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State parks manager warns higher day‑use and camping fees could cut service levels at Cove Palisades
Summary
A Cove Palisades State Park manager told the Board that a statewide parks revenue shortfall has led to fee increases and that the park may reduce seasonal staffing and services if revenue falls short; commissioners asked for visitation and revenue data.
Steve Befano, park manager at Cove Palisades State Park, told commissioners that Oregon State Parks is facing a multimillion-dollar deficit and has increased day‑use and camping fees to generate revenue. He said day‑use fees rose from $5 to $10 and annual- and multi‑year‑pass changes will be implemented; the park also has increased campsite rates.
Befano said the park’s revenue comes mainly from user fees and concession revenue rather than county tax dollars; he warned the county that if revenue is insufficient the park may not be able to hire all seasonal staff, and that service levels in the coming season could be lower. He also asked the county to consider partnering on shoulder‑season amenities and to support possible cabin or yurt development at the park in the future.
Commissioners asked for comparative visitation and revenue data (year‑over‑year), and county staff asked Befano to provide reports showing seasonal revenue and average daily revenues for 2020–2025 to help the county assess economic impacts to local businesses.
