HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - BOCCJune 9, 2020
Honorable Secretary David Bernhardt
U S Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
Dear Secretary Bernhardt:
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GRANT COUNTY
OFFICE OF
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Grant County writes to request economic recovery assistance for 5 rural, Eastern Washington
counties that encompass Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (LRNRA). As a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor of Washington is using a "phased approach" to reopen the
State. Of the 5 counties, only 3 have campgrounds while the other 2 have no National Park
Service (NPS) campgrounds and only a small amount of shoreline within the LRNRA. The 3
counties with campgrounds have moved into Phase 3 which allows camping and gatherings of up
to 50 people. (Camping was specifically allowed in Phase 2 that occurred many weeks ago.)
The Superintendent of LRNRA refuses to follow state guidelines and instead, uses his own
determination on whether to allow specific activities. Although NPS Superintendents certainly
have this discretion, his actions, or lack thereof, are further exacerbating the economic hardship
suffered by our gateway communities that rely on tourism and recreation for their livelihood.
Assumptions are being made from a 2016 survey to make the case that half of LRNRA's visitors
come from 3 large counties in the state that are still in Phase 1. He also assumes that opening
camping encourages people from high COVID areas to travel to low COVID areas. While this
may be true, allowing any county to move to Phase 2 encourages the same, regardless of the
activity or the reason for travel. Our businesses are open to everyone, including people from
counties that he cites as the reason for not opening campgrounds.
Just last week, LRNRA released an article to the local press with the headline "LRNRA is
increasing recreational access to public." This headline and the statements within the article
could not be more misleading. Nothing in the article indicates any increased activities out of the
ordinary. The article goes on to indicate that the rationale to keep campgrounds closed is to
"...help protect the small communities surrounding Lake Roosevelt." Again, the Washington
State Governor, the Washington State Secretary of Health and local health officials all believe
that camping is now a safe activity. The Superintendent does not. It is not his job to "protect" our
small communities. That is the job of the state and local Public Health Officials.
Richard Stevens Tom Taylor Cindy Carter
District 1 District 2 District 3
"TO MEET CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS, SERVING TOGETHER WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES, WHILE FOSTERING
A RESPECTFUL AND SUCCESSFUL WORK ENVIRONMENT."
Even though he may see his actions as "protecting", his failure to follow state guidance continues
to damage our already fragile business community.
We were under the impression, through county representation on the NaCo WIR board, that the
Department of the Interior was working with the various counties surrounding national parks to
come up with a reopening plan that everyone could agree on. To date, that has not happened. In
fact the article previously mentioned, alluded to fact that NPS was working with local health
departments in making the determination to keep the campgrounds closed. That is simply not the
case. Unfortunately there has been no collaboration whatsoever from the NPS, other than
responding to the pleas from the local elected leaders to reopen campgrounds only to be met with
excuses why they cannot.
The Superintendent has indicated that he will not consider reopening campgrounds until the
entire state has moved to Phase 2. This is not acceptable. We strongly urge you to take the
necessary steps to compel the Superintendent of the LRNRA to open up our NPS campgrounds
before our small businesses suffer irreparable damage. Camping can be done safely while
following common sense precautions and is vital in the effort to preserve our local economy.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
BOARD OF GRANT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Cindy r, Chair Tom Taylor Richard Stevens
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