colorado state parks - colorado department of · pdf file · 2015-12-09carbondale...

Colorado State ParksANNUAL REPORT

FY 07/08

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MissionTo be leaders in providing outdoor recreation through the stewardship of Colorado’s natural resources for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of present and future generations.

Vision Statement Colorado State Parks offer exceptional settings for renewal of the human spirit. Residents and visitors enjoy

healthy, fun-filled interaction with the natural world, creating rich traditions with family and friends that promote

stewardship of our natural resources. Parks employees and their partners work together to provide ongoing and

outstanding customer service through recreational programs, amenities and services.

Program and Section Managers and the Park Managers who are guiding implementation of the Action Strategies identified in the 2004-2009 division-wide Strategic Plan. The Annual Report reminds us that while much work needs to be done, and many issues need to be addressed, all of us can be proud that we are moving forward in the right direction.

With the support of our devoted staff, I pledge to help Colorado State Parks reach their full potential and to continue to be a leader in providing outdoor recreation opportunities and education about nature to all of Colorado’s citizens.

Sincerely,

Dean Winstanley, DirectorColorado State Parks

Year In Review

C hallenges and changes characterized Fiscal Year 2007-2008 at the Colorado Division of State Parks and Outdoor

Recreation. The whirlwind year included a comprehensive performance audit by the Office of the State Auditor, which included a series of recommendations that guided State Parks in raising the standard on the way we manage and track expenditures. A new chief financial officer, who has years of experience in state government accounting policies and procedures, was hired. Other significant changes included the initiation of the master planning process for Staunton State Park, three new board members and the leadership of a new director.

When I accepted the position as director of Colorado State Parks and Outdoor Recreation in November 2007, I fortunately had some prior knowledge of the many issues and challenges confronting the Division. I also had the privilege of previously working with many of our staff and recognized the awesome potential that both our field and program staff possesses and the enormous potential for what Colorado State Parks can become. I also recognized, in the midst of the many issues and challenges confronting the division, that there is a ‘silver lining’ - the tremendous opportunity to proactively plan for the future.

Prior to returning to Colorado State Parks, I had worked in the executive director’s office

at the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. Before I assumed the new duties, I revisited the Division’s 2004-2009 Strategic Plan. As I flipped through its pages, I recognized that sound planning will be one of the keys to our success. Much of my first year as director of Colorado State Parks has entailed learning from the past and taking measures to address those past issues, but it is critical that we all take a moment to celebrate our many accomplishments. The Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Annual Report showcases some of these accomplishments and also points to some of our division-wide priorities in the current fiscal year.

As many of you know, planning involves both learning from past and looking forward to the future. That is why the division-wide Strategic Plan is so important. One of my personal priorities is to help the Division recognize its full potential and to position Colorado State Parks so that we can proactively plan for the future.

The FY 07/08 Annual Report serves as one of the Division’s core planning documents. It provides a context for evaluating some of our greatest achievements from the past fiscal year. This report also highlights some of our highest priorities for FY 08/09. Information provided in the Annual Report is based entirely on direct feedback from members of the State Parks Leadership Team, the

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Ouray

Delta

Craig

Fort Morgan

Rifle

Limon

Lamar

Aspen

Pueblo

Lake George

Denver

Cortez

Sal ida

Walden

Arboles

Durango

Brighton

Montrose

Greeley

Gunnison

Sterling

Woodland ParkDivide

Collbran

Oak Creek

Hayden

Alamosa

Ridgway

Buena Vista

Goodrich

Boulder

Loveland

Grand Junction

Trinidad

La Junta

Franktown

Leadvi lle

Steamboat Springs

Walsenburg

Canon City

BurlingtonCarbondale

Springf ield

Fort Coll ins

Cripple Creek

Colorado Springs

Glenwood Springs

LORY

VEGA

NAVAJO

PAONIA

MANCOS

LATHROP

MUELLER

RIDGWAY

STAUNTON *

TRINIDAD LAKE

SAN LUIS

CRAWFORD

HIGHLINE LAKE

LONE MESA *

CHATFIELD

BARR LAKE

BOYD LAKE

RIFLE GAP HARVEY GAP

BONNY LAKE

ROXBOROUGH

STAGECOACH

PEARL LAKE

RIFLE FALLS

LAKE PUEBLO

ELEVEN MILE

SYLVANLAKE

CHERRY CREEK

JACKSON LAKESTATE FOREST

ST. VRAIN

SWEITZER LAKE

STEAMBOAT LAKE NORTH STERLING

COLORADO RIVER

ELDORADO CANYON

SPINNEY MOUNTAIN

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN

CASTLEWOOD CANYON

GOLDEN GATE CANYON

YAMPA RIVER

JOHN MARTINRESERVOIR

ARKANSAS HEADWATERS

EELKHEAD RESERVOIRELKHEAD RESERVOIR

* Parks that are Under Development - Not Open to the Public

Colorado State Parks

Year in Review ............................................................................................................. 1

Introduction ................................................................................................................. 5

Recreation ................................................................................................................... 7

Key Accomplishments that Meet this Goal ............................................................. 7

Priorities for FY 08/09 that Meet the Division’s Recreation Goal ...........................11

Natural Resources .......................................................................................................13

Key Accomplishments that Meet this Goal ............................................................13

Priorities for FY 08/09 that Meet the Division’s Natural Resources Goal ................16

Financial Management ...............................................................................................17

Key Accomplishments Related to the Strategic Plan ...............................................17

Priorities for FY 08/09 that Meet the Division’s Financial Management Goal.. .......19

