St Helens Tree Farm - Using Our Heads

[Nootka]

I know many of you, like myself, are pissed off about Weyerhaeuser's decision to start charging for St. Helen's access.  I've read the other posts and your opinions regarding this topic.  Most comments I have to agree with; a few I didn't....regardless.....

I drove around today taking a little mental survey where access could be obtained for land which is owned by the State, surrounded by Weyerhaeuser land, has a Weyerhaeuser road touching it but the gate is locked to gain access.  Now, as a tax paying person I want access to MY land like I'm sure all of you do.  Are any of you familiar with any easements which can be legally enforced allowing access to these State owned parcels?

Second point...then I will get off my soap box...  I've used a few expletives about this Weyhauser decision.  Rather then waste my time on that, I've been toying around with the idea of a petition or letter campaign to our State Representatives and Governor.  As much as you might think this is a joke....we, as sportsmen / women, need to do something.  The bitching isn't going to get the problem solved.  I would love to hear any smart ideas to raise public awareness to this nonsensical act by Weyerhahuser.

 

[fireweed]

http://tdn.com/lifestyles/weyerhaeuser-access-fee-stirs-frustration-among-residents-hunters/article_af75826a-d704-11e3-a4a1-0019bb2963f4.html

[fisher67]

ya know its one thing to charge a small fee for land access but its another to charge a land use fee of $150. state parks charge 10-15 bucks for camping fees

[kentrek]

Start cutting down lots of trees an put a sign up that says "let us back in or else"

Obviously jkn but I cant imagine the vandalism thats going to happen...as mentiomed in other threads about the only thing you can do is not buy the permits...but i dont think people this day in age are capable of coming together

[kodiak06]

I hate to say this but, there's nothing a petition can do. On a good note, public access is still available, the draw back is the access fee. The entire south eastern U.S. is lease only on Weyerhaeuser lands, actually all timber company lands are leased out. The only way I see the fee going away is if the access route they are taking fails because individuals do not pay and they receive no income. Then it either goes back to general access OR they lease all the tracts out to individuals or hunting clubs. Could be worse I guess.

[pianoman9701]

I hate to say this but, there's nothing a petition can do. On a good note, public access is still available, the draw back is the access fee. The entire south eastern U.S. is lease only on Weyerhaeuser lands, actually all timber company lands are leased out. The only way I see the fee going away is if the access route they are taking fails because individuals do not pay and they receive no income. Then it either goes back to general access OR they lease all the tracts out to individuals or hunting clubs. Could be worse I guess.

That all depends on at what the petition is aimed. If the petition were aimed at changing the tax laws that were designed to reward private landowners for allowing recreational us, they might do quite a bit of good. If the petition were aimed at trying to make WEYCO change its mind, you'd be SOL.

[kodiak06]

That all depends on at what the petition is aimed. If the petition were aimed at changing the tax laws that were designed to reward private landowners for allowing recreational us, they might do quite a bit of good.

To me, that's where the pressure should be applied, to the state. If they had reduction in taxes, the state should automatically up the tax as soon as the fees start getting paid.

[funkster]

Bla bla bla.....like if there isn't already multiple threads on this topic, why do we need one more? The search button really works and is pretty easy to use😄

[fireweed]

I know for a fact these companies are concerned about their image, PR, and tax breaks.
steps to take:
--Everyone contact their state legislators--offer solid reasons this action affects you or your community

--push your legislator to take a stand--a lot of these people are up for re-election this year.  Make them state their position and then post what it is.  Ask them if they would LOOK  at the tax breaks.

--If federal land is blocked (which in many areas it is) contact your Federal reps

--Write a good letter to the editor of the local paper (companies WATCH this stuff)

--discuss the issue with your county commissioners

--contact industry groups, WFPA (Washington Forest Protection Assoc. and SFI) and discuss how this negatively affects your community or your family

Get geared up to testify during next legislative session.  A lot of legislators are up for reelection. We just need to find a representative who is brave enough to offer a bill that looks at the tax structure.  It doesn't have to pass, or even have to have a chance of passing, to get the ball rolling.

[BowForElk]

I dunno if you guys know about the governors "Blue Ribbon Task Force on Parks and Outdoor Recreation" but this might be another avenue for us to pursue.

http://www.rco.wa.gov/boards/TaskForce.shtml


Also here is another link to a page where the entire state is posting things they want changed or preserved in terms of outdoor recreation.

Engage Outdoor Washington
http://www.engageoutdoorwashington.com