STATE PARKS, RECREATION AND TRAVEL COMMISSIONLindsey’s Resort

Heber Springs, ArkansasApril 18, 2013

Commissioners Present

Cindy Smith, Chair LeRoy Dangeau, Vice-ChairBill Barnes Jay Bunyard Danny Ford Jim Gaston John Gill Barbara Harvel Bob Knight Billy LindseyMike Mills Ness Sechrest Jim Shamburger

Commissioners Absent

Steve Arrison Jim DaileyDarin Gray Montine McNulty

Department Staff Present

Richard W. Davies, Executive DirectorGloria Robins, Executive AssistantCynthia Dunlap, Director of AdministrationJoe David Rice, Tourism DirectorMarla Crider, Assistant Tourism DirectorJon Brown, Operations ManagerRandy Roberson, Parks Planning & Development Manager Joe Jacobs, Marketing & Revenue ManagerJoan Ellison, Public Information OfficerDonna Perrin, Tourism Development Manager Renee Robison, Group Travel ManagerKat Robinson, Communications ManagerJoanne Hinson, Research & Information Services Manager Tony Perrin, Region 2 SupervisorMarcel Hanzlik, Region 3 SupervisorKris Richardson, Administrative Specialist Dottie Boyles, Administrative SpecialistAlicia Davis, Administrative AnalystTheresa Helliwell, Agency Controller

Aristotle

Jonathan Eudy Morgan Long

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CJRW

Shelby Woods Wayne WoodsKaren Mullikin Joy PhillipsBrian Clark Jennifer MorganBrandi Childress

Guests

Ross Moore, Executive Director, Greers Ferry Lake & Little Red River AssociationMelisa Gardner, Executive Director, Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce

Roll Call

Chairman Cindy Smith called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2013. Gloria Robins called the roll.

Approval of the Agenda

Chairman Smith was advised there was an addition to the agenda. Joe David Rice requested Buffalo National River be added to the Tourism agenda.

Jim Shamburger moved to accept the Agenda with the Buffalo National River addition. Bob Knight seconded and the motion carried.

Presentation of Minutes from Previous Meeting

Bob Knight moved to accept the Minutes from the February 2013 meeting. Jay Bunyard seconded and the motion carried.

Presentation of Minutes from March Teleconference

Billy Lindsey moved to accept the Minutes from the March Teleconference meeting. Mike Mills seconded and the motion carried.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Cynthia Dunlap presented the year-to-date financial report for the period ended March 31, 2013. The expenditures were: Parks Division, $56,495,573; including construction and grants; Tourism Division, $10,284,037; Keep Arkansas Beautiful, $378,773; Administration Division, $2,369,582; and History Commission, $1,258,346. Expenditures for the Department

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totaled $70,786,310; an increase of 8.3% over the same period FY12. The year-to-date operating revenue Parks Division totaled 14,983,114 an increase of 0.20% over the same period FY12; 1/8% Cent Tax $20,850,985 a decrease of 1.89% over the same period FY12; and 2% Tax $9,692,820 an increase of 2.9% over the same period FY12.

Mike Mills moved to accept the Financial Report. Bill Barnes seconded and the motion carried.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Legislative Session Update

Richard Davies gave an update on the 2013 Legislative Session. Act 39 prohibits level 3 or level 4 sex offenders entry to swimming areas or children’s playgrounds within an Arkansas State Parks. Act 578 authorizes the Parks and Tourism Department to permit the use of motorized scooters on roads within areas under the Department’s control and management. Act 1025 appropriates funds to the Parks and Tourism Department for fiscal 2013-2014 operations. Act 141 amends membership for the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission to allow a representative of the video service provider industry as a representative of news media. SB 1179, a bill to amend membership for the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission, died in committee.

Mr. Davies praised Gloria Robins for her time and dedication in keeping up with all of the bills that were introduced that affected the agency.

May Commission Meeting Change in Schedule

Gloria Robins announced a change in the May meeting schedule. A tour of Mississippi River State Park (MRSP) will be held Wednesday, May 15, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. The full Commission will convene at MRSP at 3:00 p.m. Lodging has been arranged in Forrest City. The Commission will reconvene at MRSP on Thursday, May 16, at 8:30 a.m. At 11:00 a.m. the Mississippi River State Park Dedication/Visitor Central Grand Opening will be held.

