On May 21, I met with Ray Croswell (WDFW) concerning the Cowlitz River public access area located at the "Wallace Gravel Pit" fishing site. The meeting went very well and I was pleased to get a copy of all easements and agreements between WDFW and the Wallace's concerning the public fishing area that were purchased back in 1971. I also received a copy of the easement map, which was also sent to the Lewis County Sheriff Office by the WDFW. The records show that the Wallace's were paid $47,780.00 for a 25' walking easement, which runs from the top end of Wallace's pit all the way down river to the "county line". The payment also included the purchase of a 60-foot road easement and a ½ acre parking area. The Agreement required the Wallace's to grade a 4000-foot length of roadway 60 feet wide. It also required them to lay Ballast rock at a depth of 9 inches, and then covering it with 4 inches of crushed rock. The State, in turn agreed to fence one side of the 60-foot easement road with sheep fencing when money was programmed for it.

Sometime between 1974 and 1990, the Wallace's increased the size of their gravel pit and removed, by mining, the mass majority of the graveled road, which the original easement was located on. It is my understanding now after meeting with Mr. Croswell, that the state will also be sending the Wallace's a letter, which will instruct them to leave the existing power line access road open for public vehicle use to access the states public fishing area.

For those of you that want to try out this new public fishing area, but may be afraid to use it because you don't really know the area, I will be more then willing to send you a copy of the states access map by e-mail. You will be able to down load the attached "tif" and print out your own copy. Print 2 copies, and give one to your fishing body! If you would like an electronic copy the map, e-mail me at cpr-fish@toledotel.com.

I will return your request with the attached "Wallace map tif'. This way, the Wallace's won't be able to Bull Shi* you about parking out side and walking in. When you inter the pit stay to your left and follow the power line road down to the river. The power line road is marked as pink squares on the map. If they attempt to shop you, don't hastate to call the Lewis County Sheriff Office at 360-740-9286 or 360-740-1382 and ask for Deputy Fred Wetzel and refer to case report # 0165448. With summer run returning now, this should be a great area for fishing. Remember, use it or loose it!

Good fishing,

Cowlitzfisherman

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