Volunteers, donation join to save access at Daybreak, Haapa
Volunteer labor and a cash donation to Clark County would keep the Daybreak and Haapa boat launches open for the next two months, under a tentative deal worked out Wednesday.
Several fishing and conservation groups agreed with Clark County Public Works and Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation on a plan to chip in labor and money to maintain vehicular access to the two boat launches.
Vehicle access would have been restricted during January and February, starting with the new year Friday.
The Daybreak boat launch is on the East Fork of the Lewis River. The Haapa launch is on the North Fork.
Eight other regional parks, trails and boat launches will be closed to cars for those two months, though bicycles, horses and pedestrians will still be able to get in.
Closing parking lots and eliminating park maintenance during the winter will save the county $184,000 next year.
So far, partners in the deal to keep the launches open include Coastal Conservation Association, Clark-Skamania Flyfishers, Vancouver Wildlife League and Fish First. Other fishing and conservation groups might join.
The proposal calls for the groups to pick up litter and garbage from the two boat launches and remove debris following winter storms.
The groups also tentatively agreed to provide $700 to defray some of the county’s costs to pay caretakers to lock and unlock gates every day and service restrooms at the two boat launches.
“It’s always gratifying to have a productive meeting with people ready to find solutions,” Public Works Director Pete Capell said in a news release. “The county needs more partners like those who came forward.”
Last week, the city of Washougal and Port of Camas-Washougal volunteered to put up money to keep Captain William Clark Park at Cottonwood Beach open through the winter.
For more information on winter park closures, call the county at 360-397-2446 or visit http://www.cityofvancouver.us/parks-recreation/budgetinfo.htm.
