An Interview with Peter Goldmark

In November, 2008, Washington state elected a new commissioner of public lands: Peter Goldmark. A rancher and conservationist from Okanogan County, Goldmark campaigned urging a more sustainable Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In a brief phone interview, the new commissioner talked about how he might manage DNR.

“I should say first I’ve been a hiker and backcountry horseman for many years,” Goldmark said. “The east slope of the Cascades offers some of the finest country for recreation and exploration.”

When asked about top challenges and priorities regarding recreation on  DNR lands, the new commissioner pointed to the Sustainable Recreation Work Group (of which WTA executive director Elizabeth Lunney is a member of). The work group, which is composed of representatives from all major recreation stakeholder groups, is tasked with providing guidance and vision for recreation on DNR lands. This process hasn’t formally happened since 1971. The group recently issued a progress report to the state legislature. “This group just recommended overall recreation policy rule modifications,” said Goldmark. “I think DNR has been very responsive to all interest groups. Dealing with the issue of access, whether for hikers or ORVs or other groups, will be extremely important.”

When asked how he might deal with Governor Gregoire’s proposed $8 million cut to DNR’s budget (and WTA’s efforts to see that cut reduced by $4 million) Goldmark was realistic. “While we certainly don’t welcome any cuts,” he said, “we recognize that all state agencies have to deal with the reality of a huge hole in the budget. We’re going to identify and fund core programs. But I think we can find efficiencies. We’re going to have to do more with less.”

When asked where those efficiencies might be found, Goldmark pointed to DNR’s fire suppression program. Regarding recreation management, he pointed out that recreation is “not a big piece of our budget,” so was unlikely to see big opportunities for efficiencies.

One core area Goldmark believes should be maintained is enforcement. “There had been some talk of bringing DNR’s enforcement officers together under the state patrol,” he said. “It sounds like [the governor and legislature] are not going to touch DNR’s enforcement officers, and that’s good news.”

When asked what DNR could do better to help increase safety among hikers and hunters on DNR lands, he thought DNR’s web site could be improved and that “there has been some talk to do more signage,” although he didn’t specify what funds might be available for such a project.

Regarding Blanchard Mountain, where DNR has plans for a controversial timber harvest in an area frequented by hikers, Goldmark declined to comment, citing an ongoing lawsuit. Environmental groups have filed the lawsuit questioning DNR’s environmental analysis of the logging project.

Goldmark noted his appreciation of volunteer efforts on DNR lands by groups such as WTA, saying, “We need to do more to recognize efforts by outstanding volunteers and organizations; to reward them and offer a positive incentive to get involved.”