Public comment sought for proposed parks classification policy

From Montana State Parks

Montana State Park and the Montana State Parks and Recreation Board are seeking public comment on the proposed Classification and Investment Strategy Policy for the Montana State Parks system.

“We recognize that our visitors desire a wide-range of experiences and amenities,” said Beth Shumate, Parks Division Administrator. “From minimally developed campsites to enhanced amenities and high-quality cultural interpretation, there is a state park for everyone. This classification policy allows us to better articulate the services and experiences we offer to the public while providing our staff with the tools to strategically manage this diverse park system.”

The proposed policy would guide strategic investment of resources into the park system. Comments will be accepted through Thursday, April 18 at 5 p.m.

The proposed policy supports the Montana State Parks Strategic Plan, adopted in 2015, and addresses key recommendations from the 2018 Parks Division Legislative Audit and the Governor appointed Parks In Focus Commission. The audit identified a need for regularly ranking and reviewing resources for investment in capital projects, maintenance, and state park operations. Similarly, the PIF Commission recommended revision of the existing classification policy to help Parks strengthen its investment strategy and focus on fostering critical partnerships for the State Park system.

The Classification and Investment Strategy satisfies both recommendations by providing the Parks Division with a framework for the investment of human and fiscal resources across the park system in alignment with visitor needs and expectations while resolving significant major maintenance and capital improvement issues that represent public health and safety risks.

  Montana’s state parks offer a diverse array of experiences from important cultural and historic sites to parks that spotlight Montana’s recreational opportunities and natural beauty. Management of a heritage park differs from the management of a recreation-focused park, so a variety of management approaches are required.

The policy establishes service-level designations which categorize the types of amenities visitors can expect: Rustic, Core, and Enhanced. Parks with rustic services are aimed at attracting visitors who prefer a self-directed experience with limited developed amenities. Parks which offer core services provide moderate amenities and services. Parks with enhanced services have multiple amenities and offer several options for visitors.

In addition to service-level designations, the policy also groups parks by the primary, overall visitor experience offered at each park: Natural, Heritage, and Recreation. By categorizing each park through these criteria, the division will be able to more effectively manage parks according to their specific needs and purposefully plan for future investment.

  To view the complete proposed Classification and Investment Strategy policy or to comment online visit http://stateparks.mt.gov/ and click on “Public Comment & Notices.”

People can send send comments by email to parkclassification@mt.gov. People may also mail comments to Montana State Parks Classification Policy, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620.