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Rarely is the word privatization used when it comes to federally managed parks and other recreation areas. The current administration much prefers to use less evocative words -- speaking instead in privatization codewords such as "collaboration", "partnerships" and "management efficiencies."
In New Hampshire, however, where their park system was the first in the nation to become entirely self-funded and where recreation user fees were broadly implemented to replace tax-based funding, privatization is the word on everyone's lips.
New Hampshire is about to pay the ultimate price that comes with having switched to fee-based recreation. Will America's National Parks and forests soon follow New Hampshire's lead? Does anyone care?
Scott
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State Park Issues Raised In Study Commission Hearing
BY MEGHAN McCARTHY, Staff Writer
LANCASTER, N.H. -- When it comes to the state parks system, North
Country residents are primarily concerned with the upkeep of local
parks and the potential to privatize operations at certain parks.
Those issues dominated a 11/2-hour discussion Tuesday night during a
public hearing by the joint legislative study commission that has been
examining the state parks system for the past several months.
The hearing, one in a series being held throughout the state, was at the North Country Resource Center.
"We know that the parks system is a jewel for the state of New
Hampshire," said state Sen. John Gallus, a Berlin Republican and the
sole North Country representative on the commission. "We have to look
at the big picture, and that's what we're trying to do."
Comments from some of the approximately 35 attendees at the hearing
ranged from suggestions of private-public partnership to boost state
parks visitation and revenue to opposition to privatizing parks
operations, especially at Cannon Mountain ski area in Franconia Notch
State Park.
Others expressed dismay over the deterioration of some local state parks, which they said reflects poorly on the state.
The commission was charged with studying the mission of the state parks
division, its self-funding system, the potential to lease public lands,
and the development of a long-term capital improvement plan.
The commission found that while state parks are "a vital economic
driver for the state's tourism industry," the self-funding system does
not draw enough revenue to meet expenses.
The commission's recommendations include completing an internal audit
of the parks system, developing a 10-year capital improvement plan,
marketing and establishing fees for "flagship" parks like Hampton Beach
and Franconia Notch, establishing a long-term strategic plan to include
potential public/private partnerships and corporate sponsorships,
developing a Bureau of Historic Sites to be funded separately from
state parks, and establishing a statewide advisory council to oversee
parks management and advocate for parks.
The commission also recommends a full evaluation of park facilities,
profit and loss, and usage of each state park. Included in that
recommendation is consideration of privatizing certain operations
within the park system and leasing parks as an alternative source of
funding.
"There's no question that the parks system of New Hampshire needs some
work," Executive Councilor Ray Burton said during Tuesday's hearing. "I
would encourage you as a commission to consider working with private
organizations and nonprofit organizations ... Don't be afraid to
discuss privatization."
Stephen Wright, managing director of the Mountain View Grand Resort and
Spa, proposed a public-private collaboration related to Cannon Mountain
and the adjacent, currently defunct Mittersill ski area.
The Mountain View would be willing to assist the state in reopening
Mittersill and purchasing a ski lift, he said. In exchange, the resort
would seek to lease a small portion of land at Mittersill to build a
warming hut for use by Mountain View clients.
"We're not advocating privatization," he said. "We're merely suggesting a partnership."
But others warned against privatizing state parks, especially Cannon
Mountain, for which leasing operations to a private entity has long
been discussed as an option to boost revenues in the state parks system.
Franconia Board of Selectmen Chairman Ron Taksar and state Rep. Martha
McLeod, a resident of Franconia, both urged the commission not to
privatize parks.
In looking at the revenue generated by state parks, it is critical to
also consider the role state parks play in the economies of surrounding
communities, they said.
Privatizing parks could lead to workers being paid lower wages or
hiring of more part-time workers who don't receive benefits, Taksar
said. He noted that Franconia Notch State Park and Cannon Mountain have
netted small financial losses over the last several years, but that
revenue to the local economy is not included in that.
"The parks system does not need major surgery," he said. "An aspirin or two should suffice."
McLeod reiterated that privatization seems a drastic measure in fixing the system.
"Leasing of Cannon would be a big mistake," she said. "Leasing one park
to fund another is a divisive approach that detracts from this
Commission's work and undermines the public interest."
Several properties added recently to the state parks system have likely
further strained an already rough financial outlook, McLeod said. She
suggested that the state ensure an adequate revenue stream or other
supporting appropriations before adding any new sites to the parks
system.
Others, who live near Cannon Mountain or work there, said the state
should focus more on marketing the positive changes at the ski area and
in other state parks to attract more visitors, thus more revenue. They
said the mountain employees have continued to do an exemplary job
operating the ski area despite bad snow seasons and budget constraints.
The commission is due to report to Gov. John Lynch and the general
court by Nov. 30. The public comment period on the commission's
findings and recommendations closes Oct. 6.
To read the commission's draft report or submit comments on it, visit www.nhparks.state.nh.us/ParksPages/SB5/SB5.html
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- Privatization 
