McArthurs to Sell Concessionaire Business at Lyons Ferry Marina

COLUMBIA COUNTY - At their August meeting, Port commissioners heard from Lyons Ferry Marina KOA managers Jim and Angela McArthur about their plans to sell the business at the marina.

The McArthurs told the commissioners they will leave at the end of the 2017 season, and they are sorry to leave, because they see a lot of potential for growth, with the news about the Columbia Pulp mill.

The McArthur's have recommended to the Port that a personal friend, Steve Klonz, take over from them.

Klonz is a campground broker and owner of a KOA in Redmond, Ore. as well as a "terrific" KOA in Carlsbad, New Mexico. He is looking for an investment such as this for his family, said Jim McArthur.

"The McArthurs' lease is up at the end of December," Port Manager Jennie Dickinson told the commissioners. "They have the right to sell their business in the lease."

Klonz is seeking a 24-year lease with the option to renew, she added.

Jim McArthur said, "We have operated it like we own it, not as concessionaires. We don't want to see it deteriorate. We know we're getting stale after 10 years. We want nothing but success for whoever takes over."

The McArthurs said they are leaving for personal reasons, and they intend to take some time to reflect on their next move.