Friday, March 22, 2002

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission voted yesterday to cancel leases on 13 parks operated by the state but owned by federal or local agencies.

Canceling the leases would save the state about $1.4 million in the fiscal year that begins July 1, said Virginia Painter, a commission spokeswoman.

The Legislature cut the state parks budget by $2.8 million, which prompted the commission to boost camping and boat-launching fees, and cut maintenance and administrative costs. State parks will lose $500,000 in maintenance money that had been allocated by lawmakers.

The leased parks include:

 

• Potholes State Park and Summer Falls State Park, owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

• Crow Butte, Central Ferry, Chief Timothy; Maryhill, Lyons Ferry state parks and Spring Creek Hatchery, owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

   

• Ike Kinswa and Lake Cushman state parks, owned by Tacoma Power and Light.

   

• Daroga, Lincoln Rock and Wenatchee Confluence state parks, owned by Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County.

The commission also voted to:

 

• Increase campsite fees by $2, from $13 to $15 for regular campsites and from $19 to $21 for utility campsites.

   

• Increase trailer dump fees from $3 to $5.

   

• Increase boat launch fees from $3 to $5.