Island County has agreed to continue managing three South End lakes, but on a greatly reduced maintenance schedule.

Contracts the county had with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife expired in June for Goss and Lone lakes; the one for Deer Lake ends in February 2010.

County parks manager Steve Marx had previously indicated he would not be renewing due to severe budget cuts. Trash removal and landscaping upkeep has been cut back and the county has installed “Pack-it-in, pack-it-out” signs at the entrances to park properties.

South Whidbey Parks & Recreation director Terri Arnold said the county is still interested in having the parks district take over full maintenance duties.

“After we pass our maintenance-and-operations levy in the fall of 2010, we will reevaluate our position and see where we stand,” she said.