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