State Parks sets date to consider Wenberg transfer

The state Parks and Recreation Commission will vote on whether or not to approve the transfer of Wenberg State Park to Snohomish County Fri., June 12.
The public will have a chance to comment at the 9 a.m. meeting, located at 270 9th St NE in East Wenatchee. The commission will accept written comments submitted before 8 a.m., Mon. June 8.
To submit comments, e-mail Nata Hurst at nata.hurst@parks.wa.gov or mail input to
Nata Hurst at Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650.

Wenberg transfer still in the works

The state Parks and Recreation Commission announced Tuesday that it won't close any state parks, as long as the new opt-out parks fee tied to car tabs brings in enough revenue.
However, that doesn't change state Park's desire to transfer parks to other owners, such as handing off Wenberg State Park to Snohomish County.
Snohomish County has indicated it would be willing to accept Wenberg. The county Parks and Recreation Department's analysis concluded the county could likely earn just a bit more than it spends by operating Wenberg.
The Snohomish County Council will vote on whether or not to enter negotiations with state Parks to accept Wenberg at the 9.a.m. Wed., May 27 general legislative session.
The county has indicated it would like to begin operating Wenberg close to July 1. Eric Watilo, northwest region director for the state Parks commission, said state Parks plans to do what they can to make that possible.
If the transfer occurs, the county would institute a day-use fee of $5, and alcohol would be prohibited in the park. Residents could also purchase an annual pass to county parks for $60. Kayak Point Park already has a day-use fee.