If we do not have access there is limited rationale for putting resources into developing and managing a fishery - both fresh and salt water.

As far as Pierce County salt water access goes the only remaining all tide launch available to the general public on a pay to play basis on the eastern shore is Point Defiance and it has suffered a reduction in available parking; parking being a common theme.

There are no other all tide trailer boat launches in Pierce County's eastern shore south of Point Defiance given that Metro Parks closed the former Tacoma Outboard Associations launch at Titlow Beach and the owners of Narrows Marina have restricted use of its launch to patrons of their storage operation (due to liability issues created by impaired drivers ending up in the water and being pilloried by The News Tribune).

So what could be done south of the Narrows? Pierce County needs to amend its Chambers Bay plan to return its commitment to a multi-lane launch at that facility. Such a launch was promised to the public when the County sought support to purchase the former gravel pit but recently was downgraded to a kayak type launch.

One additional tidbit. The Seattle office of the Corps of Engineers recently acknowledged that they have 780 permit applications under review and the next to oldest in their hopper is PNP. That is simply unacceptable!

Finally, let me say that those groups I mentioned have been actively involved in trying to maintain and improve fishing opportunities. To intimate otherwise does them a disservice - intentionally or otherwise.