Human Resources .......................................................................................................21


Priorities for FY 08/09 that Meet the Division’s Human Resources Goal ................23

Marketing ...................................................................................................................25


Priorities for FY 08/09 that Meet the Division’s Marketing Goal ............................26

Partnerships ................................................................................................................27


Priorities for FY 08/09 that Meet the Division’s Partnerships Goal .........................29

Planning .....................................................................................................................31


Priorities for FY 08/09 that Meet the Division’s Planning Goal ..............................33

Table of Contents

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“ Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries

of the earth are never alone or weary of life”

- Rachel Carson

In many ways, this Annual Report is a celebration of Colorado State Parks

achievements during the prior fiscal year. The Colorado State Parks FY 07/08 Annual Report describes major staff accomplishments from the past fiscal year, as well as some of the priority actions that are currently underway to help implement the Strategic Plan’s more than 130 action strategies. The Annual Report also serves as a compass to direct the priorities as Colorado State Parks move through the current fiscal year.

The Annual Report was developed by the Strategic Planning staff in cooperation with Leadership Team members, program and section managers, and other State Parks staff that hold leadership roles in implementing action strategies included in the Strategic Plan. Each Fall, this document is updated and distributed to staff, the State Parks Board, major funding contributors such as Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the Colorado Lottery, members of the General Assembly and other interested parties.

The main sections of the Annual Report are tied directly to the seven Division-wide goals outlined in the State Parks Strategic Plan. These goals

are specifically related to: Recreation; Natural Resources; Financial Services; Human Resources; Marketing; Planning; and Partnerships. For each goal, the Annual Report highlights the major accomplishments from the past fiscal year as well as the priorities for the current fiscal year.

The information provided in the Annual Report is not a comprehensive description of each task that is underway or planned to meet a specific goal. Instead, the Annual Report provides a “snapshot” of some of the key Division-wide efforts that are related to the Strategic Plan, as described by the various Colorado State Parks staff members who contributed to this report.

The annual Implementation Plan, which is distributed early each calendar year, complements this Annual Report. The plan provides a detailed breakdown of the action strategies that Colorado State Parks will pursue in Fiscal Year 09/10, staff that are assigned to implementing these strategies, estimated funding needs and a comprehensive implementation timeline.

Introduction

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Colorado State Parks is a leader

in meeting the state’s outdoor

recreation needs. With 42 state

parks encompassing 224,000

acres of land and water, State

Parks provide something for

everyone. Hiking, mountain

biking, fishing, camping,

hunting and horseback riding

are just a sampling of the

many opportunities that draw

over 11 million visitors

each year.

Members of the public attend one of the four Staunton State Park Master Planning open house meetings.

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Recreation

State Parks Goal: Provide sustainable outdoor recreation settings, statewide programs and educational opportunities to keep pace with the rising demands, needs and diversity of Colorado citizens and visitors.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT MEET THIS GOAL

Water ResourcesTwenty-five of the agency’s 42 state parks offer water-based recreation. Colorado State Parks is continually seeking ways to supplement existing water supplies to ensure an adequate supply is available to meet water-based recreation needs. In FY 07/08, some of the major water resource accomplishments included:

Constructed two augmentation •

stations at Trinidad Lake State Park to divert required amounts of water from the Purgatoire River to ditches located below Trinidad Lake.

Purchased approximately 300 •

acre-feet of additional water for Cherry Creek State Park to maintain adequate water levels for water-based recreation during the summer season.

Purchased 600 acre-feet of water storage at Twin Lakes Reservoir in Lake County to supplement streamflows through the Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area and help meet Voluntary Flow Management Program Agreements for the Upper Arkansas River Basin.

St. Vrain State Park: Completed Phases I and II of construction at St. Vrain State Park. Received GOCO funding approval to purchase water rights to maintain water levels and meet legal requirements for augmentation in 17 ponds; received matching funds from the Colorado State Lottery to construct pump stations and lateral pipelines to deliver water from the St.Vrain River for distribution throughout the park.

Sustainable DesignState Parks initiated discussions with the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) on implementing sustainable design practices at new and existing parks.

New Park Development & Planning High Plains Region

Staunton State Park: Initiated the master planning process for Staunton State Park. Established a diverse, internal planning team to help guide

the process. The planning team also established a Master Plan Advisory Committee comprised of local, regional and statewide representatives to help inform park master planning decisions and supplement public open house meetings.

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Parking lot and beach day-use site at Elkhead Reservoir. View of the Harmsen Ranch dining area.

Chief Ouray Shelter

New camper registration building at Mueller State Park

Southeast Region

Cheyenne Mountain State Park: Construction of Cheyenne Mountain State Park continued through FY 07/08. The park was opened for day use and trail use, generating over $100,000 in revenue for FY 07/08. With the assistance of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and the City of Colorado Springs, State Parks jointly purchased approximately 1,000 acres on top of Cheyenne Mountain.

Other Significant Capital Improvements Development Projects

Rocky Mountain Region

Elkhead Reservoir State Park: In 2007, State Parks staff partnered with the Colorado River Water Conservation District and Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program to construct the first day-use sites at the reservoir. This included development of the main boat ramp, the parking lot and a beach day-use site.

State Parks also initiated construction of three additional recreation sites at Elkhead Reservoir including a sixteen-unit primitive campground, a small swim beach (East Beach) and a small hand-launch boat ramp (North-East Access).

High Plains Region

Golden Gate State Park: Completed improvements to the Harmsen Ranch Cabin including renovation of the Sunroom with a new roof and interior upgrades, new water service to the western portion of the building, additional sidewalks, landscaping, and road and drainage improvements. The completed facility was opened to the public for rental in July 2008.