Kris Richardson announced the Commissioners were all invited and invitations would be mailed out the week of April 22nd.

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TOURISM DIVISION

Buffalo National River

Commissioner Mike Mills stated that because of the federal sequester and agency budget cuts the National Park Service has decided to close campgrounds and public restrooms along the Buffalo National River. After stopping along the river at one public restroom and finding someone relieving himself, Commissioner Mills decided to further investigate the situation and discovered 18 piles of toilet paper behind the restroom; at another location he found eight. Commissioner Mills is very concerned because of the thousands of people who visit the Buffalo River every year and will have no place close by to relieve themselves. Several environmental concerns were also brought up.

Commissioner Mills proposed a resolution be drawn up and sent to the National Park Service’s superintendent opposing this action and requesting the bathrooms be kept open. Commissioner Bill Barnes suggested a letter should also be sent to legislators.

Bill Barnes moved for the Commission to pass a resolution forcefully opposed to the National Park Service’s decision to close public restrooms along the Buffalo National River for environmental and tourist reasons and the Commission strongly encouraging them to reallocate revenues to maintain the facilities; also for ADPT Executive Director Richard Davies to write an even more forceful letter to the Buffalo National River superintendent and copied to elected representatives, the Governor, and appropriate media. Ness Sechrest seconded and the motion carried.

Additionally John Gill moved that Richard Davies notify the superintendent of the Buffalo National River before the letter is sent explaining the Commission’s position and giving him the opportunity to change his position. Bill Barnes seconded. The motion carried by majority vote. Jim Shamburger and Mike Mills opposed.

McGehee – Rohwer Project

Commissioner Cindy Smith reported on the new World War II Japanese American Internment Museum in McGehee. An opening ceremony for the museum was held April 16, 2013. Two sites commemorate the internment of Japanese Americans in Arkansas during World War II – the new museum and the Rohwer Relocation Center National Historic Landmark, which includes informational kiosks. George Takei, who played Lt. Hikaru Sulu on the original Star Trek television series, was the guest speaker at the opening event. Takei was interned as a young boy with his family at Rohwer. Commissioner Smith thanked everyone for participating and/or helping with the event.

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39 th Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism: Recap

Marla Crider reported on the 39th Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism held in Hot Springs. Ms. Crider thanked the Commission for attending and participating in the conference. The overall response was positive. The auction raised $78,000 for hospitality scholarships.

Commissioner Barnes stated he noticed the absence of the Vicksburg District U.S. Army Corp of Engineers at the conference. He was informed they were instructed not to attend because of budget cuts even though their offices are located in Hot Springs.

Research and Information Services Section  

The Research and Information Services Section processed 8,583 requests for travel information during February 2013, a decrease of 22.9% from February 2012. March requests totaled 9,958, a 14.7% decrease from March 2012. Year-to-date inquiries for 2013 are 25,451, a decrease of 13.9% over 2012.

The Section received 173 requests for retirement and relocation information in February, down 3.9% from February 2012. March request totaled 289, a 45.2% decrease over March 2012. Year-to-date requests for 2013 are 806, down 9.3% over 2012.

Arkansas Welcome Centers received 36,842 visitors during February 2013, down 5.0% compared to February 2012. March 2013 visitation totaled 67,223, a decrease of 7.4% over March 2012. January – March visitation is 141,568, down 5.4% over 2012.

Joanne Hinson reported that she and Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods completed the spring focus group study to test specific and competitive advertising for Arkansas’s brand. The focus groups were held in Dallas, TX; Kansas City, MO; and Jackson, MS. Commissioner Gill requested numbers from the Memphis area.

Ms. Hinson was a presenter at the Southeast Travel and Tourism Research Association Symposium in March. She stated that travel trends reported at the symposium indicated visiting friends and relatives was the number one activity in all but four participating southeast states. Shopping was the second most popular activity.

The grand opening for the new West Memphis Welcome Center is scheduled for May 28, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. The old center is now closed.

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Tourism Development Section

Donna Perrin reported the deadline for event submissions for the Fall/Winter Calendar of Events 2013/2014 is April 30, 2013. The Fall/Winter date range is September 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014. Events can be submitted at www.Arkansas.com/submitevent.

