Best Wishes to Retiring Commissioner

We would like to wish a sincere and heartfelt farewell to Commissioner George Bald of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development.

Commissioner Bald speaking at the Grand Opening of Gilson Pond Campground, Monadnock State Park on August 18, 2012.

As caretakers of the Mt Washington summit it is good for us to acknowledge when we can that this 60-acre parcel of land is also New Hampshire State Park. Our small State Park on the summit of Mt Washington is operated by the NH Division of Parks and Recreation and works under oversight of the Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED). Numerous DRED Commissioners have taken the helm since the State of NH first purchased the land from Dartmouth College back in 1964. Now, our most recent, three-term Commissioner, George Bald announced that he too will be stepping down from his post this November. Governor John Lynch, US Senator Jean Shaheen (also a former NH Governor) and other high ranking officials have extended their best wishes to George and expressed their thanks for job well done on behalf of all NH citizens.

Commissioner Bald speaking at opening of Hampton Beach State Park Bathhouse facilities.

Living in Coos County, I have seen first-hand George’s tremendous efforts on behalf of our economically depressed county to keep industry and jobs market healthy as we transition from traditional paper-making to other business and industries. Coos County has many competitors when it comes to attracting business and as DRED Commissioner, George leveraged every advantage possible to help new businesses decide to take up shop in NH. One of his major selling points is the nearby and varied recreational opportunities this state has to offer. From the Seacoast to the Mountains, NH’s State Parks system sets the standard for other attractions and vacation planners to utilize. A successful business is made up of happy and healthy employees and the rugged NH landscape provides opportunities for people to get outdoors, connect with nature and re-charge their spirits.

Commissioner Bald manning the grill at a DRED summer picnic.

As rank and file park employees we can’t top the accolades of our political leaders but from the crew at Mt Washington State Park to Umbagog Lake State Park in Errol to Hampton Beach State Park on the coast, we all wish to expresses our deepest gratitude to the work George Bald has done in furthering the mission of NH State Parks and as stewards of these unique lands.

Commissioner Bald with Cate Street Capitol Staff, Alex and CEO, John at the Mt Washington Summit.

In particular for us at Mt Washington State Park, George Bald has left a legacy for all private and public entities to fairly govern ourselves by. The developing Master Plan for the Mt Washington summit will be shaped by his vision. George Bald is one of our parks biggest fans and we sincerely appreciate all the attention he has shown us. We wish him and his wife Candice an enjoyable retirement and hope they will visit us often.

Commissioner Bald visiting Mt Washington State Park after the fire in February, 2003.

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Mike Pelchat, Manager of Mt. Washington State Park

I've been working atop Mt Washington for past 30 years so you can guess I like it above the tree line! After all these years I still never tire of the beauty of our NH White Mtns and consider my employment an extreme honor and privilege to work for the State Of NH and serve its visitors. When not on the summit you can find me enjoying the rock & ice climbing one of the many beautiful granite cliffs we have in Franconia, Crawford or Echo Lake State Parks. I have taken these climbing skills learned at our NH State Parks to climb in Alaska, Andes, Canadian Arctic and Himalayas. I live in Gorham NH with my wife Diane Holmes.

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