I support having More Access to the Upper Yakima river.
J
Joseph Ford
10 years ago
We need and want better access to this gem.
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
I need more access!!!
T
The Badger
10 years ago
Easton to Ensign(public), Ensign to Bullfrog (public), South to State(public), State to Bristol (Paid private), Bristol to Thorp(Paid/Public), Thorp to Diversion (public) on and on......It looks to me like we have a fair amount of public access. Let us not forget the John Wayne Trail. This path lends access to an enormous stretch of Yakima River. Seems to me that what you are asking for is unlimited boat access and that is not wise or realistic!
I've been a local guide for the last four years and I live in Cle Elum, so I see what the masses bring with them when they come to this Blue Ribbon water. Granted, I do not make my living as a guide, I do it for fun. That said, I can empathize with the local businesses who make their living, in part, on and because of the Yakima River. However, maybe, there should be some stretches that remain closed to the masses. Quite frankly, I'm glad the Cle Elum has limited to no access. That's why that river fishes so well and is largely preserved and still serene. Shouldn't we temper our desire enjoy our natural resources with an effort to preserve and conserve them as well? That's not rhetorical and I'm not completely dissenting on this idea, I'm just asking the question?
T
The Badger
10 years ago
After all, it is all about the Tourists and the almighty $$$$$$$!
T
The Badger
10 years ago
You live E-burg, I live in Cle Elum, so you must know how much of the Yakima River you can access via the John Wayne/Ironhorse Trail. I think what you guys want is unlimited boat access and that's not realistic!
T
The Badger
10 years ago
I'm not sure where this notion of limited public access is derived? Once you legally gain access to a navigable Washington river, at a myriad of locations, you can wade, float, swim, whatever you want. This is not Colorado or Wyoming. Navigable waters use the high water mark to determine riparian guidelines! The state will need to buy access from private land owners and that will be very expensive. I live/guide/recreate in Kittitas County on the Yakima River and I can tell you that many riverfront/waterfront landowners will not sell access for masses without having a big pay day! I would rather the State improve our existing launches and hire more Fish and Wildlife officers to patrol and protect our Watersheds and wild places! Anyway, just ny $.02
M
Mark Pirak
10 years ago
My wife and I fish the Yakima many times per year, utilizing both guides and when possible, walk in/wade fishing. The lack of access to a public waterway, whether fish,boating, wildlife viewing is frustrating. Increasing access will help the local economy by increasing tourism visits, hence dollars spent locally.
A
Allan O Hess
10 years ago
badly needed
J
John
10 years ago
The Yakima River needs much more public access points for boat launching, walk-in and wading fishing and activities such as birdwatching. Especially this area needs much more public access. Private ownership can and has closed off legal access to this river, making it a “private preserve” for landowners. This is not right! We have a legal right to use this river which is being stymied by lack of access. Anglers and visitors are a tremendous asset to the surrounding communities with the revenue they bring. This is a “win-win” for everyone if more access is provided on the Yakima. Fly fishing and birdwatching are expanding activities and need cultivating. Please support this effort and please help us to gain more access!
G
George Richardson
10 years ago
The Yakama river is truly one of the best rivers in the state to fish. Sometimes it feels like taking a trip to Montana when fishing it yet only three hours from Seattle. More access would be helpful.
D
Daniel Teeter
10 years ago
Public access!!!
G
Greg Jones
10 years ago
Increased/improved river access benefits entire communities, as well as the outdoor enthusiasts who use (and protect) the resource. Please help open this section of the Yak.
G
Gary Belcaster
10 years ago
Opening access serves to STRENGTHEN conservancy. It's the right thing..
C
Chris Bowns
10 years ago
Let's open this section!
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
I live in eburg, however, in western Washington I have seen miles of river opened by way of bicycle paths on the river levee/dykes. The Deschutes in Bend has a very similar trail along it!! Why not us?
R
Ronald Liljedahl
10 years ago
As a traveling fisherman, this is a great river for fly fishing and would be benefit from more public access = more tourists $$ spent in the county.