Recreation (cont.)

Cherry Creek State Park: Constructed two group picnic shelters at Cherry Creek State Park. The Chief Ouray Shelter accommodates 72 people, offers restrooms, two grills and a kitchen counter space with numerous outlets and a sink. The Arapahoe Shelter accommodates 36 people, has a unisex restroom, a grill and a kitchen counter space with outlets and a sink.

collection and processing of violations and citations; and the ability to attach

and store scanned documents and photos to case reports. Phase II will also provide access to historic State Parks law enforcement data to identify trends and interface with the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s law enforcement system to improve interdepartmental communication and data sharing.

Vehicle Registration SystemThe Vehicle Registration System (VRS) software was rewritten and updated. Enhancements to internal processes and procedures are underway to improve customer service.

Boat Safety/Training/Registration and Off Highway VehiclesWith the support of State Parks, a new state law was approved and signed by Gov. Bill Ritter in early 2008 requiring that children under 13 years of age wear personal floatation devices (PFDs) on all boats. State Parks also supported new legislation lowering the boating under the influence (BUI) blood alcohol content (BAC) to 0.08.

Recreation (cont.)

Southeast Region

Mueller State Park: Initiated development of a new camper registration building at Mueller State Park. The new facility will provide both walk-up and drive-through camper registration services including area maps, information, the sale of bundled wood for campfires and restrooms.

Law Enforcement Records and Citations Management SystemState Parks completed Phase II of the Law Enforcement Citation System (LECS), including enhancements that improve the usability and functionality of the system for managers and field staff. Some of these enhancements allow for improved documentation and incident tracking; more efficient data

Boat safety education efforts have been expanded to include more courses, more participation in outside boat safety education sessions and a higher profile public information and education program, such as billboards, banners and media events.

Real EstateThe Real Estate Program staff updated the priority list of land acquisition needs at existing park areas.

State TrailsThe State Trails Program was moved from the Law Enforcement Section to the Statewide Programs Section, allowing for improved coordination with other statewide recreation programs.

Trails Program staff gathered input from local governments, land management agencies, trail interests and the public on potential improvements to the Recreational Trails Grant process.

Four training workshops for State Trails Grants were provided in FY 07/08 to city, county, state and federal agencies, volunteers and non-profits. Training and grant assistance was also provided directly to individual grantees by email, phone and appointment.

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Photo by Dan Whyner

Look at the trees , look at the birds , look at the clouds , look at the stars ... and if you have eyes you will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful .

- Osho

Recreation (cont.)

The State Trails Program assisted over 41 potential applicants with their grant applications including local, state and federal government agencies and nonprofit agencies.

Worked with Colorado State University to establish a state trails inventory/database for a pilot study area in Larimer County.

Partnered with the Colorado Outdoor Training Initiative (COTI) to develop curriculum and provide “trails” training to Colorado State Parks staff, city, county, state and federal agencies, non-profit organization and volunteers.

Strategic PlanningThe Strategic Planning staff developed the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) with the assistance of a diverse, 33-member steering committee. The SCORP provides a critical five-year plan for addressing key outdoor recreation issues through 2013.

PRIORITIES FOR FY 08/09THAT MEET THE DIVISION’SRECREATION GOAL

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Staunton State Park• : Complete the Staunton State Park Master Plan, which will include a preferred development alternative reviewed by the public and approved by the Parks Board.

St. Vrain State Park• : Apply to GOCO and the Colorado Lottery for funding to complete construction of the next phase of the project including road paving, day use area construction and work on Blue Heron reservoir.

Finalize purchase of the • Top of Cheyenne Mountain properties and continue planning process for development and use of this area of the park.

Complete Phase III construction at • Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

Complete the re-stabilization of • Lester Creek Dam at Pearl Lake State Park, including installation of drains to move groundwater out of the foundation and replace the old outlet gate. (See photo on right.)

Pearl Lake Dam

Complete a new Visitor Center at • Highline Lake State Park. The new Visitor Center will have a new parking lot to the east, a realignment of the east park entrance road to accommodate the visitor center building and a new self-service fee station. Additionally, a federally-sponsored project will make repairs to the east boat ramp and provide a realignment of the existing boat ramp access road and associated parking.

Reconstruct recreation facilities at • Elkhead Reservoir State Park that were lost when the crest of Elkhead Dam was raised.

Continue rehabilitation of park facilities • at Trinidad Lake State Park through a cost share project with Corp of Engineers.

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Natural resources are a

fundamental asset of each

state park and within each

of Colorado’s 79 designated

Natural Areas, which are

administered by Colorado

State Parks. Each state

park and natural area

plays a significant role in

protecting and conserving

these resources for future

generations of Coloradans.

The Friends of CNAP held a 30-year reunion and “friend” raiser in November 2007 to highlight CNAP successes over the years.

GIS Mapping

State Parks Goal: Improve and sustain the ecological, scenic and scientific assets in and around state park lands through proactive stewardship.

Natural Resources

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT MEET THIS GOAL

Colorado Natural AreasA grant awarded through the Species Conservation Trust Fund (SCTF) significantly increased the resources available to Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) for research, monitoring and stewardship actions in natural areas. Because of the grant, CNAP is able to successfully coordinate a coalition of conservation partners, the Rare Plant Conservation Initiative, which is working to save the highest priority rare plant species in the state.

Expansion and designation of the Mt. Callahan Natural Area, which is owned by Occidental Oil and Gas. Program staff wrote explicit best management practices for protection of a federal candidate

Recreation (cont.)

