Strategic plan calls for prioritizing state parks

With a focus on improving its brand image, prioritizing its maintenance backlog and ensuring better funding going into the future, Montana State Parks recently released its strategic plan for 2015 through 2020.

The division of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks marked two milestones last year — the state parks system’s 75th anniversary year and record high visitation numbers for a second straight year.

“But the park system has and continues to face many challenges,” the strategic plan says. “Historically, there appears to be a lack of appreciation or understanding for Montana’s state parks and recreation programs. Funding and staffing levels have remained stagnant. The system also has a growing backlog of deferred maintenance needs and declining facilities.”

Five of the state’s 55 parks are located in Flathead County — Les Mason and Whitefish Lake in Whitefish, Lone Pine in Kalispell, and Wayfarers and West Shore on Flathead Lake. Another seven are close by — Wild Horse Island, Big Arm, Yellow Bay and Finley Point on Flathead Lake, Lake Mary Ronan west of Flathead Lake, and Logan on U.S. 2 west of Kalispell.

“Charting A New Tomorrow” is the result of a year-long process, with input from FWP staff, legislators, agency partners, user groups, stakeholders and the public. Bringing it all together is the MSP’s brand — significant, relevant and accessible — which will guide how funding will be prioritized.

“Ninety-nine percent of Montanans say it is important for Montana to have state parks,” the plan states. “Investing in our state parks is a sound investment in preserving our natural, cultural and recreational legacy.”

Facing stagnant funding, limited staffing and the rising cost of both land and maintenance, MSP hopes to diversify it funding sources and boost philanthropic investments. The payoff to the state economy could be significant.

“Visitors to Montana State Parks spend over $289 million annually on gear, lodging, retail, gasoline and more, and sustain more than 1,600 tourism jobs in local communities,” the plan states. “Stronger investment in state parks will increase this impact and better reflect the economic contribution of the park system to Montana’s local and state economies.”

Montana’s support for state parks ranks poorly compared to neighboring states — Montana spends $7.5 million for 55 state parks, Wyoming spends $10.3 million for 40 parks, Idaho spends $16 million for 30 parks, and South Dakota spends $6.7 million for 13 parks.

MSP gets most of its funding from a voluntary fee on motor vehicle registration that increased in 2011 from $4 to $6. The Montana State Parks & Recreation Board recommends both increasing the fee and making it mandatory.

Other funding recommendations include redirecting coal tax or lottery money, pursuing a ballot initiative, using general fund money, or establishing a new funding source such as excise taxes related to non-consumptive uses. The board will also “cultivate and leverage potential investments by philanthropic and corporate partners,” the plan states.

Comments to the plan received last year included concerns about prioritizing — state parks should remain public property, many said, and instead of divesting lands, MSP should protect what it already has. Some said leaving some state parks primitive instead of developing them with Wi-Fi and gift shops would not only be cost effective but desirable. Trout Unlimited even questioned if the strategic plan reflected what Montanans want for their state parks.

To provide more funding for state parks, some comments supported increasing the vehicle registration fee, some supported using the state’s 3 percent bed tax or 2 percent rental tax, and many supported increasing park user fees. Some expressed caution about using corporate sponsors.

MSP already has begun to implement its strategic plan. First step is a facility condition assessment and establishing operational and staffing standards. Once that is done, MSP will begin to reallocate resources to the most significant sites.

To review the plan, visit online at http://stateparks.mt.gov/about-us/strategicPlan.html.