Concession Contract Awarded

Greetings,

Here is a copy of a media release that went out yesterday to announce that
the National Park Service has awarded a ten-year contract for operation of
the park-owned concessions facilities in Stehekin.

Charles


North Cascades National Park Media Release

Date: September 29, 2011

Contact: Chip Jenkins, 360-854-7204



               New Stehekin Concession Contract Announced



The National Park Service is pleased to announce that a new ten-year

contract has been awarded to Guest Services, Inc. (GSI) for operation of

the park-owned concession facilities in Stehekin, located within Lake

Chelan National Recreation Area. GSI brings a wealth of experience in

operation of visitor services; they currently provide lodging and food

service for a variety of establishments throughout the country, including

operation of concession facilities at Mount Rainier National Park and

National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C.



Since 2006, the National Park Service has made significant improvements to

the concession facilities and believes that they provide a solid base for

GSI to provide the hospitality services needed for guests traveling to

Stehekin. "We are excited to have GSI as the new concessioner for our

Stehekin concession operation and look forward to building a strong

partnership with this company," said North Cascades National Park Complex

Superintendent Chip Jenkins. "We have been pleased with the quality of

services visitors receive under the current concessioner and believe GSI

will carry this effort forward into the new contract."



Currently operating as Stehekin Landing Resort, the concession provides

lodging, food service, transportation services, and the sale of fuel,

gifts, and convenience items to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

visitors. Stehekin Adventure, LLC has operated the facilities since 2007

and the current contract expires on October 31, 2011.



All National Park Service facilities in Stehekin are open. The Stehekin

Landing Resort will provide full lodging and food service through September

30, and continue to maintain reduced services through October 30. Visit

www.stehekinlanding.com for more details and reservations. The Lake Chelan

Boat Company also continues to operate daily passenger ferry service to

Stehekin through October 15, and will operate this service through the

winter on a reduced schedule. Visit www.ladyofthelake.com for more details

and reservations. Additionally, Chelan Seaplanes offers daily flights to

Stehekin through October 16. Visit www.chelanseaplanes.com for more

information.



Concessioners fill a vital role in helping the National Park Service carry

out its mission by operating publicly owned facilities and offering

high-quality commercial visitor services at reasonable prices. The National

Park Service is required to award concession contracts through a

competitive bid process. A prospectus, which is a solicitation for

proposals, for the commercial services in Stehekin was issued twice within

the past year. In September, 2010, the response received was insufficient

to award a contract. In March, 2011, the prospectus was reissued after

modifications were made to create a more attractive business opportunity,

and GSI was selected.



The new concession contract with GSI will be effective March 1, 2012 and

full operations will be available by mid-June. For reservations and

information about the 2012 season, email

stehekin-reservations@guestservices.com.



Accessible only by foot, ferry, or plane, Stehekin is a destination for

relaxation, adventure, and family fun — providing an array of recreation

opportunities, including spectacular day hikes, bicycling, kayaking,

fishing, backpacking, horseback riding, and ranger-led activities. In

addition to the majestic scenery, attractions include the 312-foot Rainbow

Falls, the Historic Buckner Homestead (orchard), and the dynamic Stehekin

River. Visit www.stehekin.com for trip planning resources.



                                 - NPS -


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