Tourism Division staff met with the Arkansas Business Publishing Group editors and Joy Phillips of CJRW on March 18 to discuss the 14th edition of Living in Arkansas, the Department’s retirement/relocation fulfillment piece.

Ms. Perrin announced the 30th annual observation of National Tourism Week is scheduled for May 4-12, 2013. A letter will be sent from Tourism Director Joe David Rice via the Industry Insider mailing list encouraging communities to participate with local celebrations. The Tourism Week section on the Arkansas Industry Insider website serves as a resource in helping plan for the week’s events. Included on the site are marketing ideas, key messages, fun facts, and other information such as the tourism economic reports.

Communications Section

Kat Robinson reported the section has been working on preparations for incoming journalists to learn more about The Natural State. The first of these is scheduled in May with a group of 20 journalists from prime publications and media outlets covering fine art, crafts, food, African American issues, and history through central and northwest Arkansas. The tour will be operated by Geiger and Associates, and will take journalists from Little Rock to Bentonville. It will include performing arts, visual arts, and handcrafts. Some of the publications included are Western Art & Architecture, American Craft, Wine Enthusiast, and National Public Radio. The tour will be conducted May 8-12, 2013.

On May 21, the section will coordinate media representatives at an event on Greers Ferry, allowing journalists to collect information about the lake, the dam and the 50th anniversary of the dam’s dedication by President John F. Kennedy ahead of this year’s October 3 commemoration.

Group Travel Section

The Monthly Tracking Report indicated there were 171 inquiries for February 2013 compared to 176 for February 2012. Leads were compiled from partnerships with Group Leaders of America (GLAMER), Premier Tourism Marketing, Student Youth Travel Association, and Arkansas.com. Leads from motorcycle inquiries were generated through Arkansas.com, with seven inquiries requested due to ads in Roadrunner magazine and Wing World.

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The March tracking report indicated there were 463 inquiries for 2013 compared to 301 for March 2012. Leads were compiled from GLAMER, Student Youth Travel Association, and Arkansas.com. Premier Tourism Marketing publications, representing Leisure Group Travel, Group Travel Directory, Student Travel Planning Guide, Reunions Workbook, Religious Travel Planning Guide, and Ski & Ride, provided 39 of the leads. GLAMER generated 205 leads. In addition, 54 leads were attained at Travel South USA and Heritage Club meetings. The remaining leads were motorcycle inquiries from Arkansas.com.

Renee Robison reported on the Travel South Showcase 2013, which was hosted in Little Rock on February 17-20, 2013. The Group Travel section along with the Communication section coordinated pre-familiarization tours in three different regions of the state. The section also partnered with Arkansas State Parks to provide lodging accommodations and meals during pre-FAM tours. Ms. Robison and Cheryl Ferguson met with numerous group travel operators and tourism partners during the event.

The section has been working to coordinate details pertaining to the online wedding promotion campaign set for May. The featured regions and participants are: Central Region – The Capital Hotel and Marlsgate Plantation; Delta Region – Fairfield Inn & Suites and The Sage Meadows Country Club; River Valley – La Quinta Inn & Suites and The Barn at Twin Oaks; Ozarks – Best Western Inn of the Ozarks and Thorncrown Chapel; Timberlands – Union Square Quarters, and The Granite Club; and Ouachitas – Arlington Hotel Resort & Spa and Garvan Woodland Gardens.

The April issue of H.O.G magazine featured an article entitled “Hell-bent on Touring the Ozarks” about the Hellbender H.O.G. Touring Rally to be held September 22-27, 2013.The event will tour through the Arkansas Ozark Mountain region.

Internet-Related Items

There were 508,315 visitor sessions during the month of March 2013, an increase of 13.0% over March 2012, with 115,557 exit links to industry partners. Visits from mobile devices to Arkansas.com and Mobile.Arkansas.com were 125,887, an increase of 264% over March 2012.

The top five ICON clicks for March 2013 were: Free Vacation Kit (4,936), Arkansas Kids (828), Travel Arkansas Blog (802), E-Newsletter Sign-up (499), and Spring Colors (446).

The Arkansas.com website placed third among all 50 state tourism sites and first amid the contiguous state sites.

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The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department recently redesigned its website moving TravelOK.com into the number two position amid the contiguous states.

