Lake Roosevelt OKs private cabin permits

PARKS – Special use permits will continue to be issued for private vacation cabins in the Sherman Creek and Rickey Point areas of Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, officials say.

This decision was announced today by National Park Service officials after months of deliberation.

An environmental assessment suggested the cabins – some upgraded to large homes – did not significantly impact the shoreline.

Details are available online .

The new plan contains new alternatives to protect the shoreline environment and reduce the appearance that the public beaches are private.

Cabin septic systems will have to meet upgraded standards before a new permit is issued.

Park Service officials note that federal law requires them to periodically determine whether the continued use of the private cabin sites interferes with public use.

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area includes 312 miles of publically-owned lakeshore.