A
arthur carlson
10 years ago
a fine idea
T
Thomas Freeburg
10 years ago
We need to improve the public access. Period.
T
Tom Whiteside
10 years ago
I was born and raised in Ellensburg. Over my lifetime I have seen access to the Yak decline. this petition is a step in the right direction
I support having More Access to the Upper Yakima river.
We need and want better access to this gem.
I need more access!!!
Easton to Ensign(public), Ensign to Bullfrog (public), South to State(public), State to Bristol (Paid private), Bristol to Thorp(Paid/Public), Thorp to Diversion (public) on and on......It looks to me like we have a fair amount of public access. Let us not forget the John Wayne Trail. This path lends access to an enormous stretch of Yakima River. Seems to me that what you are asking for is unlimited boat access and that is not wise or realistic! I've been a local guide for the last four years and I live in Cle Elum, so I see what the masses bring with them when they come to this Blue Ribbon water. Granted, I do not make my living as a guide, I do it for fun. That said, I can empathize with the local businesses who make their living, in part, on and because of the Yakima River. However, maybe, there should be some stretches that remain closed to the masses. Quite frankly, I'm glad the Cle Elum has limited to no access. That's why that river fishes so well and is largely preserved and still serene. Shouldn't we temper our desire enjoy our natural resources with an effort to preserve and conserve them as well? That's not rhetorical and I'm not completely dissenting on this idea, I'm just asking the question?
After all, it is all about the Tourists and the almighty $$$$$$$!
You live E-burg, I live in Cle Elum, so you must know how much of the Yakima River you can access via the John Wayne/Ironhorse Trail. I think what you guys want is unlimited boat access and that's not realistic!
I'm not sure where this notion of limited public access is derived? Once you legally gain access to a navigable Washington river, at a myriad of locations, you can wade, float, swim, whatever you want. This is not Colorado or Wyoming. Navigable waters use the high water mark to determine riparian guidelines! The state will need to buy access from private land owners and that will be very expensive. I live/guide/recreate in Kittitas County on the Yakima River and I can tell you that many riverfront/waterfront landowners will not sell access for masses without having a big pay day! I would rather the State improve our existing launches and hire more Fish and Wildlife officers to patrol and protect our Watersheds and wild places! Anyway, just ny $.02
My wife and I fish the Yakima many times per year, utilizing both guides and when possible, walk in/wade fishing. The lack of access to a public waterway, whether fish,boating, wildlife viewing is frustrating. Increasing access will help the local economy by increasing tourism visits, hence dollars spent locally.
badly needed
The Yakima River needs much more public access points for boat launching, walk-in and wading fishing and activities such as birdwatching. Especially this area needs much more public access. Private ownership can and has closed off legal access to this river, making it a “private preserve” for landowners. This is not right! We have a legal right to use this river which is being stymied by lack of access. Anglers and visitors are a tremendous asset to the surrounding communities with the revenue they bring. This is a “win-win” for everyone if more access is provided on the Yakima. Fly fishing and birdwatching are expanding activities and need cultivating. Please support this effort and please help us to gain more access!
The Yakama river is truly one of the best rivers in the state to fish. Sometimes it feels like taking a trip to Montana when fishing it yet only three hours from Seattle. More access would be helpful.
Public access!!!
Increased/improved river access benefits entire communities, as well as the outdoor enthusiasts who use (and protect) the resource. Please help open this section of the Yak.
Opening access serves to STRENGTHEN conservancy. It's the right thing..
Let's open this section!
I live in eburg, however, in western Washington I have seen miles of river opened by way of bicycle paths on the river levee/dykes. The Deschutes in Bend has a very similar trail along it!! Why not us?
As a traveling fisherman, this is a great river for fly fishing and would be benefit from more public access = more tourists $$ spent in the county.
a fine idea
We need to improve the public access. Period.
I was born and raised in Ellensburg. Over my lifetime I have seen access to the Yak decline. this petition is a step in the right direction