Aristotle worked with Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods to support its Create Your Escape campaign. An icon was added to the home page of Arkansas.com. Visitors to the site can register to win an Arkansas vacation. The winning trip includes a three-day, two-night stay of their choosing.

The landing page for the Natural State Golf Trail is being updated to include links to the Naturalstategolftrail.com and its participants. Year-to-date traffic from Arkansas.com sent 516 exit links to the Natural State Golf Trail website. The Naturalstategolftrail.com has sent 70 visitors, with 214 page views to Arkansas.com.

A “Trips and Trails” landing page is in the works. Trails will be created by tourism staff members and will include such things as pie trails, pizza trails, etc. A map of the trail can also be created.

A new landing page for weddings is in production and will include a wedding contest, where visitors to the site can create the wedding of their choice.

Advertising/Marketing

Summer Value Campaign

The Summer Value Campaign radio spots were presented. The schedules are flighted to run in Arkansas and in out-of-state markets starting in late May running through June. Out-of-state markets include: Memphis, TN, Jackson, MS, Monroe and Shreveport, LA, Tyler/Longview, TX, Tulsa and Oklahoma City, OK, and Springfield, MO. The messaging highlights the diversity of things to see and do in Arkansas and emphasizes everything is just a short drive away.

Radio Cut # 1: “Spontaneous Spirit” Radio Cut # 2: “Around Every Corner”Radio Cut # 3: “Spur of the Moment”

Ness Sechrest moved to approve the 2013 Summer Value Campaign as presented. Barbara Harvel seconded and the motion carried.

On April 5 the Create Your Escape campaign and contest launched on Arkansas.com. More than 8,500 people visited the landing page to read about the campaign with approximately 400 creating their own trip. The contest ends April 29.

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The 2013 Spring/Summer Campaign Media Tour is a 20-minute video that staff can take on the road to present to civic clubs and other organizations.

In response to research done by the Arkansas Hospitality Association, a train the trainer’s program curriculum has been established for the Welcome to Arkansas program. A Power Point presentation has been created to support individual trainers. Periodic blogs and e-newsletters will go out as well with written and video tips about giving good customer service.

Tourism Miscellaneous

Advertising Contract

Joe David Rice reported the current contract with Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods (CJRW) will end June 30, 2013. Mr. Rice stated the Commission has the option to either request proposals from interested advertising agencies or to extend the current contract with CJRW for another year beginning July 1, 2013.

Ness Sechrest moved to extend the advertising contract for Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods for fiscal year 2014. Billy Lindsey seconded and the motion carried.

Miscellaneous

During a recent trip to Washington, D.C., Joe David Rice participated in the “Destination: Capitol Hill” event, sponsored by the U.S. Travel Association. The objective was to meet with members of the state’s Congressional delegation to discuss issues concerning tourism including the “Jobs Originated through Launching Travel” (JOLT) Act. The bill proposes several programs and policies to combat a major problem faced by many visitors to the U.S.—excessive wait times for visa interviews. Mr. Rice was able to meet with everyone from the Arkansas delegation with the exception of Senator John Boozman, who had to cancel. The sequestration concerns, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan for the Arkansas River, and the proposed hog farm near the Buffalo National River were also discussed.

Commissioner Danny Ford stated that Bill Carter is interested in planning an outdoor Johnny Cash Festival in order to promote the Delta. The former Air Force Base in Blytheville is under consideration as a site location.

Joe David Rice has been speaking at several organizations lately. Many of the Commissioners have been in attendance and he thanked them for their support.

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Commissioner John Gill thanked Joe David Rice for his assistance and persistence in helping get the wine trail signage up. Two wineries have already noticed an increase in business because of the signage.

STATE PARKS

ASP FY 14 Internet Budget Plan

Joe Jacobs, Marketing and Revenue Manager, introduced Jonathan Eudy, Executive Producer of Aristotle Inc, who presented the Arkansas State Parks (ASP) FY 14 Internet Budget Plan.

