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Bear Lake State Park manager updates commissioners on visitation, marina project and infrastructure needs
Summary
Bear Lake State Park reported near‑record visitation, revenue growth and progress on multiple projects, including the long‑planned marina expansion. Park officials requested county and state support for permitting needs and an aquatic invasive species dip tank as construction progresses.
Richard Drell, park manager for Bear Lake State Park, delivered the park’s annual report at the Jan. 8 Rich County Commission meeting and updated commissioners on visitation, revenues and capital projects.
Drell reported park visitation and revenue near levels recorded during the pandemic summers, and said the park posted one of its highest profit years on record. Staff reviewed revenue breakdowns showing camping and day‑use as principal revenue sources and provided an overview of special events, search‑and‑rescue activity and routine maintenance.
Drell described progress on large capital projects: the Corps of Engineers permit for the marina expansion is signed and the project team is addressing a required BLM mining permit for sourcing fill material. He said construction could begin in spring pending resolution of BLM comments and that the project is being staged to minimize summertime disruption to existing marina users.
Park staff also described upgrades at Rainbow Cove and North Eden campgrounds, completed water‑system pump replacements and planned improvements to restrooms, parking and camping capacity. Drell said the park has applied for and received some capital support but still seeks funding to fully complete the Rainbow Cove campground infrastructure and the marina project.
On invasive‑species control, Drell urged wildlife and state partners to fund a permanent AIS dip tank at the new marina location. He said the marina design leaves space and utility capacity for a dip tank and that locating decontamination at the primary launch complex would improve inspection and decontamination coverage at the most used launch point.
Drell also briefed the commission on staffing and housing challenges, explained state restructuring of DNR law enforcement, and said park staff are working to recruit and deploy seasonal and permanent staff. Commissioners thanked park staff for the update and discussed potential support for funding and legislative outreach to help complete marina components and AIS infrastructure.
