Timber Company Access in Grays Harbor

[fireweed]

The Commissioner understands the tax shift involved. 

That's good.  Maybe it's who wrote the article that needs educated, because reading it sounds like the commissioner backed off because the idea could be considered a tax increase, or could open the door to tax increases.

 On another note, The legislative intent of the law doesn't even mention or suggest that the reason timberland is getting lower property tax values is because they use less services, as suggested at the end of the article.  I have seen where they are exempt from certain special levies (water/sewer type) because of this.

[blackdog]

http://thedailyworld.com/opinion/letters/stop-timber-companies-charging-access-their-land This clarifies things somewhat.

[Special T]

Great article black dog.

[blackdog]

Local timber companies have begun to restrict access to their lands. For example, Hancock as a matter of policy keeps gates locked and denies vehicle access while Weyerhaeuser is proposing entry fees and Rayonier has already implemented them. These actions are inconsistent with past policy of only restricting public entry for active timber operations and for times of high fire danger. Weyerhaeuser, for one, followed this policy for well over half a century. To the extent that interpretation of existing tax codes allows, we should encourage our commissioners to consider revising land classifications to reduce or eliminate the favorable tax treatment for tree farms that follow these restrictive practices. In addition our legislators should consider reducing or eliminating tree farm tax benefits for companies that follow general restricted access policies. A much better solution would be for the timber companies to voluntarily end their restricted access and fee access policies. The benefits of these policies may not be worth the loss of good will and the possible loss of favorable tax treatment. Truman Seely Aberdeen - See more at: http://thedailyworld.com/opinion/letters/companies-may-pay-new-policies#sthash.O9qNALhg.dpuf

[blackdog]

This letter to the editor is from a retired Weyco manager folks. We can do this if we stand our ground. This is important please be sharing with your County commissioners and Legislators.

[scout/sniper]

Passing this letter on.
Thanks.

[Special T]

Amongst the other questions in the survey there is a comment area where you can adress this issue. I have done so and if you care about this and other issues please comment by the 3rd of JanDon't hold anything back, but make sure you tell them the problem AND a solution. For me i said it was ok to lock us out and pay an acess fee, but then its not really forrestry property its rec property and is subject to different tax status. 

http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/game/2015/

[Westside88]

I personally have no issue with gating side roads. I think it's actually a good thing, but locking up main lines and charging fees I'm completely against. I will be contacting the Grays Harbor commissioners about the issue. This is the time to let them know your position. They've (at least commissioner Cormier) have taken the first step, but they need support if it's going to go anywhere. If the timber companies want the tax structure to stay the way it is they need to provide access for the public good period.