County outlines McBee campground master plan and summer-fair preparations
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Summary
Parks staff told commissioners the McBee campground master plan goes before the Planning Commission Aug. 19 and the Board likely in September; staff described staged tree work, efforts to preserve trees, and plans for a camp host and limited water service.
Parks staff updated the Board on McBee campground planning and county fair preparations, saying the McBee master plan will be considered by the Planning Commission on Aug. 19 and likely brought back to the Board in September for adoption and phasing decisions.
Staff described site actions already underway: a masticator is clearing brush along access roads to allow surveying and limit tree losses; crews are taking care to retain trees where possible and to limit harvest to the narrow swath required for safety. Staff said McBee is currently open for day use only and that they've established a few family camp areas; they plan to add a single spigot to support a camp host to improve on-site management in an area with no cell service or grid power.
On the county fair, staff said preparations include electrical checks, volunteer coordination and refurbishing displays such as the Irish Bend bridge replica. Parks staff noted the fair is Benton County's largest single-day fundraiser and described outreach to commissioners to participate and meet constituents during the event. No formal action was requested at the meeting; staff will bring the master plan to the Board for review once Planning Commission input is incorporated.