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StatE aND NatIoNaL ParkS
In 2013, the legislature passed a bill to create a citizen board
to work on that topic so we are very hopeful some hard public
policy questions can be answered like: How do Montana's want
to define a state park? Should it be two buildings in a ghost town
or should it be a large park like Makoshika in Glendive? What
should the level of development be for a state park? How do we
fund our state park system and at what level?
Aside from the operational and fiscal challenges of the park
system, the biggest issue facing all natural and cultural resources
is actually relevance to future generations.
What if public lands are not relevant to citizens 30 years from
now? What if tomorrow's generation does not enjoy the value
of outdoor recreation and appreciate the history of it enough to
preserve it?
Consider that our youth, and ourselves to some extent, are
increasingly "plugged in", insulated and removed from an out-
door lifestyle and the experiences that provides. It is why all the
pictures we show and put into our promotional campaigns have
people, our visitors, in them. People are part of, and integral to,
the landscape now and into the future.
The implications are significant and it is part of the reason
state parks are encouraging people to "Explore More". Last year
we hosted educational tours and interpretive talks to more than
26,800 students and saw a record high visitation of more than 2.1
million visits to our 54 state parks.
I hold great hope that our future leaders and staff along with
the public we serve will work hard to see these trends continue.
While I am concerned about future relevance for public lands and
resources across our country in coming years, I believe Montanans'
hold support for their natural and cultural heritage as a core value.
I expect state parks will continue to grow in use and public value.
When you have a group of professionals as dedicated to serving our
visitors and our resources as our Montana State Park's staff is today,
it is hard to be anything but optimistic for the future.
For more info on Montana's
water conditions
www.distinctlymontana.com/water142
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