Port 1 votes to limit County Line campers

The Wahkiakum County Port 1 Board of Commissioners met last Thursday to talk about limiting numbers at County Line Park camp sites, a possible grant to make improvements at County Line, and a letter to support the Town of Cathlamet’s efforts to secure grants for a waterfront park.

Port Manager Jackie Lea asked commissioners to enact a policy at County Line Park to limit the number of people allowed at the dry camping sites.

“Over the last few weeks, the amount of people camping at the dry sites has been, in my opinion, way over capacity. They’ve had like 30 some people in those campsites,” Lea said.

Wahkiakum County is in Phase 3, part of Governor Jay Inslee’s response to the covid-19 crisis, and guidelines for camping at places like the park stand at 50 percent capacity. Commissioners agreed to limit the number of people per site to six for the time being. Signs will be posted, and campers will be informed of the policy when they make reservations.

The Town of Cathlamet is applying for grants for a park planned for the site of the former sewer ponds, and are asking for letters of support, Lea said.

“I’d like to support them,” she added. “We’ve been working together pretty well.”

Commissioners okayed the request.

The port is applying for a Recreation and Conservation Office grant to make improvements to the water system, barbecue area, and pathway at County Line. Maintenance Manager Todd Souvenir gave an update, noting that he needed to make a few adjustments to the application and that Wahkiakum County Commissioners seemed receptive to providing a percentage match to the $163,000 grant, if awarded.

After some discussion, the port commission agreed to continue their meetings on Zoom.

“I think it’s a health and safety issue,” Lea said.