Work with development staff to • incorporate sustainable design practices into facility design and construction where appropriate and applicable.

Continue research into expanding • the mandatory motorboat operator education course requirements.

Initiate the 2010 • Strategic Plan update.

Update • Vehicle Registration System (VRS) training materials for agency staff training in 2009.

Conduct three • Statewide Trail Grant trainings in Fall 2008.

With the completion of Phase II of • the State Trails Mapping Project, continue assisting with development of a consumer-friendly format that is accessible, highly appealing and easy to use by both the general public and local trail managers.

The • Volunteer Program will work with Planning, Development and Creative Services Sections to recommend standards for non-personal interpretive facilities and signs and expand environmental education efforts in parks.

Down by the Uncompahgre River in Autumn, Photo by Jennifer Loshaw

Completed distribution of GIS data, including extensive natural resource layers and property boundary layers, to all state parks. A new tool is under development to provide park and region development staff valuable data on deed restrictions and funding sources used to purchase a given parcel.

At several parks there has been a concerted effort to map all utilities and important infrastructure assets. Mapping utilities has proven to be valuable money saving tool for management and maintenance.

species and worked with Occidental to protect this area from the potential impacts of future development activities in the area.

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Natural Resources (cont.)

Stewardship PlansAs part of the development of Stewardship Plans for all state parks, the natural resource staff completed baseline natural resource surveys at Lone Mesa and State Forest State Parks. Stewardship plans now include baseline mapping at for 44 state park properties, including the two not yet open to the public. A key component of this is vegetation mapping, which has included assessing the condition of the native vegetative as excellent, good, fair or poor. This condition value is an important overall measure of the health and the resource protection within parks and is used in planning new development projects.

Created a matrix to identify all biological surveys that have been completed at all parks and to identified surveys needed during the next stewardship planning cycle.

A new Stewardship Plan template has been completed and will be implemented with the North Sterling Stewardship Plan, which will be the first updated plan.

Major changes will include:

More precise monitoring of birds 1. and plants.

Executive summaries with clear 2. maps of important features and areas to preserve.

A clear list of threatened 3. and endangered species to be considered at the park.

More discussion of environmental 4. issues such air, noise and light.

Recommendations tailored to 5. park staff job descriptions so that rangers, park technician`s and interpretive staff know exactly how to protect natural resources.

Forest HealthThrough an active partnership program with the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), Colorado State Parks have successfully treated state park forests to reduce the risk of wildfire and to address pine beetle damage. Through forest thinning and controlled burning, we have treated over 1,047 acres at seven parks in FY 07/08 and project planning was conducted on 221 acres at three parks.

Most of the forestry projects were matched 3:1 with federal funds from

FEMA through a partnership with state Department of Emergency Management (DEM), CSFS and State Parks.

A parks-wide 10-year draft plan of forestry needs was prepared to anticipate the budget needs to maintain our forests.

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS)With the discovery of invasive mussels at Lake Pueblo this winter, we developed a comprehensive strategy for preventing the spread of ANS as well as a manual and a training program for inspection, education and prevention, and decontamination prior to July 2008 — more than year ahead of schedule. Major funding to immediately implement these programs was provided by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Denver Water, Aurora Water and the state legislature. Additional authority to conduct inspections and boat decontamination was also grantedvia state statue in May 2008.

State Forest from Montgomery Pass Photo by Kris Wahlers

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The financial stability and sustainability of Colorado State Parks is

of utmost importance. State Parks continues to

build statewide support from all of our Colorado constituents,

stressing the value and importance of parks.

Internally, we have made significant strides to improve our

financial tracking and accountability.

Natural Resources (cont.)

Lake Pueblo, Eleven Mile and Spinney State Parks implemented pilot ANS programs and full programs were implemented at 24 parks in Summer 2008. This inspection, prevention and decontamination programs have been successful and set the standard for ANS programs in Colorado and the western United States.

PRIORITIES FOR FY 08/09 THAT MEET THE DIVISION’S NATURAL RESOURCES GOAL

Continue with ANS-zebra mussel • inspection programs at 24 parks and hire a new FTE invasive species coordinator to support the program.

Continue to update all park GIS data • to stay current, upgrade to ArcGIS9.3 and provide additional training to staff. Continue to move toward mapping more infrastructure as budget allows.

Account for relevant parameters from the • DNR in any future State Parks GIS plan.

High Plains Region (HP Region) • parks will complete, at a minimum, annual work plans (including resource management components) and submit them to the HP region office for review and funding decisions. Plans will

Natural Areas visits by State Parks staff will be conducted at 20 sites. Additional SCTF funding will be requested to fund additional staff and major protection projects.

Develop a draft Stewardship Plan for • Lone Mesa State Park prior to July 2009.

Financial Management

State Parks Goal: Develop and implement appropriate strategies to stabilize and strengthen State Parks’ financial condition.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS RELATED TO THE STRATEGIC PLAN

Financial ServicesA new State Parks Chief Financial Officer, Steve Cassin (formerly with CDOW), was hired and he recruited a highly-qualified interim staff to fill other key financial services positions, including the budget analyst and controller positions.

The Financial Services staff secured funding for a State Parks-wide Financial Plan that will project anticipated expenditures and revenue; identify fee changes and other initiatives that will further improve the overall financial condition of State Parks. The plan will also address the priorities for different types of funding, which was a need identified in the State Parks audit.

be reviewed quarterly with region office staff. Fund approximately $152,000 to complete park vegetation management work plans.

