Remember guys, Wallace made the "Mining operation" much larger sometime after June 21, 1990. That's 15 years AFTER he had already sold the easement and parking area to WDFW. After the time the easement was sold, the mining operation then expanded illegally and took possession of the easement. I even down loaded an aerial photo from Microsoft Terra Server Image page @ http/terraserver.homeadvisor.msn.com/imageasp?S=10&T=1&X=2528&Y=25695&Z=10&W=2 You can also see two of the FOC nets pens in the lake. I was personally involved in that project at that time. The mining operation had been stopped for years at that time, and that is why the Wallace's let the FOC use the pit for the next 4 years.

Even back in June of 1990, the easement roads and parking areas were clearly visible and were NOT in the old mining area. Also the road that has been used for the last 18 years or longer, still runs along side the PUD easement that runs all the way to and across the river. The owner even told me that after the 1995-96 floods, WDFW brought back in about 10 truck loads of fill and repaired the washed road along the power lines. I agree with you LittleZoZo about the mining laws, but when a mining operation illegally removed a public easement…all other rules become void! The action was after the fact. I am going down to the courthouse today and pull the entire file of what has been done at the site. I will let you all know when I get that information.

All Wallace has to do his fence the off the easement road area and the section behind his pit. The only problem is that Wallace also wants to use the same PUD easement road to bring his trucks in on. There is plenty of room at the gate area to provide for both. LittleZozo, I bet that you know the mining laws well enough to also know that somewhere in them it must state that it's a No-No to mine an easement or its illegal to mine on or near and area that is designated for public use. I realty appreciate your guys commitment to call Ray Crosswell of WDFW. I know it will speed up this process.

Thanks again guys,

Cowlitzfisherman


Is the taste of the bait worth the sting of the hook????