Dec. 11, 2009

Media contact: Debbie Young, Tacoma Power natural resources manager, (253) 502-8340

Tacoma Power, the Skokomish Tribal Nation and the operators of Camp Cushman located on Lake Cushman, near Hoodsport, recently entered into an agreement that will enable the campground to operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends in 2010.

The operation of the park was uncertain after Tacoma Power signed a Cushman Hydroelectric Project licensing settlement agreement in early 2009 with the Skokomish Tribal Nation and state and federal agencies. The project is located on the Skokomish River in Mason County.

Provisions in the settlement agreement call for transferring the land where the campground sits to the Skokomish Tribal Nation. The recent agreement, however, allows the park to operate during the 2010 recreation season, regardless of when the land transfer occurs.

“The staff at Camp Cushman look forward to the 2010 season,” said Barbara Tarabochia, who has operated Camp Cushman, the former Lake Cushman State Park, with her husband Steven Phillips since 2003. “We appreciate the patience shown by our loyal customers and are excited to provide another memorable camping season.”

Even after the land transfer takes place, the boat launch at Camp Cushman will remain open to the public between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

People interested in reserving campsites at Camp Cushman in 2010 should call (360) 877-6770 after 8 a.m. on Dec. 17. More information about the campground is available at lakecushman.com.

Visit Tacoma Power’s Web site for more information about the Cushman Hydroelectric Project.