Consultant to assess Mason Lake Camp purchase

Commissioners have hired consultants to perform a feasibility study for the possible county purchase of Mason Lake Camp.

The $99,523 contract for BerryDunn, approved at the Dec. 17 meeting, will assess the viability of purchasing and operating the property at 1052 East Mason Lake Drive West in Grapeview.

BerryDunn, based in Portland, Maine, has a seven-phase analysis that should help the county decide, according to the proposal.

One of the first things the consulting firm will do is a market analysis. This will look at demographics, competing facilities, and current use and fees at the lake, the proposal states.

Then the firm will create an appraisal, working with real estate professionals.

"We will develop a detailed financial model of the operating revenues and expenses of facilities and programming associated with the public operation of Mason Lake Camp based on market research results and the recommended rate models, including an assessment of the Camp's previous financial performance," according to the proposal.

Consultants will also provide a detailed operating and maintenance budget, with projected expenses and revenues.

A site analysis will list recommended improvements to the camp and prepare costs estimates for future facilities.

Other potential impacts for the county are land use regulations and the proposal will cover zoning, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and other legal considerations.

The proposal will evaluate community impacts such as "improved access to nature, learning opportunities, community engagement and health benefits," and environmental impacts including how increased access to the camp could potentially harm or help plants and animals, according to the document.

BerryDunn anticipates the analysis to take approximately eight to 10 months, with final recommendations no later than October, according to the proposal.

Simpson Lumber Co. bought the land to use as an employee recreation area about 70 years ago.

Green Diamond Resource Co. is the successor of Simpson and currently owns the private camp, which includes tent and RV sites, a large dock on Mason Lake, a swimming area, restroom and shower facilities, and a pavilion with a full kitchen.