Encourage park managers to work with • upstream watershed management groups as available. Participation ranges from annual meetings, to planning volunteer efforts for projects on the state park, to having the watershed groups perform construction projects on the park that typically result in the establishment of watershed and natural resource improvements and impoundments.

Begin revisiting all Stewardship Plans • on a 14-year cycle in coordination with the management planning cycle and complete additional field surveys as needed, as well as assessing new parcels added to parks in the last few years, including the top of Cheyenne Mountain.

Continue with major forestry projects in • State Parks to address wildfire mitigation and pine beetle impacts. Seek extension of the FEMA grant timeline to address funding delays. The 10-year forestry plan will be finalized by July 2009.

Natural Areas protection projects, field • surveys and research will increase, primarily due to Species Conservation Trust Fund (SCTF) grant funding.

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“Look at the flowers - for no reason . It is simply unbelievable how happy

flowers are .”- Osho

Financial Management (cont.)

Capital Project TrackingCAPTRS was made available to all Parks who oversee capital projects. This application will allow capital development staff to set up, monitor and document capital project revenue, funding and expenditures. This will ensure more accurate tracking and reporting of capital project progress.

Strategic Allocations of ResourcesInformation included in the 2008 Annual Implementation Plan was used to identify “elevated priorities” to be considered in the budget allocation process, due to their relative level of importance to State Parks.

Partnering with CDOTState Parks Senior Staff met with the CDOT Executive Director Russell George and his staff in February 2008 to discuss increased funding for state park road maintenance, highway directional signing for state parks and pedestrian and bicycle trails, including the Colorado Front Range Trail.

Market AssessmentState Parks initiated a new market assessment study to help us better understand Colorado State Parks position in the outdoor recreation

marketplace and provide useful information to help steer future State Parks decisions. The study will identify preferences related to facilities, services and programs valued by citizens and visitors.

Retail Program The Retail Program’s net contribution to Parks’ Cash for Fiscal Year 07/08 was about $450,000. E-Stores sales were up 39% and retail store revenues increased 7% over the previous fiscal year.

Rolling Calendar for Parks PassesThe cycle for Colorado State Parks Annual Passes was updated to conform to a rolling calendar year, affording State Park visitors 12 months of park access from the date of purchase.

Begin including projected controlled • maintenance and operating costs in funding plans for all large capital projects. This will be done as part of the overall financial analysis for projects, as well as contained in all Decision Items and budget requests submitted for review and approval.

PRIORITIES FOR FY 08/09 THAT MEET THE DIVISION’S FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT GOAL

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State Parks Goal:Motivate and enable a dedicated and customer-focused workforce.


Employee Development/IncentivesInitiated a recruiting program that will allow State Parks to recruit new park rangers without a requirement for a minimum of six months of experience in a park, making it easier for qualified applicants to obtain a position without working as a temporary employee first.

Training AccomplishmentsOver 77 staff attended “Supervisory Training” sessions to ensure that supervisors had the latest training on important administrative and oversight functions.

Held the new employee “Division Orientation” to ensure that new employees were versed in park and program functions.

Financial Management (cont.)

The planning and tracking of capital projects • will be improved as part of restructuring State Parks’ capital planning program. It is envisioned that a new capital planning program will closely examine capital improvement needs, new capital projects and develop a framework for reprioritizing or reallocating these projects. The State Parks Board will also have an opportunity to finalize the selection, approval and funding for the annual capital projects.

Colorado State Parks Capital Project Tracking • and Reporting System (CAPTRS) captures, tracks and reports on capital development funds and projects on a statewide level. Phase II of the CAPTRS program will provide enhancements which will allow more efficient input, movement and reporting of critical data related to capital projects. One of the main components of Phase II is the design and development of an electronic interface for the movement of capital funding data into the state’s financial reporting system, COFRS. Phase II will begin in Fall 2008 and extend through Spring 2009.

Continue to use the Implementation plan • to help guide resource allocations through identification of important, Division-wide priorities that require additional staffing or financial resources.

Human ResourcesContinue to improve the COFRS interface • based on recommendations from region development managers, engineers and administrative support staff.

Hold follow-up meetings with CDOT • to pursue funding for state park road maintenance, highway directional signing for state parks and pedestrian and bicycle trails, including the Colorado Front Range Trail.

Provide a draft five-year Financial Plan to • the Parks Board by March 2009 and a final plan by June 2009. The Financial Plan will be based on information provided in the 2008 Market Assessment, visitor survey data, trend analyses and other related information. This plan will project anticipated expenditures and revenue; identify fee changes and other potential initiatives that will further improve the overall financial condition of State Parks. The plan will also address the priorities for different types of funding - a need identified in the State Parks audit.

Colorado State Parks is fortunate to have a diverse and

well-qualified workforce that possesses a strong passion for the

outdoors. Our 290 full-time administrative, program and park staff

are one of our greatest assets. Each staff member plays a valuable

role in ensuring that our State Parks system continues to be one of

Colorado’s greatest outdoor treasures.

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“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished .”- LaoTzu

Human Resources (cont.)

StaffingA new State Parks Communications Manager position was established within the Division Director’s Office to help improve and manage internal and external communications. The position will provide leadership and assistance in improving communication flow between administration, programs and field staff to increase overall agency efficiency,accountability and overall morale.

Information Technology

The Parks IT team has a “plan-refresh” cycle for all IT assets. The objective is to replace all IT computer assets on a 4-year cycle to coincide with expiration of equipment warranty. The advantage of this is lower cost of ownership, reduced equipment failure and lower support costs.

