What is going on with Green Diamond Land around Summit Lake?

[Ruddy Duck]

Hello, I noticed that there are now signs from the access roads off of the Summit Lake road and Hwy 8 that are new stating that it is private property and is leased.  In previous years this area has always been open to walk or bike in to the public.  Green Diamond has nothing about this area as a lease on their website and in fact pulled the map that shows their holding in this area from their website.

Anyone know what's up?  That is a huge chunk of land that has been lost to hunting by the public. 

[ibuyre]

That sucks to hear. But it has me wondering, if it is the entire area or the one gate you where at. When did you see the sign? Because yesterday morning I was in there hunting and the only sign at the gate, when I went in was the normal red dot green diamond sign. And yep it is used by a bunch of hunters, on opening morning there where 11 rigs parked at one of the gates, and wile I was miles back in, a truck drove through road hunting (on the closed roads, someone with a key). So 11 rigs + some more with keys, hunting the area.

    I am going to have to go and check those gates for the signs latter today, because I was planing on hunting there in the AM. Hmmm I wonder if we talked, I talked to several hunters in there over the weekend. Small world. And please let me know if you find anything out, I grew up playing in this area, know it well, and go there all the time. Sad news.

[Practical Approach]

The typical red dot signs were there, but some new temporary paper laminated signs were posted as well.  I checked the gate by the fire station off of Summit lake road and it had one and the gate further west off of hwy 8 which is really popular had two signs on either side.  Same size 8xll paper laminated signs.  The said the property was closed, no trespassing citing the WAC code and further said the property was under lease.  I am not sure what the enforcement is and who is enforcing,  but if it is leased similar to other Green Diamond properties then there will be drivers with keys in there.  I haven't called Green Diamond yet.

[Practical Approach]

Rudy, have you called Green Diamond?

[PolarBear]

With Simpson/Green Diamond transitioning to Sierra Pacific, I would imagine that a lot of their lands are going to be shut down.  Within the next couple of years all private timberland will be permit only or closed off all together.   

[tman24]

It is only open for squaxin tribal hunting. Talked to a tribal officer yesterday about it.

[fishnfur]

Well that's a sad end to a good hunting spot. 

[bobcat]

Well that's a sad end to a good hunting spot.

Yes it is.   

[chetwoot74]

The Squaxin Island Tribe has entered a land use agreement with Green Diamond.  The area of land is approximately  8,601 acres bordered by SR-108, Old Olympic Hwy and SR-8.   Green Diamond Gates point of access include Towers Gate on SR 108, Old HWY #1/Property Line Gate on Old Olympic Hwy (South Kennedy Creek), Summit Lake Gate on Summit Lake Shore Rd, and StraddleLine Gate on SR-8.

Access to this area is limited to Squaxin Island Tribal members.

[philepe]

I was just checking out this area from Kennedy Creek side and then from Summit Lake side by the fire station. I did not see this sign that the Op is referring to.  Not doubting it's there but not sure how I missed it. Monday I was walkin in and a truck load of guys in a white super duty passed by, they slowed and reversed to I guess look at me because I was in brush and then they drove away without saying anything.
Edit:welcome Joseph.  I see in your signature line you are a rep. for the tribe so I'd like to ask is there more information about your post available to read online?

[ibuyre]

Yep, just got my phone calls returned today. It is all tribal only now. And as someone that was using the area up to yesterday (was up there all summer when it was open scouting). There was no warning or notice. I wonder how much they payed to buy that...  The reason I say that is, in some areas when I want to do something with my land, I have to post notice and give people time to comment. Yet poof overnight, land gone that affects thousands of people. Allot of people go up in that area. Hikers, mt bikers, horse people and just people that go there to walk there dog.  Most of the hunters I talked to in this area over opening weekend where in this area because they had lost where they normally hunt. And now poof this is gone as well. Sad.....

     So on that note, a little idea.... has anyone thought about a initiative to take away the timber land exemption if recreation leases are being sold off it. Because once they start selling off the right to use it for other things (than timber) they are making it a commercial use. They shouldn't get the tax break.  Go after what matters, the money. It would cost far more to fight the initiative than they are making on the leases. I just see this is the end of hunting on timber land in WA there isn't some kind of change. And I think a ton of people other than just hunters would get behind this. A lot of people like to ride horses and hike and bike..... and commune with nature. Just a idea..... Oh and yes, there are still public areas, but think of the animals......., they are going to just get wiped out on the small amount of public land that is still open.

[logger]

I am going to go out on a limb here, Every cutting permit goes to the tribe in the area that timber is being cut for approval by the tribe. Back scratching going on here?

[billythekidrock]

What a crock.

[2labs]

It is only open for squaxin tribal hunting. Talked to a tribal officer yesterday about it.

Cheer up, they can only hunt with canoe paddles

[philepe]

Chetwoot74 do you have any more input I response to my question just afte your post?  Seems odd to drop, in here post 1 time to let people know they can't hunt the property anymore and then just leave.