Public meeting: State parks leaders review past, ponder future

GOLD BAR — Leaders of the state parks system plan to gather at Wallace Falls Lodge next week to consider projects and initiatives to pursue in 2016.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission also will review its performance agreement with agency director Donald Hoch and discuss any changes they want to make in it for 2016.

Commissioners are scheduled to meet from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. to noon Thursday.

The annual two-day planning meeting is open to the public. No formal action is planned and no public comment is expected to be taken.

Wednesday will be devoted to reviewing agency operations in 2015, evaluating Hoch’s performance and discussing the content of a performance agreement for the director in 2016.

Hoch’s current performance agreement expires Dec. 31. The eight-page document is not a contract but lays out the commissioners’ expectations of him in the calendar year.

These range from administrative chores, management of financial resources, overseeing of various initiatives and ensuring concerns of state parks are clearly understood by state lawmakers.

Next week’s conversation will shape the content of the 2016 agreement that could be approved in a special meeting in December or the panel’s next scheduled meeting in Edmonds Jan. 27 and 28.

On Thursday, commissioners will get status reports on ongoing projects including development and maintenance of state parks.

Additional information on state parks can be found online at parks.state.wa.us.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Alan Edward Dean, convicted of the 1993 murder of Melissa Lee, professes his innocence in the courtroom during his sentencing Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Bothell man gets 26 years in cold case murder of Melissa Lee, 15

“I’m innocent, not guilty. … They planted that DNA. I’ve been framed,” said Alan Edward Dean, as he was sentenced for the 1993 murder.

Bothell
Man gets 75 years for terrorizing exes in Bothell, Mukilteo

In 2021, Joseph Sims broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home in Bothell and assaulted her. He went on a crime spree from there.

A Tesla electric vehicle is seen at a Tesla electric vehicle charging station at Willow Festival shopping plaza parking lot in Northbrook, Ill., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. A Tesla driver who had set his car on Autopilot was “distracted” by his phone before reportedly hitting and killing a motorcyclist Friday on Highway 522, according to a new police report. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Tesla driver on Autopilot caused fatal Highway 522 crash, police say

The driver was reportedly on his phone with his Tesla on Autopilot on Friday when he crashed into Jeffrey Nissen, killing him.

Boeing firefighters union members and supporters hold an informational picket at Airport Road and Kasch Park Road on Monday, April 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
After bargaining deadline, Boeing locks out firefighters union in Everett

The union is picketing for better pay and staffing. About 40 firefighters work at Boeing’s aircraft assembly plant at Paine Field.

Andy Gibbs, co-owner of Andy’s Fish House, outside of his restaurant on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
City: Campaign can’t save big tent at Andy’s Fish House in Snohomish

A petition raised over 6,000 signatures to keep the outdoor dining cover — a lifeline during COVID. But the city said its hands are tied.

A Tesla electric vehicle is seen at a Tesla electric vehicle charging station at Willow Festival shopping plaza parking lot in Northbrook, Ill., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. A Tesla driver who had set his car on Autopilot was “distracted” by his phone before reportedly hitting and killing a motorcyclist Friday on Highway 522, according to a new police report. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
After Stanwood man’s death, feds open probe into Tesla Autopilot feature

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was investigating Tesla’s recall on its vehicles with the Autopilot function.

Pacific Stone Company owner Tim Gray talks with relocation agent Dan Frink under the iconic Pacific Stone sign on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Everett, Washington. The business will be relocating to Nassau Street near the intersection of Marine View Drive and California Street. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Will readerboard romance on Rucker survive long-distance relationship?

Pacific Stone is moving a mile from Totem Diner, its squeeze with another landmark sign. Senior housing will be built on the site.

The site of a new Uniqlo store coming to Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Washington on May, 3, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Clothing retailer Uniqlo to open Lynnwood store

Uniqlo, a Tokyo-based chain, offers clothing for men, women and children. The company plans to open 20 new stores this year in North America.

A dog looks up at its trainer for the next command during a training exercise at a weekly meeting of the Summit Assistance Dogs program at the Monroe Correctional Complex on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
At Monroe prison, dog training reshapes lives of humans, canines alike

Since 2010, prisoners have helped train service animals for the outside world. “I don’t think about much else,” one student said.

James McNeal. Courtesy photo
Charges: Ex-Bothell council member had breakup ‘tantrum’ before killing

James McNeal was giving Liliya Guyvoronsky, 20, about $10,000 per month, charging papers say. King County prosecutors charged him with murder Friday.

Edmonds City Council members answer questions during an Edmonds City Council Town Hall on Thursday, April 18, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds wants to hear your thoughts on future of fire services

Residents can comment virtually or in person during an Edmonds City Council public hearing set for 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Girl, 11, missing from Lynnwood

Sha’niece Watson’s family is concerned for her safety, according to the sheriff’s office. She has ties to Whidbey Island.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.