State Parks & Cultural Resources Commission Meeting May l2,20ll Western Wyoming Community College Rock Springs, WY

Transcription

1 State Parks & Cultural Resources Commission Meeting May l2,20ll Western Wyoming Community College Rock Springs, WY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Carolyn Buff, Chuck Engebretsen, Dudley Gardner Ph.D., Karen Haderlie, Mary Hawkins, Ernie Over, Barb Vietti and Bill Vines COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Dan Barks STAFF PRESENT: Jim Allison, Rita Basom, Joe Bonds, Domenic Bravo, Camellia El- Antably, Joe Ellis, Mary Hopkins, Julie Huntley, Lisa Koenig, Sara Needles, Katherine Palmer, Milward Simpson and Todd Thibodeau GUESTS PRESENT: Rep. Bernadine Craft and Rep. John Freeman General Business President Ernie Over called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m. Anproval of the Asenda President Over asked for action on approving the agenda. Commissioner Buff moved to accept the agenda as presented. Commissioner Haderlie seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Approval of the Minutes President Over asked for the Commission's pleasure on the February l0-11, 2011, and April 25, 20It, minutes. Several grammatical errors were noted on the February 10-l l, 2011, minutes. Commissioner Haderlie moved to accept the February 10-11,2011, as corrected and the April , minutes as presented. Commissioner Vietti seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Action ltems from Februarv and April Meetinss All action items from the two previous meetings have been completed. Regarding the concern that was brought up at the February meeting about airplanes flying over the Wind River Mountains and the recent crashes, Director Simpson noted that he has been in communication with Dennis Byrne from the Wyoming Aeronautical Division and there is no formal process to inform pilots of dangers. However, there are a couple of avenues that could be pursued. One is to contact Mike Schulte with the Wyoming Pilots Association, which Director Simpson has done and is waiting for a call back from him. The other avenue is that Mr. Byrne is going to send a list of all the surrounding airports and their fixed based operators. Once the list is received, a warning/poster can be sent that can be posted at the facility. President Over will send photographs ofthe two crashes that occurred last year so a sheet or poster can be put together that can be posted in the surrounding airports.

2 Commission Reports Bill Vines - Participated in the April 25 conference call and attended the May 3 Glendo public meeting. Commissioner Vines is proud of the park and the preparations that have been completed so far this year. Chuck Engebretsen - Also participated in the April conference call and the Glendo meeting, as well as took a tour of the Cheyenne facilities. Carolyn Buff - Attended two meetings regarding Glendo and echoes what Commissioner Vines said regarding the way the flood preparations are being handled this year. Participated in part of the Preserve Wyoming Conference in Casper, and will be teaching a Dutch Oven cooking class this coming Sunday at Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park. Commissioner Buff attended the annual Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists/Wyoming Archaeological Society (WAPA/WAS) meeting in Sheridan in April, and went to a National Trails Committee meeting regarding possible additions to the National Trails System. She visited with the Natrona County Commission regarding the possibility of asking developers to be on the lookout for human and artefactual remains. The issue cannot be forced but a protocol can be put in place, and she is working with the Natrona County Coroner on this project. Dudley Gardner Ph.D. - Worked at Fort Bridger quite a bit and attended the WAPA/WAS meeting. He has also been working with local entities on the curatorial facility at Westem Wyoming Community College. Barbara Vietti - Things are moving along at Hot Springs State Park. Commissioner Vietti recently had a meeting with Kevin Skates and was updated on what is going on at the park. One of the exciting things is that a volunteer has arrived with a RV and he will be staying all summer to work at the park. A new shelter next to the Big Spring is done and is a wonderful facility. The visitor center at Legend Rock is almost done. An artist will be doing murals on the inside of the center. The camp host site will be complete by May 26 and there are hosts lined up for the center. There are numerous tours scheduled. Commissioner Vietti also did an interview that appeared in the Billings Gazette regarding the health of the Big Spring. During the interview she did not represent herself as a member of the Commission, only an interested citizen who has seen changes since the time she was a little girl. She has received excellent feedback thanking her for pointing out there is a problem with the big spring. Karen Haderlie - Commissioner Haderlie is helping with the plans for the August meeting. Background information has been sent to the Lincoln County Commissioners regarding Intermittent Spring. She also sent the Economic Impact brochure that was provided at the February meeting. Commissioner Haderlie attended the energy meeting in Wheatland on April 28 and is planning on attending the May 24 meeting in Alpine regarding Intermittent Spring, as well as the TRWCR meeting in Pinedale the end of May. Mary Hawkins - Working with some artists in the Sundance and the Crook County area on a photo documentary and narrative for an old school house project. School houses in Crook County are being photographed and they have been at the project for two years and estimate there is another year to go. At this point the group is discussing funding options. Commissioner Hawkins attended a Wyoming Business Council Division of Wyoming Rural Development Council Resource Team Assessment meeting in Hulett regarding a community survey and

