Is st helens tree farm closed yet??

[iRem]

Don't forget Weyco. sold off a huge chunk of the Margaret in the last few years.  Could be you were hearing the new owners exploring their exclusive playground--with exclusive access to the Mt. Margaret backcountry--which is still owned by all of us.  (You just can't get there.)

But there is hope.  The USFS is trying to get some of it back--at least the High Lakes part.

IMO there should always be access/an easement to public land regardless if most of it was purchased around the public land and the only way to it is through private land!

[zackmioli]

as of august 15th all port blakely lands are closed to all public access, including walk or bike in. NEED RAIN!!!

[sirmissalot]

Don't forget Weyco. sold off a huge chunk of the Margaret in the last few years.  Could be you were hearing the new owners exploring their exclusive playground--with exclusive access to the Mt. Margaret backcountry--which is still owned by all of us.  (You just can't get there.)

But there is hope.  The USFS is trying to get some of it back--at least the High Lakes part.

I was a long ways from the private land areas your talking about. I'll be scouting the backcountry this weekend.

[Seabeckian]

Fireweed or anyone else that may know the answer;

The section of noble fir that was sold off a year ago... how do I find those boundaries? I have yet to contact anyone of help and want to be respectful as possible by staying off private posted land. I have this years Weyerhaeuser map, which shows nothing, and none of the other maps I have show any boundaries either. Any help or suggestions on where to find this information would be appreciated. Thanks.

[kglacken]

Calling for rain this weekend and early next week! Looks like a good sign 

[bobcat]

Fireweed or anyone else that may know the answer;

The section of noble fir that was sold off a year ago... how do I find those boundaries? I have yet to contact anyone of help and want to be respectful as possible by staying off private posted land. I have this years Weyerhaeuser map, which shows nothing, and none of the other maps I have show any boundaries either. Any help or suggestions on where to find this information would be appreciated. Thanks.

Cowlitz County website- GIS map

[Hunter Dug]

Keep in mind Just because the gates are open DOES NOT MEAN THE AREA IS OPEN TO PUBLIC MOTORIZED VEHICLE.  You have to call the hotline.  On several occations the gates were open however not to the public only work crews.  Promise you you will get a ticket.

[bowjunkie]

hello everyone the new guy here been archery hunting for 4 years now for deer going to try for elk this year in winston unit

so my question is if the fire danger is to high will they even lock out foot traffic?

[firedog]

so my question is if the fire danger is to high will they even lock out foot traffic?

Yes, last season it happened the first weekend and stayed locked up for a week when the rains came in. Having it locked to vehicle traffic is a good thing in my opinion. 

[bowjunkie]

i hope the gates are locked, my boots are shinned and ready to give me blisters im just curious if they lock out foot traffic if the fire danger is to high if so i need to work on a back up plan

[dr.derek]

^ helicopter access.

[Blacktail Sniper]

i hope the gates are locked, my boots are shinned and ready to give me blisters im just curious if they lock out foot traffic if the fire danger is to high if so i need to work on a back up plan

Yes, if the woods are closed for fire danger, then no access is allowed of any kind. 

[fireweed]

Seabeckian
The "noble Farms" partion you are talking about is posted "no trespassing" at the gates only.  I didn't even notice any signs until I went to a gate.  The maps I have show it "sold" from about opposite the Castle Lake viewpoint, up to the High lakes (that was previously sold). Go to the Cowlitz Co. assessor website, look up T10 N R4 E sections owned by Noble Farms LLC.   Keep in mind, according to state law on timberland the land must be conspicuously posted or the owner must personally communicate to you that it is closed.  So.....if you don't see signs, technically, on timberland you are not trespassing.  I know, the WDFW says it is all on your shoulders to know exactly who's property you are on and have express permission to be there, but that is not what Wa state law requires.

[bowjunkie]

so, if the winston area closes do to fire danger what might be a unit with huntable land not affraid to hike my tail off or ride my mt bike. or do ya'all think they wont close it to foot traffic and im just jumping the gun. i called this morning the 1-800#
and it is still open.  any thoughts and ideas are greatly appriciated thanks

[Blacktail Sniper]

so, if the winston area closes do to fire danger what might be a unit with huntable land not affraid to hike my tail off or ride my mt bike. or do ya'all think they wont close it to foot traffic and im just jumping the gun. i called this morning the 1-800#
and it is still open.  any thoughts and ideas are greatly appriciated thanks

You may have to look towards heading out to National Forrest land, DNR land, or private property owner's (farms, etc.) that border timerlands and may have animals traveling back & forth between the two.