WHEREAS, The Washington State Parks Commission, as one of the state's major stewards of special state resources has, for over nine decades, protected and preserved significant natural, historical, and cultural public assets for citizens; and
     WHEREAS, On March 19, 1913, Governor Ernest Lister signed into law the Washington Parks Board, which created the state parks system; and
     WHEREAS, The provision of recreational and educational opportunities on these special resource lands has, through tourism, been an economic catalyst to areas of the state that benefit from this evolving economy; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Parks Commission has partnered with thousands of volunteers, whose work has resulted in over 200,000 hours per year of volunteer time dedicated to the state parks system; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Parks Commission employees, who work diligently in park management, operations, construction, and maintenance, are major contributors to public service and the State Parks' success story;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the state of Washington celebrate March 19, 2003, as the state park system's ninetieth birthday; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate of the state of Washington encourage the executive and legislative branches of government to join with the Parks and Recreation Commission in preparing the parks system during the coming ten years for its Centennial in 2013, as an appropriate legacy gift to the generations of citizens who will benefit from the parks in the system's second century of service to the state of Washington.