PRIORITIES FOR FY 08/09 THAT MEET THE DIVISION’S HUMAN RESOURCES GOAL

Fully assess the job functions and duties • where temporary employees have been used for periods longer than six months. State Parks will adopt and utilize appropriate and accepted professional standards for staffing and operations of parks and outdoor recreation programs.

Complete an intranet SharePoint site • to provide an information center for State Parks-specific forms, calendar, announcements, press releases, etc. This will be accessible only to parks employees, provide for secure, private communication between all employees, and reduce incoming email. Staff will be trained on how to use the intranet in Spring 2009.

The new State Parks Communication • Manager will plan and develop a formal employee awards and incentives program.

Determine whether a full-time personnel • manager could be helpful to DNR and State Parks in filling priority FTE and temporary positions.

Pursue an employee work exchange/• cross-training program, within other adjoining states in the region.

Work with universities throughout • Colorado to match qualified graduates with full-time opportunities at State Parks. Attempt to draw students from a broad range of educational backgrounds. Work with DNR Human Resources to evaluate our professional requirements for each position and help us further improve how and where we draw prospective applicants.

Provide three future state park leaders • an opportunity to gain valuable skills and insight by attending the National Association of State Parks Directors Park Manager Development School.

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Marketing Marketing staff worked with ReserveAmerica to feature 19 state parks on their online website, in their magazine and in their e-newsletter reaching more than two million visitors.

Retail Program, Marketing and other Parks staff participated in nine trade/travel shows reaching approximately 150,000 people and generating over $45,000 in revenue.

These included:

Fly Fishing Show•

Colorado RV Adventure Travel Show•

International Sportsman’s Expo•

Denver Boat Show•

Colorado RV Show•

Colorado Springs RV Show•

Grand Junction RV Show•

Sports, Boat & Travel Show •

Snowmobile Expo•


Marketing/Public OutreachThe Marketing Section was restructured to devote more time to planning, implementing and measuring marketing strategies to help increase revenue and visitation. Results of the market assessment and visitation survey, as well as SCORP, will help inform future activities.

The E-newsletter was sent four times in FY 07/08 to approximately 10,000 opt-in subscribers from our website and tradeshows. A feature of the website has a message encouraging visitors to sign up.

State Parks Goal: Retain current and acquire new customers through exceptional service and by improving State Parks’ visibility with innovative marketing.

Marketing and public outreach

helps broaden State Parks’

visibility by applying marketing

strategies that emphasize the

unique attributes of parks to

the general public. Effective

marketing also helps attract

future visitors by creating

connections to the outdoors and

opportunities for discovery that

will inspire individuals and

groups to experience state parks.

Colorado State Parks also attended the Governor’s Tourism Conference in October 2007 in Grand Junction to expose and excite 500 tourism industry professionals about our outstanding park system. In addition to an exhibit booth, Parks hosted a breakout session entitled, The Trails of Colorado - A Grand Adventure for the Colorado Tourist. This session highlighted the Continental Divide Trail, the Colorado Trail, the Santa Fe National Historic Trail and the Colorado Front Range Trail.

As part of a national initiative, Colorado State Parks participated in the first annual National Get Outdoors Day on June 14, 2008. This event brings together many government and non-profit outdoor organizations to engage youth and highlights outdoor recreation opportunities in parks, forests, refuges and other public lands. Colorado State Parks provided educational information in three areas - boating safety, environmental education and general information on parks. Last year’s event was attended by approximately 2,000 people. Colorado State Parks also participated in the annual Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, which is attended by about 50,000 people.

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Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)

State Parks continued to work closely with Great Outdoors Colorado to secure funding for important park functions and other investment priorities.

CORPS Cost Share

State Parks worked with the Army Corps of Engineers to secure about $3.2 million in funds for outdoor recreation improvements at Chatfield, Cherry Creek and Trinidad State Parks.


Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)State Parks continued to work closely with Great Outdoors Colorado to secure funding for important park functions and other investment priorities.

Cost Share ProgramsState Parks worked with the Army Corps of Engineers to secure about $3.2 million in funds for outdoor recreation improvements at Chatfield, Cherry Creek and Trinidad State Parks.Secured an additional $790,000 from the Bureau of Reclamation for improvements at five state parks.

Photo by Brent Lounsbury

Partnerships

Use customer contact information from boat, • OHV and snowmobile registrations and reservations to increase our opt-in e-newsletter subscription list. Once a customer database is created, we will have much greater ability to reach customers through various outlets.

Implement internet marketing plan • for search engine optimization.

Each park will host at least one traditional • annual event such as kids fishing tournaments, birding programs and interpreter education programs and walks.

Continue the Statewide Visitation and • Market Assessment Study to help State Parks more effectively plan for the future and address key issues.

Improve State Parks visibility by tracking • and analyzing news releases, feature stories and conduct media familiarization tours to increase State Parks media exposure by analyzing news clips to identify parks that received little coverage.

PRIORITIES FOR FY 08/09 THAT MEET THE DIVISION’S MARKETING GOAL

The Signs of Spring photo contest this year was a first for Colorado State Parks. The contest lasted nine weeks, attracted 200 entries and was mentioned in more than two dozen news articles creating 3.4 million impressions. The Fall Rush to the Gold campaign also encourages non-users to visit our parks to see the brilliant colors. Nearly 14 million impressions were created for the campaign through e-newsletters, outdoor billboards, a Denver Convention Center display, an AAA Magazine ad, online ads on RV travel sites, direct mail postcards and brochure distribution.