3 community development. A report on the survey should be available in the next six weeks. The renovation of Old Stoney, the old Sundance High School, is moving along. Commissioner Hawkins reported that the sign for the Southeast Wyoming Visitor Center has been relocated and is now more visible. Ernie Over - President Over has been busy meeting with Cheyenne staff and auended the conference call meeting. A meeting is set up in June with the Riverton City Council to discuss the improvements at Boysen State Park. He did a talk show in Riverton recently highlighting what has been done at Sinks Canyon, Boysen and South Pass City, as well as discussed the flood preparations that are under way. He is happy to report two improving art facilities are in Lander now: The Lander Art Center and Global Arts. President Over is working on a small project at the Museum of the American West. A former blacksmith's shop has been located and is going to be moved and renovated as the newest addition to the Pioneer Village. He also participated in the Land and Water Conservation Fund review. Signage in Fremont County is coming along. New signs have been installed by the Central Construction Office, but the highway department is still working on additional advisory signs. He attended the dedication of the Intertribal Center at Central Wyoming Community College in Riverton. It's a beautiful, new facility and makes a marvelous addition to the campus. A visit was also made to the Gallery of the Winds at Fort Washakie. President Over also provided an update on the relationship between the Fremont County Museum and the Museum of the American West. Details on a possible controversy at Central Wyoming Community College regarding unauthorized changes to a Harry Jackson statue were provided. Department Update Director Simpson thanked the Commissioners for how active and involved they are - it is greatly appreciated. The Commissioners were directed to the report that was included in the meeting book and advised if there were any questions about any of the items, to let him know. Updates were provided on the Glendo State Park flood plan; the upcoming meetings with the County Treasurers Association regarding the vehicle registration legislation and the Lincoln County Commissioners regarding Intermittent Springs; preparations for the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources (TRWCR) Interim Committee Meeting in Pinedale; the agency's involvement in the preparations and planning for the 100th State Fair celebration; the status of agency positions and preliminary plans for the biennial budget; the Convergence Conference that is being planned for October in Cody; close dealings with the Governor's office and a recent meeting with senior staff, as well as an upcoming meeting with the Chief of Staff; participation in the interviews for a new museum manager; recent progress with the agency's Volunteer Manual; the Teton Science Schools' Press Conference with the Governor regarding the Kids in the Outdoors survey; the possibility of a conservation easement for the Giorgis property by Fort Bridger, and the passing of Locke Hamilton and Harry Jackson, who are prominent in the Wyoming arts community. Director Simpson also provided details on several requests for detailed information that have been received from the Governor's office, as well as his involvement in the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) fundraising committee. Details on the major statewide recreation event that the Governor would like to have held in Wyoming were also provided.

