Letter to the Editor for July 22, 2009

We need to save our economy

To the editor:

At a time when the economy is struggling and unemployment is rising it makes absolutely no sense for the EPA to even consider imposing standards which would force the closure of literally every cement plant in the United States.  Ash Grove is a large employer, with a sizeable payroll, and one of the strongest economic forces for the good in Baker County. If it were to shut down the negative impact on our county would be huge.

In addition to this potential addition to the Obama “let's see you fast we can destroy the American economy” plan, I note that federal rules designed to allow for some increased logging in Oregon have just been repealed by the economic geniuses of the present administration. The logging jobs which might have been created if common sense regulations had not been scrapped would certainly have been helpful in a state with the second highest unemployment rate in the nation.

Mr. Obama promised change. But his “change” from rules that make sense to rules justified solely by his liberal ideology are unacceptable. Every Oregonian needs to contact their elected representatives at the federal level and tell them enough is enough. And, do so before it is too late.  

Jerry Boyd

Baker City

We’re reducing day-use fee

To the editor:

I agree with your editorial comments on July 10 about the day-use fee that we (Aud & Di Campground Services, Inc., or AuDi) charge at Grande Ronde and Anthony Lakes campgrounds. The fee was set to keep it on par with the one charged at Phillips Lake campgrounds.

However, with Forest Service concurrence, we will reduce this fee at Grande Ronde and Anthony Lakes campgrounds to $4. The amenities at Anthony Lakes and Grande Ronde campgrounds don’t compare to those at Union Creek Campground, which has a dump station, developed boat ramp, fish-cleaning station, snack bar, and flush toilets. These differences justify a lower day-use fee for the Anthony Lakes campgrounds.

A word about what this fee is for. AuDi pays the wages of hosts at Anthony Lakes Campground, who service customers and facilities there. We also maintain water systems, pay for toilet pumping and trash disposal, service campground facilities, including roads and trails, remove hazardous trees, purchase insurance, provide vehicles and equipment, pay the Forest Service a facilities use fee, which, by the way, goes back into the campgrounds, pay taxes, and incur other business expenses. 

In the end, we may make a profit if we have a good season, or suffer a loss if we do not. Regarding our day-use fee policy, AuDi charges a per-vehicle fee, which applies to visitors who park on the campgrounds. AuDi offers a 50- percent discounted fee, now ($2), to holders of Interagency Senior and Access passes, as well as Golden Age and Golden Access passes. We do not charge walk-ins who use the trails and fish the lakes. AuDi does not charge for use of restrooms or water drawn for personal use. We do charge a day-use fee on entry. However, a visitor who leaves within 30 minutes will be given a full refund. AuDi will consider modifying existing signs to clarify this point.

Also, the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act that you refer to in your editorial authorizes fees for facilities operated by the government, not concessionaire-operated ones.   

Steve Hunn

Cedar City, Utah