LETTER: Concession plan for park is wrong

Concessions are contrary to the state parks. Ultimately there will be signage. Where does it lead? It’s a precedent, and I foresee food concessions — hot dogs, sodas, etc. — resulting in trash. We all hopefully recognize Flathead Lake as pristine. The ugliness of concessions is incompatible.

I suggest the state parks show some integrity and STOP concessions in the park. It can lead to cronyism and unfair deals. We want the lake pristine. How about the “pristine” integrity of the parks department? They have negotiated a 26 percent return to the park with the vendor, then after awarding the contract renegotiated the contract to 16 percent return. This is unethical.

It appears the concession contract is exclusive, graciously allowing other kayak providers certain days’ limitation for kayak rental. This creates a hostile atmosphere. Furthermore there is very limited beach area. I understand beach area with be dedicated to the concession. That’s a loss to the public.

If kayak businesses are willing to deliver and pick up, why take over public beach area and put a business on it? This is how you balance your budget? Why sacrifice limited beach area — mostly used by children — to a business? This is a very bad decision.

—Carol Nelson, Bigfork