Commissioners hear update from Lake Roosevelt superintendent

DAVENPORT—The Lincoln County Commissioners heard an update concerning the happenings at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area from superintendent Dan Foster at the commissioner’s March 18 meeting. The National Parks Service manages three standard campsites and nine boat-in campsites along Lake Roosevelt and the Spokane River arm in Lincoln County and Stevens County.

Like most businesses and organizations around the world, the National Park Service at Lake Roosevelt is facing a labor shortage.

“Our biggest problem has been getting people to apply for jobs,” Foster told the commissioners. “People get interviews, but then they don’t even show up for work.”

The park has also seen two retirements, including its chief ranger and administrative officer.

Despite never closing in 2021, campsites were never at maximum capacity in the park.

“In 2019, beach camping spiked,” Foster said. “We went to a reserve-only system after that and never filled.”

In 2020, the park was forced into strict cleaning rules and restrictions due to mandates following the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, Foster said the park was able to convince the powers that be to expedite its cleaning requirements.

“Last year, we mimicked the Forest Service in our quicker cleaning,” Foster said. “And we were able to open all the campgrounds.”

The park service is currently looking to retool the houseboat area at Keller Ferry. Design will also begin next year on a new marina at Seven Bays, Foster said.

“The whole point will be to avoid congestion, and we’re looking at the design of that project in 2023 and beginning construction to complete by late 2024,” Foster said. “But construction is so expensive, we may not be able to do it in a year.”

Campsites at Lake Roosevelt managed by the NPS include Summer Island, Enterprise, Crystal Cove, Ponderosa, Detillion, Sterling Point, Penix Canyon, Goldsmith, Plum Point, Kettle Falls, Fort Spokane and Spring Canyon.