An additional, 1.8 million “impressions” were generated through news coverage including Boulder Daily Camera, Rocky Mountain News, Pueblo Chieftain, Fort Collins Coloradoan, as well as Fox 31, CBS 4, KMGH News 7, and KOAA television stations.

Our brochure distribution program through the Colorado State Welcome Centers provides information on all our parks to potential users. State Welcome Centers reach 1 million visitors annually.

Colorado State Parks also participated in the brochure distribution program at out-of-state trade shows through the Colorado Tourism Office. These shows were attended by approximately 85,000 people total.

Guest RelationsInitiated the Statewide Visitation and Market Assessment study to gather visitor information and demographic information that will provide park managers and other decision makers with accurate information about park visitors and their preferences. The purpose of this study is to generate comprehensive and systematic research that identifies Colorado State Parks’ position in the outdoor recreation marketplace and to quantify public preferences for facilities, services and programs valued by citizens of Colorado and visitors to Colorado State Parks.

WebsiteState Parks continued updates to its website to make it more user-friendly and informative.

Marketing (cont.)

State Parks Goal: Strengthen partnerships and strategically engage new partners to achieve common goals and the State Parks’ mission.

Colorado State Parks relies extensively on its

partners to help operate and maintain parks in

the face of limited resources,

provide much-needed funding, put on special events

and help educate visitors on park resources.

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Resource Stewardship/Natural AreasCoordinated with universities on forest insect studies at several parks. State Parks has worked with Colorado State University (CSU) on several projects this year, including: Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) monitoring at Lake Pueblo; reintroduction of the rare monkey flower at Staunton State Park; advice on grazing at two natural areas; coordination on bio-fuel analysis; and coordination with Gustavus Aldofus College in Minnesota and CSU regarding the rare moonwort at Bonny Lake; as well as coordination on rare plant pollination issues with Utah State University. Four of these projects were established with formal agreements.

State Parks BoardRecruited three highly-qualified State Parks Board members in FY 07/08 to help the Division address critical issues and better plan for the future. New Board members included Lenna Watson (West Region), Happy Haynes (Metro Region), and Bill Kane (At-Large).

Volunteer ProgramsThe Volunteer Program staff continued collaborative partnerships with the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAFE) and the National Association of Interpretation (NIA) to provide interpretatioon and education training opportunities for State Parks staff and volunteers.

Initiate a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with GOCO. This document will • govern many key aspects of the State Parks-GOCO relationship including funding awards, tracking of expenditures, requests for reimbursement and reporting. The MOA will then be submitted to the GOCO Board and the State Parks Board for final approval.

Division Leadership and the Parks Board will work with the Colorado State Parks • Foundation to enhance our partnership.

Evaluate the partnership with the Rocky Mountain Nature Association and • establish controls to safeguard inventory and ensure compliance with financial reporting requirements.

Actively communicate with county commissioners, city councils, local and county • officials, local chambers of commerce, support groups, other local, state and federal agencies as needed.

Regional Recreation/Tourism Forums

Worked with the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) to distribute State Parks brochures to five out-of-state travel shows at an extremely affordable rate.

Partnered with AGI Events, the organization that puts on Colorado Travel shows. Partnered with the Colorado Lottery by providing them with prize packages for their Silver Anniversary celebration, which generated web site visits and regular inclusion on Fox 31 TV announcements.

State Parks Foundation

Members of the State Parks Board, DNR Executive Director Harris Sherman, and Division Leadership met with the Director of the Foundation for Colorado State Parks in Spring 2008 to discuss ways to expand the Foundation’s role/impact. A follow-up meeting was held in July 2008 with consultants for the Compass Group, which provides expertise on fundraising and building capacity to realize additional funding.

Partnerships (cont.) Partnerships (cont.)

Nori Pierce, former Volunteer Program staff, performs one of many volunteer trainings

Worked with Volunteers for Colorado on five state park projects that involved 90 youth participants.

Completed 53 weeks of Youth Corps projects at 25 state park locations, involving 236 crew members and crew leaders statewide.

A total of 6,077 volunteers provided State Parks with over 200,000 hours of employee time, valued at $3.9 million, and services that were equivalent to 96 full-time employees.

PRIORITIES FOR FY 08/09 THAT MEET THE DIVISION’S PARTNERSHIPS GOAL

Photo by Taimur Mahmood

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Effective planning is one of the keys to sound

decision-making. The Division-wide five-year strategic plan serves as

the overarching plan for the entire agency by providing overall guidance

and stated purposes for leadership, employees and stakeholders.

At the park level, there are a number of plans that meet park-specific

needs, including the Park Management Plan,

the natural Resource Stewardship Plan, the Volunteer Plan and in

some instances, other plans tailored to meet a specific need.

In addition, parks may have master plans

that help guide development for a particular portion of a park,

or possibly the entire park.

Meet periodically with Chaffee, Fremont and Lake County government officials to discuss in-stream flow and water-related issues on the • Arkansas River.

Support implementation of the SCORP and key recommendations such as establishment of a Governor’s Commission on • Colorado’s Outdoors.

Update and renew the Lake Pueblo Cost Share agreement in the upcoming fiscal year to increase the annual allocation and years in the agreement.•

Update the Five-Year Interpretation and Environmental Education (I&EE) Services Plan. One emphasis of the plan will be to lay the groundwork for • a proposed “Plugging Kids Into Parks Program.” This program will foster efforts focusing on I&EE for youth and their families to get them engaged in the outdoors.