4 State Parks. Historic Sites and Trails Division Update Domenic Bravo provided an update on the possibility of flooding at Glendo, Seminoe, Edness Kimball Wilkins, Boysen, Buffalo Bill and Bear River State Parks and the preparations that have been done across the system. He updated the Commission on the many Kids Xtreme events that are planned for this coming summer; discussed the partnership with Teton Science Schools and several national initiatives; provided details on an intem who will be acting as a Youth Ambassador this summer; explained in detail what would be presented at the upcoming TRWCR meeting, and gave an update on the Volunteer Program. Mr. Bravo gave details on the operations manual that is being developed through the Trail Plan and the impact to snowmobile trails if Highway 212 to Cooke City, Montana, is plowed. He also updated the Commission on where the Amenities and Aquatic Invasive Species rules and regulations are at in the approval process, and Aquatic Invasive Species coordination with Game and Fish. Mr. Bravo also discussed the three way partnership with NASPD, the National Park Service and the National Recreation and Park Association. Field Support Update - Joe Bonds discussed in detail the Challenges and Opportunities IV document and passed out a monthly report for his section. He touched on some of the amenities projects his group has been working on and the steps that have been taken to keep the reservation program updated in light of the flooding issues at Glendo State Park. Mr. Bonds provided information on energy audits that have been conducted and where his staff is at with bark beetle mitigation. Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Approvals - Todd Thibodeau referred the Commission to Tab 5 in their meeting books and provided background information on the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and explained the grant rankings and the committee, as well as the two proposed funding scenarios. Scenario one would fully fund the first five projects and partially fund the sixth project. Scenario two would fully fund all projects up to a maximum of $50,000 through the sixth project and partially fund the seventh project. Even though the exact amount of LWCF money that will be received this year has not been determined, the anticipation is that the funding will be at the same level as last year, which is approximately $299,417 after indirect costs are subtracted. Projects: 1. Glendo State Park Trails Phase III 2. Mountain View Town Park Phase II Owen Bircher Park Picnic Shelter Replacement $50,000 s49,475 $ 15, Meeteetse Rodeo Grounds Phase II $43, Story Centennial Park Playground Improvements $25, Revitalize Municipal Swimming Pool - Sundance $78,808 (S50,000) 6. Albany Community Center Landscaping $41, Undine Park Splash Pad Phase II $46, Phil Baux Park Climbing Boulder $10, Alta Community Park Playground $ Total Requested s377,309

5 Mr. Thibodeau briefly explained a couple of the projects and the group discussed the funding and whether or not the projects that may not receive full funding will be able to proceed, which they will. Commissioner Buff moved to approve scenario two. Commissioner Vines seconded the motion. Discussion on the funding level, the source of the revenue, and the 2003 and 2004 CiW of Cheyenne Powers Field grant ensued. The motion passed unanimously. SOAR Todd Thibodeau provided background information on the planning process - what works and what doesn't work - in the putting together a planning document such as SOAR 2021 and discussed the document in detail. The copy of the document that was provided is a draft only and comments on the document are being sought and need to be sent to Mr. Thibodeau by June 15, A brief question and answer session took place following the presentation. Presentation on Concession Issues - Julie Huntley referred the Commission to Tab 6 in their meeting books and explained that this is a copy of the presentation that will be given at the TRWCR meeting. She is seeking input from the Commission on the presentation; however, the copy in the meeting book has been updated and she will make sure a copy of the updated presentation is sent out. Domenic Bravo took over and walked through the presentation for the Commission and an answer and question session followed the presentation. Cultural Resources Division Undate Sara Needles provide detailed updates on division positions and where she is at in the hiring process for new Museum and Archives Managers. She also advised that Rich Wilson, supervisor for Records Management, will be retiring June 1, and she will work as quickly as possible to fill this position as well. Ms. Needles also updated the group on the Cultural Convergence that is being planned for early October in Cody, the progress that has been made on the Archives electronic storage bill and appropriation, the additional appropriation for shelving and repairs to the microfilm processor, clean-up that must be done to the way SHRAB members are selected, the proposed Museum Board and the Capitol art programs - Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition and the Capitol Complex Advisory Committee. There was also information provided and discussion on federal funding and cost allocation issues. Ms. Needles also provided a brief update on the Wyoming Cultural Trust'Fund and the June grant meeting, as well as information on the issues with the Unicover Building. Ms. Needles also provided information on Wyoming History Day and a recent Section 106 class she participated in that was being taught by former Governor Freudenthal. State Historic Preservation Office Update - Mary Hopkins provided updates on the following topics: the recent Historic Preservation Conference and planning for the next conference; proposed addition of the Cherokee and Overland Trails to the National Historic Trails System; the proposed Mine Trail and Byway in Sheridan; the Wyoming Association of Municipalities meeting in Sheridan and issues with the Sheridan County Courthouse; the upcoming Horseshoe Creek Sign Dedication; the 2011 Archaeology Month Awareness events and poster; the Heart Mountain chimney and grand opening; the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO) Conference; the new historic preservation specialist, Brian Beadles, and the new and proposed listings to the National Register.

