2009 Road Hunting Buck

[Alan K]

All true, the State really should be a little more active in making sure access programs are operating at the same level, it is either open to the public or it isn't, under the same guidelines. This is much the same as Goldmark considering letting the tribes drive in behind DNR gates.

So it should all be open like Capitol Forest?  Because those herds are doing so well. . .  

[Alan K]

The problem is in limiting motorized access for some but not all.

And now we're back to where we started lol. . . It's a perk to the job.

[True Sportsman]

Timber companies get a tax break for allowing the public to walk in, and drive in in some cases on weekends etc.  Their taxes would be much greater if they barred the public from access at all.

Do you know that for a fact or is it just a rumor you heard? If that is true, do companies like Hancock pay more taxes on their property since they are charging the public for access? I really don't think access policies have any affect on how they are taxed. I think it's one rate for forested lands and that's it. But I could be wrong.

I believe timber companies are taxed at a timberland rate, regardless of whether they let the public in or not. I think you are correct Bobcat.

[Caseyd]

So your reasoning would carry over to farm lands then also  

[Dmanmastertracker]

 The only tax I'm aware of is the timber classification tax. Many may have seen the green sign below while driving in the larger tree farms. This sign means the property is eligible and usually receiving Federal and State funds (taxpayer $$) to manage and improve their lands in order to keep the property open to recreation under the guidelines outlined in the program, pretty basic.

 http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/hunting_access/private_lands/landowners.html

[Alan K]

Tax break, kickback, whatever it is, they benefit by letting the public in.  There's no other reason for them to let people in and risk damage to their property, equipment, and dumping.

[Dmanmastertracker]

  Has absolutely nothing to do with public access. It has to do with the timber on the property.

 http://www.timbertax.org/statetaxes/states/proptax/washington/

[Alan K]

The only tax I'm aware of is the timber classification tax. Many may have seen the green sign below while driving in the larger tree farms. This sign means the property is eligible and usually receiving Federal and State funds (taxpayer $$) to manage and improve their lands in order to keep the property open to recreation under the guidelines outlined in the program, pretty basic.

 http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/hunting_access/private_lands/landowners.html

Tax break, kickback, whatever it is, they benefit by letting the public in. There's no other reason for them to let people in and risk damage to their property, equipment, and dumping.

Dude I'm talking about what you just posted before, they're benefiting by allowing public access.

[Dmanmastertracker]

 It helps if you reply to a quote, I didn't get that, sorry. Yes, you are right, the access program is absolutely providing a perk.

[bobcat]

I know for a fact they get a tax break, how much though, I don't know.  That's the only reason they allow scumbags on their property to dump garbage and vandalize their equipment. 

I think it could also be due to political reasons and good public relations that companies like Weyerhaeuser allow public access to their lands. It's not because they pay less taxes if they allow access, because I don't believe that is the case.

[Alan K]

And I apologize for calling it a tax break, I was wrong there I guess, but the money still comes from the public.

[Alan K]

I know for a fact they get a tax break, how much though, I don't know.  That's the only reason they allow scumbags on their property to dump garbage and vandalize their equipment. 

I think it could also be due to political reasons and good public relations that companies like Weyerhaeuser allow public access to their lands. It's not because they pay less taxes if they allow access, because I don't believe that is the case.

Oh I'm sure it does to some extent.  The end all be all is the mighty dollar, and they place some monetary value on their public image.

[grundy53]

You have to be joking dman. Now you want the government telling people how to use their land? Why don't we just have the government seize everybodies land?

[Dmanmastertracker]

You have to be joking dman. Now you want the government telling people how to use their land? Why don't we just have the government seize everybodies land?

 In this case, understanding the dynamics of the landowner access program, yes. Government being the WDFW as an extension of public input on how they run the access program. It really doesn't have anything to do with what I, or anyone else want's, it is the duty of the WDFW and federal agencies to administer these programs under their respective charter's. If they aren't, then they haven't done their job.

[grundy53]

You have to be joking dman. Now you want the government telling people how to use their land? Why don't we just have the government seize everybodies land?

 In this case, understanding the dynamics of the landowner access program, yes. Government being the WDFW as an extension of public input on how they run the access program. It really doesn't have anything to do with what I, or anyone else want's, it is the duty of the WDFW and federal agencies to administer these programs under their respective charter's. If they aren't, then they haven't done their job.

Not really. If Weyerhouser wanted to put a gate on every single road and only give keys out to guys named Fred they could. They are still allowing public access(walking) so they meet the access requirements. Any level of access after that is none of the governments Damn business. As long as you are not breaking any codes or laws the government should have no say what you do on your property.