Involve approximately 100 youth participants in projects at three to five parks. •

Complete approximately 55 weeks of Colorado Youth Corps projects at 28 state parks, benefiting over 200 crew leaders statewide.•

Continue partnering with VOC on three to five state park projects in and involve about 100 participants.•

Partnerships (cont.) Planning

State Parks Goal:Apply effective, accurate, and reliable information for the analysis, planning and implementation of all decisions.


Strategic Planning

Amended the Division-wide Strategic Plan and incorporated corresponding updates to the State Parks Annual

The plan also identified those practices that might inform the capital planning process at Colorado State Parks.

Park Management Planning

Initiated the North Sterling Park Management Plan, which will serve as a “pilot park” management plan that can be used for updating other state park plans.

Developed a priority list and schedule for updating park management plans over a 14-year period.

Implementation Plan to reflect changing priorities, funding needs and issues.

In an effort to better understand how Colorado State Parks compares with other state park systems in terms of planning capacity and organizational structure, planning staff inventoried and reported on planning programs within eight other state park systems.

Capital Investment Planning

Developed the Colorado State Parks Capital Planning Comparison Report to assess capital planning practices that are in place within a variety of other government departments and agencies.

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Planning (cont.)

PRIORITIES FOR FY 08/09 THAT MEET THE DIVISION’S PLANNING GOAL

Review current board policies, • administrative directives, procedures and manuals. Develop a list of specific sections and full documents that need to be updated or repealed. Create a schedule for future maintenance of this information. This will include concession data, public safety procedures and volunteer manuals.

Update the State Parks Annual • Implementation Plan to reflect changing priorities and factors influencing implementation of action strategies.

Refer to the Statewide Comprehensive • Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) for information on Colorado-specific and national recreational trends, to help inform decisions and to plan strategically for the future.

Coordinate with the communications • manager to develop a staff survey and gather preliminary information on staff perceptions and recommendations to further improve State Parks and help inform staff about the Strategic Plan Update.

Work with the State Parks Board, Senior Staff and the Leadership Team to develop a • schedule and a desired approach for updating State Parks’ Five-Year Strategic Plan.

Engage the State Parks Board in visioning process and other • efforts to direct the 2010-2014 Strategic Plan.

Finalize the North Sterling Park Management Plan and use the • plan as a guide for future park management plans.

Distribute the park management plan timeline so all park managers are • aware of when their plans are scheduled for updating. Secure needed staffing and financial resources to develop park management plans.

Fine tune the PARKS System to interface selected revenue data with COFRS to minimize • duplicate data entry. Reporting tools will be implemented to automatically produce a more versatile range of management reports.

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State Park Facts - FY 07-08

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM*

Total volunteers…………………………….................6,077

Number of volunteer hours……………..................200,527

FTE equivalent employees…………............................96.4 *These figures are for the calendar year 2006

State Park Facts - FY 07-08

TOTAL VISITATION

11,833,500 (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008)

CASH REVENUE SOURCES$25,810,792

Annual pass sales…………………………………. ..$5,317,820

Daily pass sales…………………………………… ...$4,326,912

Camping permits and reservations……………… ...$5,148,710

Boat license registrations………………............. ....$2,554,133

Concessions…………………………………… ........$1,360,035

OHV/snowmobile registrations and river

outfitter licensing*…………. .................................$4,436,269

All other………………………………………... ......$2,666,913

*a portion of this revenue is allocated to the capital construction budget

NUMBER OF PARKS – 44*

recreational/water-based parks: 21

scenic parks: 15

river corridor parks: 8*Staunton and Lone Mesa State Parks are not yet open to the public

TOTAL LAND AND WATER ACRES MANAGED224,381 (total acres system-wide)

land: 177,365

water: 48,845 (at full capacity)

OWNERSHIP OF LANDS MANAGED BY STATE PARKSState Parks………………...….. ....................................22%

Division of Wildlife and State Land Board………… ....37%

Bureau of Reclamation, US Forest Service and Bureau Of Land Management……. .............................14%

Local governments/other……… ................................. 8%

US Army Corps of Engineers…. .................................12%

Irrigation companies…………... .................................. 7%

STATEWIDE RECREATION PROGRAMS

• State Trails Program – Over $4.0 million in grants is awarded annually through the State Trails Program.

• Boat Safety – The Boat Safety Program promotes safe, enjoyable boating experiences and training. About 494 participants attended boating safety and review sessions.

• Commercial River Outfitter Licensing- The program registered 163 outfitters.

• Vessel, Snowmobile and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Registration – The Registration Program registered more than 97,296 vessels, 33,337 snowmobiles, and 135,790 off-highway vehicles.

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES (FTE) AND SEASONAL EMPLOYEESappropriated FTE………………………...… .................292

seasonal employees*……………………...... .................735

*seasonal employees are hired for periods ranging from two weeks to six months in length

OPERATING EXPENDITURES$38,560,841

CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION AND MAJOR REPAIRS$22,320,000

PARK FACILITIEScabins, yurts and tipis: 63

campsites: 4,376

visitor/welcome centers: 27

marinas: 14 (12 concessionaire-owned, 2 state-owned)

General Fund,$6,420,962

17%

Cash Funds,$20,851,112

54%

Federal Funds,Grants and Donations

(including GOCO),$11, 288,767

29%

$300,0001%$4,238,000

19%

$1,500,0007%

$4,475,00020%

$11,807,00053%

Lottery

Federal Funds

GOCO

OHV Registrations

Highway User Trust Fund

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1313 Sherman Street, #618Denver, Colorado 80203

303.866.3203www.colorado.gov/parks

Printed on recycled paper.

CSP-SPP-150-1/09

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