Barbara Harvel made a motion to approve the Arkansas State Parks FY 2014 presented by Aristotle Inc. as follows:

Section Budget

Hosting and Renewals $ 16,045.00

Ongoing: Development $ 23,075.00Maintenance & Updates - $16,875.00Kiosk maintenance and updates - $5,000.00Online State Parks Guide - $1,200.00

Ongoing: Marketing $ 39,250.00Search Engine Optimization - $13,250.00Pay – Per – Click Advertising - $20,000.00Reporting & Analytics - $ 6,000.00

New: DevelopmentPark-wide CMS $ 73,550.00Centralized online administration with common controls - $36,000.00Expand staff to assign permissions - $ 27,200.00Mobile content management system - $ 10,350.00Events Database $ 18,900.00Create independent events database - $6,200.00Create permission/approval on events - $12,700.00Park Websites and Mobile $ 44,270.00Template layout for DeGray, Queen Wilhelmina, Petit Jean, Ozark Folk Center and Crater of Diamonds - $ 23,200.00Responsive (mobile) designs - $ 21,070.00

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Contingency $ 9,690.00

TOTAL $ 224,780.00

LeRoy Dangeau seconded and the motion carried.

ASP FY 14 Advertising Budget Plan

Joe Jacobs introduced Jennifer Morgan, Account Executive, with Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods who presented the ASP FY 14 Advertising Budget Plan.

Bob Knight moved to approve the Arkansas State Park Advertising Budget for FY 2014 presented by Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods as follows:

Total Budget Summary Fiscal Year 2014

Media

Arkansas State Parks including The Ridges at Village Creek and Lodges of Arkansas Group Travel $ 294,859.17

DeGray Lake Resort State Park $ 85,743.85

Mount Magazine State Park $ 62,705.55

Ozark Folk Center State Park $118,135.72

Ad Production $ 28,555.71

Contingency $ 10,000.00

Media and Production Subtotal $ 600,000.00

Park Brochures $139,000.00

Partners in ParksArkansas Broadcasters Program $135,000.00Arkansas Press Association Program $ 95,000.00

$230,000.00

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Travel Shows $ 71,139.00

Promotional Items $ 5,000.00

Aristotle Internet (Previously Approved) $ 224,090.00

Total Budget$1,269,229.00

Jim Shamburger seconded and the motion carried.

Poison Springs – Arkansas Forestry Commission Lease Renewal

Randy Roberson reported that since 1961 ASP has leased approximately 85 acres of land from the Arkansas Forestry Commission. The land is operated and maintained as Poison Springs Battleground State Park in commemoration of the Civil War. Upon expiration of the current lease, he requested renewal of the lease agreement for 25 years.

Ness Sechrest moved to approve a renewal of a lease agreement between Arkansas State Parks and the Arkansas Forestry Commission for a period of 25 years, described as follows:

the Fractional East ½ of the Northeast ¼ of Section 1, Township 13 South, Range 19 West, in Ouachita County, Arkansas, containing 84.54 acres, more or less.

Jay Bunyard seconded and the motion carried.

Crowley’s Ridge – Western Greene County Fire District Use Permit Agreement Renewal

Randy Roberson reported that in April 2008 ASP granted a Use Permit Agreement to the Western Green County Fire District allowing the installation of a dry hydrant at Crowley’s Ridge State Park. The dry hydrant water delivery system is located adjacent to Walcott Lake and is used for fire protection and training. He requested renewal of the lease agreement for five years.

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Danny Ford moved to approve renewal of the Use Permit Agreement between Arkansas State Parks and the Western Greene County Fire District for a period of five years, described as follows:

located in the Northwest Quarter of Section Four (4) East, Township Sixteen (16) North, Range Four (4) East, Greene County, Arkansas.

Ness Sechrest seconded and the motion carried.

Historic Washington – Page Property Acquisition

Randy Roberson reported that ASP has been in negotiations with Michael Page, a landowner at Washington, AR, for the acquisition of his rental property located on Highway 270 at the entrance of the park. The most recent appraisal conducted last year indicated a fair market value of $49,000. Mr. Page indicated he cannot accept that price but would sell it to ASP for 10% over the appraised value, for $53,900. As this piece of land has potential significance to the park, he requested approval to purchase the property for 10% over the appraised value.

John Gill moved to approve Arkansas State Parks purchase of the Page property, located at the entrance of Historic Washington State Park for 10% above the appraised value, in the amount of $53,900, described as follows:

located on Blocks 88 and 119 of the Original Town of Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas, containing 1.35 acres, more or less.

Barbara Harvel seconded and the motion carried.

