FORESTRY AND PARKS COMMITTEE DELAYS ACTION ON PARK ENTRANCE FEES
Wednesday, September 14th, 2005 -- 9:01 AM
The Clark County Forestry and Parks Committee continued their discussion on the possible implementation of a parks entry fee system during a meeting Tuesday morning at the Clark County Courthouse.The committee has discussed implementing a $3-per vehicle daily fee, or $20-per vehicle annual pass to use most of the county parks and all of the county-maintained boat landings.
Ted Freese, who manages Russell Memorial Park in Hatfield, spoke against the entrance fees ? at least for Russell Memorial Park in 2006 and 2007. He said most of the people camping there were "working class". The camping fee is already going up $2 next year. Plus, he noted Lake Arbutus is going to be drawn down 5-feet for dam repairs next summer, and possibly the summer after that.
Committee member Charles Harwick stressed the entrance fee would force those using county-run recreational facilities to absorb the costs associated with running them. He noted Eau Claire saw a $90,000 profit after the first year of their fee system, and the expected more revenue this year.
The committee took no action, but more research on enforcement issues will be done.
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