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State Parks Committee Releases New Plan
On November 23, 2009 the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation released a new draft ten year strategic development plan that sets a high bar for the future stewardship of the 74 separate properties owned and operated as state parks.
In 1991 the Division became a self-funding agency, with its income coming from admission fees, lease revenues, and other fees for services. Since that time, the state parks system has consistently run an operating deficit averaging $404,746 per year. The draft plan also identifies immediate capital needs at $28 million and facility replacement and new development capital costs over the next 10 years at $70 million. Recent appropriations in 2007 and 2009 have begun to turn the tide, but after 40 years of neglect, the needs are significant.
"Managing the State Parks more effectively will require new partnerships, new thinking, and new collaboration between DRED, friends groups, the legislature, and host communities," said Ted Austin, director of the Division of Parks and Recreation in announcing the draft plan.
To review a copy of the draft report, visit www.nhstateparks.org/planning-development/development-plan.aspx.
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