This is a copy of Andy's letter to the WDFW Director. This is a perfect example of how this BB can bring fishermen together to achieve their common goal to protect our sport fishing rights and our resources!

Good work Andy, and thanks to all the other folks who have supported this issue.

Cowlitzfisherman

Dr Jeffrey P. Koenings
Director, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife


Dr. Koenings,

I would like to request that your department rectify an access problem on the Cowlitz River. The access problem is at an easement
called the "Wallace Gravel Pit," located on Mandy Road in Lewis County.

It appears that the folks at the Wallace Gravel Pit have unilaterally decided to take back a number of easements sold to the State of Washington in 1971 for the purpose of providing fishing access. I believe that the purchases totaled approximately $57,000 and that State funds were used to buy the easements.

The Wallaces have placed a locked gate and a large deadfall tree in the path of the
easement, and have also mined a portion the easement roadway so that a law abiding fisherman seeking access to the river would
actually have to "walk on water" to stay within the boundaries of the easement.

Your department is charged with the responsibility of providing sound stewardship for the management of fish and wildlife species throughout the state, and this would include providing maximum access for fishing opportunities, so I come to you for assistance.

A gentleman by the name of Bob Reid has been documenting the access problem at the Wallace Gravel Pit since May, and has followed the advice of Ray Croswell from your region 5 office, but there has been no resolution to this issue. You may contact Mr.Reid by e-mail at cpr-fish@toledotel.com for the exact details of his efforts.

Mr. Reid has contacted the Lewis County Sheriff's office on a number of occasions, case numbers #01C5448 and #01C6454, to
document the blocking of the road access, but it seems that the Sheriff's department has not been able to bring enough pressure to
bear upon the Wallaces to halt their practices.

Would you please investigate the Wallace situation because I believe that they are currently violating two statutes that your officers are empowered to enforce. The statutes are:

1. Malicious mischief in the first degree, RCW 9A.48.070
(a)......knowingly causes damage to the property of another in an amount exceeding $1500.00.
(b)......causes an interruption or impairment of service rendered to the public by physically damaging.....property of the state.

2. Disorderly conduct, RCW 9A84.030
(c)......Intentionally obstructs vehicular traffic or pedestrian traffic without lawful authority.

I would like to receive a response to my request in the next week or so, and any responses will be forwarded to all parties listed in the "to" and "cc" portions of this e-mail. Your prompt attention is appreciated.

Sincerely, Andy M