Certificates of Appreciation

Jon Brown reported that three superintendents will be retiring from ASP soon. He requested certificates of appreciation in recognition of outstanding service and leadership for Ron Gossage (39 years of service), superintendent at Lake Fort Smith State Park, Mark Roland (37 years of service), superintendent of Woolly Hollow State Park and Wally Scherrey (39 years of service), superintendent of Petit Jean State Park with over 115 years of collective service for Arkansas State Parks.

Ness Sechrest moved to approve certificates of appreciation in recognition of outstanding service and leadership to Arkansas State Parks for Ron Gossage, Mark Roland and Wally Scherrey. Billy Lindsey seconded and the motion carried.

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Energy Plan Update

Jon Brown presented an update on the ASP Energy Plan reporting ongoing energy savings projects, programs and improvements throughout the state park system. He reported in 2009 Act 1494 directed the Arkansas Energy Office to develop a plan for reducing energy use in all existing state buildings by 20% by 2014 and 30% by 2017. Mr. Brown advised that FY 08 has been established as the baseline year with ADPT currently having five years of data entered into the portfolio manager. ADPT is tracking 755 meters (gas, water, electric) and 580 buildings throughout the system. He reported various products that ASP has installed to reduce energy savings. Low flow aerators reporting $200 savings annually per restroom have been installed at nine state parks. Vending misers reducing energy consumption up to 46% have been installed at four state parks. Cool saver tune-ups resulting in substantial savings have been performed at four locations. Improvements such as irrigation and rain barrel sytems, programmable thermostats, visitors recycling stations, insulated windows and doors, additional insulation , marathon water heaters, minimum13seer HVAC units with variable speed motors, compact florescent or LED lighting are several of the techniques ASP has enlisted that are contributing to energy savings. As a result, he reported that for FY13, ADPT is showing an -8.45% reduction in consumption over the FY 08 baseline. ADPT is moving forward and will continue to impact energy savings with innovations and environmentally advanced improvements to meet the 20% reduction directive in a timely manner.

CIP Quarterly Report

Randy Roberson provided an update on the CIP quarterly report stating that $50 million in projects are currently underway while closing three methods of finance, valued at $302,200. He reported that the Amendment 75 expenditures to date are $143 million in projects completed or underway.

Parks Miscellaneous

In response to the status of Queen Wilhelmina State Park construction project, Randy Roberson advised there are delays resulting from issues with the contractor. Richard Davies advised that Greg Butts has requested a letter from the architect stating the issues and what corrections are necessary for the project. Upon written notification, the contractor has a reasonable amount of time to make the necessary corrections. Once the reasonable amount of time has passed, the corrections should be completed. If not, the contractor is in default of the contract and ASP will take the necessary legal actions.

Jon Brown reported that Andrea Murphy of Gentry, Arkansas found a 2.10 carat brown diamond at the Crater of Diamonds State Park during her 30th birthday celebration trip on April 6. The diamond has been named the Andrea Birthday Diamond.

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John Brown reported that the restaurant at Petit Jean State Park, Mather Lodge, has reached $1 million in gross sales. Jon Brown thanked the park staff and Grady Spann for their efforts. Brown noted that Grady Spann, Region 4 Supervisor, has networked and standardized the operation of the lodge parks within ASP.

As a result of the National Association for Interpretation Region 6 Workshop held in Manhattan, Kansas over February 24-27, 2013, ASP staff members were proud recipients of following awards: Elizabeth Drake, Park Interpreter at Lake Dardanelle State Park and Rachel Dierson, Interpreter at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area (HSPCA) won 2012 Best Workshop Program. Rachel Dierson, Park Interpreter at HSPCA, received the Dr. Richard Baldaulf 2012 Outstanding New Interpreter Award for an interpreter with less than five years of service in the profession. Susan Adkins, Park Interpreter at Lake Ouachita State Park, received 2012 Program of the Year Award. Congratulations to the winners and for the continued recognition of the quality of work taking place in ASP.

Reported in April’s ABOUT magazine, ASP offered a geocache in celebration of the state parks system 75th anniversary. The activity was so popular caches were kept and now every state park has one on its property. Geocaching is a modern day treasure hunt that combines Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation skills as well as insightful thinking. Geocaching is a great motivation to get the gaming/computer generation outside. For more information about geocaching go to www.arkansasstateparks.com.

Without any further business, the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission adjourned at 12:58 pm at Lindsey’s Resort in Heber Springs, AR.