The future of our state park system is at stake.
Anyone who cares about the state park system should be alarmed that the 2020 State budget includes $425,000 to study the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Initially filed by Senator Will Brownsberger as a stand-alone bill, Section 100 of the state budget includes:
- Investigating the responsibilities and structures of both the Department and the DCR Stewardship Council.
- Determining if any departments, divisions, assets, or operations “should be transferred” to other entities, with “special consideration given to urban parks and roadways.”
- Cost to value analysis of the capital and operating budgets. And,
- Improving project planning and execution.
Why the alarm? Aren’t these reasonable government goals? The answer is yes, but let’s for a moment look at what the study language does not include. The Legislature has not included in its study the long-term effects of underfunding the DCR. Despite a $7 million increase, the 2020 Parks and Recreation budget is virtually the same amount as in 2010, and the present capital budget spending, in former Commissioner Leo Roy’s words, is, “not keeping up with the rot.”
In a classic case of misdirection, the Legislature and Governor are reorganizing instead of taking responsibility for the long-term effects of underfunding.
The DCR has stewardship over a public landmass approaching the size of Rhode Island. It is a sprawling operation: part parks and recreation, public safety, public works, and public water and sewer. It is a virtual dumping ground for legislative projects. If you don’t know where to put something, send it to DCR. Legislative earmarks this year exceed $7 million, but not one cent in this account is for the additional administrative burden these projects incur.
Meanwhile, there is little recognition of the state parks system and the outdoor industry’s contribution to the Massachusetts economy. But consider these facts: The Massachusetts outdoor recreational economy generates $16.2 billion in consumer spending, supports 120,000 jobs, pays out $5.9 billion in wages and salaries, and generates $911 million in state and local tax revenue.
The Commission is due to submit a report by the end of 2020. MCV will be watching this play out with an eye toward making sure this study includes recommendations that keep the DCR mission intact and fully funded. Look for our updates as the Commission begins its work.
After nearly four years of service, Commissioner Leo Roy retired last month. MCV thanks Commissioner Roy for bringing stability to what had become a revolving-door agency. Early on in his commissionership, there were mistakes. Not all of his making. Political appointments before he took office were nearly ruinous for the agency. But once those appointments were purged, Roy settled in and provided leadership and resistance to political pressure that so often tars the agency. Noted for his humor, energy, and knowledge and belief in the DCR mission, Leo Roy was the Commissioner DCR needed.
Under his leadership, the Department seemed to find its footing again. He wasn’t able to cure all of the ills of the state park system. Chronic underfunding remains a nagging problem in both operating and capital spending. But he stayed long enough to see the Legislature and Governor pass the most substantial budget increase in the Parks and Recreation line item in years. We are all grateful for his service and hope that he will stay active and engaged in the future of our state park system.