From: Pam Girtman, Clackamas County Business and Community Services, 503-742-4353

2-4-10

The public is invited to comment next week on two parks-related proposals being considered by the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners. Public hearings will be held Thursday, Feb. 11, and Thursday, Feb. 25, on a proposed fee increase for park users and a proposed ban on alcohol consumption in the parks.

Under the proposed fee increase, park users will be charged $8 daily per vehicle during the summer season which runs from Memorial Day weekend (beginning Saturday, May 29) through Labor Day (Sept. 6.). Overnight camping fees would increase to $21 per night for all campsites and summer day-use passes would increase to $50 for the season.

Additional fees will go toward funding additional security in an attempt to ease overcrowding at county parks. Public use of riverfront parks such as Carver and Barton parks has increased along with criminal activity, which has led to the proposed tightening of restrictions on alcohol consumption.

Under the proposal being considered, alcohol will be banned without a special permit. Permits will be available for  reserved campsites and group areas, but not in day-use areas.

Volunteer and education efforts through the two-year-old ecOzone program will continue, with enhanced ranger and sheriff's patrols throughout the summer season.

The hearings will begin at 10 a.m. both dates in the room 409 of the Clackamas County Public Services Building, 2051 Kaen Rd., Oregon City.