O.K., I'll admit I was there this morning to clean the place in question up. Man, what a mess!!!!! This particular landowner had no choice but to close this area down. It was costing him an arm and a leg to have this area patrolled by the fuzz. The litter and tresspassers were just too much for him, and I guess the costs were just too great for him to continue any longer.

What most people don't realize is that for many years he looked the other way, only to have them trash his land. His property is bordered by a fence that is surrounded by some timber land closer to the hatchery. The public still has access to this area, just don't go beyond the fence line, and you won't be asked to leave. If you are an OFC member, then have your proper ID and you won't be asked to leave either. The landowner is supplying his guests with passes also. This area is just a prime example of how a few can ruin it for many others.

As far as Eagle Creek or any other river that is or is not "navigable", that varies from stream to stream, Federal law or not. If you think that Federal law overrides State law then consider Oregon and California's Medical Marijuana laws, heck I think Washington even tried to pass that too. My point is, regardless of what the feds say, old Carl on the Kilchis might have a word or two with you for anchoring in his hole. Crazy stuff.

I joined the OFC almost three years ago,and will renew again when the time comes up. I make an average wage, so by no means is this something that the average guy can't afford if he put's his mind to it. We do have some great access.

I'm sorry to Dave and his dad for their loss to a place they thought they could go into before. There was always a NO TRESSPASS sign or two we all used to walk by, it's just enforced now. The owner decided enough was enough. If you saw the snagfest I'm sure you would understand.
I just hope this doesn't turn ugly....

Chris

[ 12-26-2001: Message edited by: SeaMeantGuy ]