Arizona State Paks - Everybody Loves the Parks People!

The organization that I am interning at is Arizona State Parks. This agency is responsible for managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in parks and partners. There are 31 state parks throughout the western, northern, eastern, and southern parts of the state. All parks vary in what they provide to the public. Some have facilities, wedding venues, camping, lakes, ponds, information sessions, workshops, etc.

Vision: 
ASP is indispensable to the economies, communities and environments of Arizona

Goal:
 Resources) To provide sustainable management of our natural cultural relational economic and human resources.

Visitors) to provide safe and meaningful and unique experiences for our visitors volunteers and citizens

Communications) To effectively communicate with the public, policy makers, our peers and ourselves

My internship is located in the central State Parks office that oversee's the management of these 31 parks. More specifically, my department of Resources and Public Programs is responsible for aiding the land managers in providing the best services to the people while maintaining for the natural areas. A large portion of the department is dedicated to administering grants. The Recreation Trails Program (RTP) federal grant is a competitive grant that funds non-motorized projects such as routine maintenance, signage, safety, etc. The staff that helps administer this grant also puts on a workshop, helps applicants complete documents, and eventually evaluates and scores the applications. The recommended projects then get evaluated/approved by Advisory Committee's and then final approval by the Executive Parks Board. After that, the monies are available to the applicant which they can utilize. There is a typical follow-up process to monitor that the money is being applied to the suggested project.




My job duties with in the department is managing the Advisory Committees. There are four committees that advises the State Parks Board and staff on their specific area of expertise and interests. I help manage and develop Advisory Committee agendas, supplementary documents and attachments, identify action items, record minutes, arrange meeting locations, and aide members in communicating their wants, needs, complaints, etc.





Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Group (OHVAG) advises the State Parks Board and staff on the planning, development, funding, maintenance, and promotion on off-highway recreation in Arizona.

Arizona Outdoor Recreation Coordinating Commission (AORCC) reviews statewide outdoor recreation and lake improvement plans and establishes criteria and polices for the equitable distribution of funding.

Arizona State Committee On Trails (ASCOT) to promote, develop, and preserve non-motorized trail opportunities throughout the state for mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, and water trail users.

Natural Areas Program Advisory Committee (NAPAC) provides scientific and natural resource management expertise in efforts to protect, conserve and maintain natural features, biological communities, ecological function, and other aquatic and terrestrial resources.