6 Museum Update - Jim Allison provided updates on the Smithsonian Affiliation and joint membership that is now available, postcards with matching stamps that were recently produced, on-line store for the State Museum Book Store, visitor survey compilation from the last 5 years, and the upcoming exhibit schedule. Accession/Deaccession Report - Mr. Allison spoke on the Felix Alston donation and provided background history on Mr. Alston. President Over asked for the Commission's pleasure on the Accession/Deaccession Report. Commissioner Vines moved to accept the quarterly Accession/Deaccession Report as presented. Commissioner Buff seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. State Museum Collections Management Policy - Joe Ellis provided information on where the State Museum Collections Management Policy started, the scale of the collections, tracking artifacts, problems between the two divisions and how, with the approval of the new policy, a template will be created that will be used by individual sites to create their own collections policy. Discussion on the policy, how it will impact the Commission and the need for fuither review and consideration ensued. It was decided to forgo action at this time to allow time for the Commission to read and comment on the draft policy. The Commissioners are to submit comments by May 27 and a conference call meeting will take place the first week of June so the policy can be further considered Office of Wyoming State Archaeologist Update - Dr. Mark Miller updated the Commission on the cost allocation issue and how it may affect the Archaeology Survey section. Dr. Miller also provided information on the status of summer AWEC positions and the summer schedule for field work. Following Dr. Miller's update, President Over asked that Mary Hopkins contact the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and present copies of the Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month poster to the Tribe. President Over would like to be informed of when the meeting will take place. Wyoming Arts Council Update - Rita Basom provided updates and information on the Art in Public Buildings project and the five projects that are currently underway, the 20II-2015 Long Range Plan for the Wyoming Arts Council (WAC), the online Artist Image Registry (AIR), the Folk and Traditional Arts Program, and upcoming2}i2 anniversaries (30th - Governor's Arts Awards and 45th - Wyoming Arts Council). Camellia El-Antably discussed the status of the partnership between the WAC and the Department of Education, and gave details on the Arts in Education Report for Wyoming. During the report Ms. El-Antably stated she would the invitation for the draft benchmarks to the Commission so they can be commented on. Other Business Schedule of the Next Meetin$ - on August 26,2011, in Alpine at the City Council Chambers. A tour of Intermittent Spring will take place on Saturday, August 27,20II. The next regular meeting of the SPCR Commission will be held

7 The fall meeting will be held in Cody on October 6,20II, Conference is scheduled to begin. Adiournment The meeting was 4djourned at 6: 35 p.m. -"...F r/-\\ which is the day before the Cultural, President ACTION ITEMS President Ernie Over will send photos of the plane crashes in the Wind River Mountains to Milward Simpson for use on posters. Milward Simpson will send a letter to the Western Wyoming Community College theatre group to thank them for using arts in a positive way and for performing for the Commission during their meeting. Domenic Bravo will send the list of Kids Xtreme events to the Commissioners. Milward Simpson will send the web link for the presidential press conference on America's Great Outdoors to the Commission. Domenic will send a map to the Commissioners showing which snowmobile routes would be cut off if Highway 212 is plowed to Cooke City. Lisa Koenig will send information on the NASPD 2011 conference to the Commission. SPCR Commissioners - Comments on the SOAR 2021 document need to be sent to Todd Thibodeau (todd.thibodeau@wyo.gov) by June I 5. Julie Huntley will send a copy of the final concessionaire document that was sent to the TRWCR Committee to the Commission. Sara Needles will send an to the Commission advising them of the location of the Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition. Jim Allison will let the Commission know how they can join the Wyoming State Museum and Smithsonian Institution Membership without having to do it in person at the State Museum. SPCR Commissioners - Comments on the State Museum Collection Policy Management Policy are due to Lisa Koenig (lisa.koenig@wyo.gov) by May 27. Mary Hopkins will contact the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and present copies of the Wyoming Archaeology.Awareness Month posters to the Tribe. President Over needs to be informed of when the meeting will take place. Camellia El-Antably will the invitation for the draft benchmarks to the Commission so they can be commented on.