County supervisors will consider allowing a hang-gliding concession in Mount Tamalpais State Park, as long as the service does not increase the county's liability for any mishaps.

Although the Marin Hang-Gliding Association has been taking off from Mount Tamalpais and landing on Stinson Beach for nearly 20 years, the county is not liable for accidents because it does not charge a fee for what the state defines as a "hazardous recreational activity."

If the county allows the concession and receives money from the hang-gliding fees, it would increase its risk, said Supervisor Steve Kinsey.

"It's a very minute amount of compensation for greater liability," Kinsey said.

The concession was initially denied by the county Parks, Open Space, and Cultural Commission, but the applicant has appealed their decision to the Board of Supervisors, which will revisit the issue in early October, Kinsey said.

Kinsey told The Light he would ask Stinson Beach residents their opinion about hang-gliders and investigate whether the concession could be granted without the county receiving compensation.

Noting that while he doesn't want to deny recreational activities to anyone, Kinsey said, "I don't want to turn one more carnival event loose on what is supposed to be a natural preserve."