Hubbard County approves soft opening of Deep Lake property with rules and signage

Hubbard County commissioners approved a soft opening of the county‑owned Deep Lake property, authorizing staff to open the area to the public at 6 a.m. on the day after the meeting while the county completes an environmental assessment and seeks a conditional‑use permit.

Natural resources staff said the county has been working for years on access and improvements and recommended opening the property for daytime public access (6 a.m.–10 p.m.) while campgrounds will allow registered campers to remain overnight under specific rules. Staff emphasized non‑motorized use on the lake and posted signs prohibiting hunting and motorized vehicles; the county will have on‑site enforcement and an outhouse at the parking area.

Staff voiced concern about fishing pressure and asked anglers to practice catch‑and‑release: “It’s not a very big lake,” staff said, noting possible future conservation measures or limits if fishing impacts fish populations. The parks board endorsed a soft opening and staff said ski trails will be groomed this winter in partnership with local clubs; the county also plans signage and an environmental assessment to support the conditional‑use permit required to establish the area formally as a park.

Why it matters: the property’s opening expands public recreation options, but board members asked staff to manage resource impacts carefully—particularly effects on fish and shoreline—and to follow through on required permitting and policy updates.

What’s next: staff will proceed with an environmental assessment, prepare the CUP and return updated parks policy language to the board (staff indicated the ordinance/policy updates could be brought back in January).