An idea by a local biologist for establishing an outhouse at Mosquito Lake recreation site has hit a hurdle.
The Division of State Parks recently notified Rich Chapell that it wouldn’t maintain an outhouse at the park, which is in “passive management,” even if Chapell secured sportfish funding to get a privy there.
Chapell, chair of the Haines Borough’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, floated the idea two months ago as a way of making the lakeside camping area more hospitable. An outhouse there was removed five or more years ago during budget cuts when the state shifted the campsite to passive management, meaning the grounds remain open but aren’t maintained.
“It’s hard to promote it as a fishing destination and campground if there is no bathroom,” Chapell said this week. He said he would meet to discuss options with residents who maintain Mosquito Lake School and Community Center about options.
Park ranger Travis Russell said his supervisors made the decision on the proposal. “What it comes down to is they’re hesitant to have us on the hook for pumping and maintaining an outhouse, regardless of who installs it. It’s the cost of maintenance that they’re concerned about.”
Chapell said he understood parks’ decision. “People get crazy and do atrocious things to outhouses. It’s not just pumping it out once a year. You have to have someone checking on it at least once a week.”
The campground is a popular one with anglers going after cutthroat and Dolly Varden, and for ice fishermen as well, Chapell said. The site includes an unmaintained road, picnic tables, fire rings and a boat dock. “People spend time there, so it would be great to have some way to relieve yourself in a sanitary way,” he said.
The recreation site includes a dock, picnic tables and fire rings. Chapell said he’s glad the area can still be used. In some parts of the state, the Division of Parks has chained camping areas closed, he said.