Utah State Parks in Bear Lake Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

RANDOLPH, Utah.  February 6, 2019. Richard Droesbeke, the Parks Supervisor, gave his annual review to the County Commission on the usage of the state parks this past summer as well as items of interest and future plans.  He estimated park visitation at 500,000 (reported by SLC Office at 338,000).    That number is up showing 40,000 more individuals than visited in 2017.  The gross revenues were at $1,372,000 after taxes which is $134,000 more than was taken in during the previous year.  Camping in 2018 brought in 35% of the income while in 2017 camping brought in 37% of the overall income.  Slip rentals in 2018 accounted for 27% while in 2017 it brought in 29%.  Day use in 2018 was 26% while 2017 was 23%.  Concession royalties and special use permits in 2018 was 23% while 2017 was 10%.  In 2018 the overall profit was $812,000 which is $54,000 more than in 2017.  Droesbeke also reported that there were several days this last summer that the parks were maxed out.

The following events and activities organized and/or hosted are as follows:  The tenth annual Cisco Disco and Bear Lake Monster Plunge.  He noted that there were 170 people who plunged into the lake this year (2019). 

The seventh Swim Across Bear Lake went well.  It is held the second Saturday in July.  In the past it was held later in the day, but now starts at 8 a.m. and is generally finished by 1 to 2 p.m.  The individuals who participate start from the Marina and swim to Cisco Beach which is about seven miles.  There were 21 participants last year.  Each swimmer must have a boat that stays with them the whole distance.  One individual last year swam the length of the lake which is about 20 miles.  There has been a Raspberry Days Boat Light Parade each year.  The boats leave the Marina, go south to about Ideal Beach, then turn and go back to the Marina. 

Droesbeke noted that there were 28 Special Use Permits given for family reunions and other activities that were held in the parks.

There were a few water accidents on the lake.  One individual was cut getting to close to the engine propeller.  There were several rescues with one fatality.

The projects and ideas for the future include working at Rendezvous Beach to make more areas for camping available as well as the usual maintenance for that area. There were several days last summer that Rendezvous Beach had to turn people away.  There needs to be renovation of 21 campsites and make that area up to 37 camp sites.  There needs to be more group sites.  Power and water are available, but there is no sewer for some areas.

At the Marina there will be sidewalks built on the north dike, and there has been a wood rail fence put up on the north exit from the marina.  On the eastside of the lake there will be a better access road into North Eden.  There have been some approved motorboat access projects. 

There have also been some requested motorboat access projects at the following locations: East Side at First Point with a launch ramp, parking area enlargement, and paving.  Another project on the East Side would the power available to First Point, Cisco Beach, and Rainbow Cove ramps.  Also, at Rainbow Cove there will be access trails from the lake to Bluff campsites.  The Marina needs parking lot asphalt to be slurry sealed and paint striping done.  The Marina needs overflow parking area improvement as well. 

There are some critical issues that exist that need to be noted.  Park wide, there needs to be a full-time maintenance position.  There needs to be another full-time office manager/ accountant position.  There is a need for a USACE Beach Grooming/maintenance permit, and there should be an increase in camping and day use fees.

The Marina need greater parking capacity and increased vegetation.  The condition of the main asphalt parking lot needs better maintenance.  The marina expansion proposal is still an idea that needs to move forward.  The main problem there is funding sources.  Additional restrooms with flush toilets near the launch ramp are needed.

Currently, Tuesday and Wednesday are called local days.  A pass for RC citizens is $50 which is half price for the marina and over on the east side.  This, of course, won’t work on holidays and weekends.  This RC pass is park wide

At Rendezvous Beach there is not enough day use parking.  There also needs to be more day use restrooms with flush toilets.  The oldest restrooms need to be replaced.  There needs to be a renovation of the Cottonwood Campground.

On the eastside of the lake currently there are more night camp areas at or above capacity.  There are a 100 sites on that side of the lake, and they are full every weekend.  More camp areas or enlargement of the current camp sites are needed.  The North Eden beach access should be improved.  First Point has some real parking issues.  There needs to be water and sewer development.  There should be large scale facility development on Rainbow Cove and at First Point.   A public gun range is needed, and there is a good possibility for such an item at across the road from Rainbow Cove into Hook Canyon.

Garbage services are costing more.  During 2016 the cost was $14,700, in 2017 it fell to $8,700.  In 2018, the cost was $21,500. 

The concession contract was renewed this past summer.  It is for five years.  It was given to Brian Hirschi again.  Droesbeke said that he has been doing a good job.