Port 2 sets park rates, plans gillnetter display

Commissioners of Port District No. 2 of Wahkiakum County set rates for use of County Line Park when they met February 18.

Commissioners also began planning for the display of an historic gillnetter at Skamokawa Vista Park and discussed other business.

The port acquired operational authority over County Line last from Cowlitz County. The port has been remodeling and upgrading restrooms and other facilities and planned to have the RV camping section of the park open March 1, when the spring chinook fishing season opens.

The commission approved the following rate schedule:

--RV site, $20 per night (one vehicle);

--Tent site, $10 per night (two tents and one vehicle per site);

--Waste station, $5 per use;

--Extra tent, $5 per tent, and

--Extra vehicle parking fee, $5 per vehicle.

There are no fees for the day use area.

Port commissioners voted to contract with consultant Karen Bertroch for grant writing services, starting with a possible grant to create a display for an historic gillnetter.

The boat, an early gas engine vessel, is on a national historic register. It was restored in the 1970's and stored many years by the port. The boat was on display at the county fair grounds, but officials have agreed to create a display at Skamokawa Vista Park, for the boat is port property.

Wahkiakum County Commissioner Mike Backman visited and asked if port officers would be interested in teaming with other entities such as the Wahkiakum Conservation District to acquire the ferry "Wahkiakum" when it becomes surplus and use it to dredge local waters such as the entrance to Skamokawa Creek.

Port commissioners agreed by consensus they were interested in the concept.