It is offical the WDFW is buying 4-O Ranch

[WSU]

My understanding from a buddy who works down there is that WDFW is partnering with a few groups, one of which is RMEF.  I don't know how much of the money is coming from non-WDFW sources, but at least some of it is.

[B.G.hunter]

I believe that some of the money is coming from the Pittman-Robertson Act.  Which is money from exsize tax on sporting goods items.

[windygorge]

if you ask me, its money well spent.  no better place it can go.  its a great investment for the state, rather than keeping it on the hill, where it is laundered and waisted anyway.

[JimmyHoffa]

I am wondering why the state would want to acquire private land.  That just takes it out of tax production.  Can WDFW forsee more revenue by having that property than the amount of taxes collected off of it....tags/permits/Discover passes?  Plus they would be responsible for it, not a private citizen--roads/fences/structures.
For hunting purposes, yes I like the idea of having more land available.  But as we keep getting reminded it isn't Fish and Game, it's Fees and Wolves Fish and Wildlife.  How long until enough of the greenies in the agency decide it should have handicap accessible wildlife viewing platforms all over and no hunting?  Sorry for rant, just hate seeing government taking over private property....seems to fit into the liberal greeney agenda to move all into the cities.

[windygorge]

or turn it into a historical landmark..   not sure, but i thought farms get huge exemptions anyway, so the tax revenue loss is not one of real concern.   

[JimmyHoffa]

I think they do get agricultural exemptions as well as other programs.  Another way I guess to look at it is it is better to be bought by the state for hunting than by antis that will completely lock it up.  Dealing with a lot of that on the peninsula lately....greeney groups are buying as much land as they can to take it away from logging and hunters.

[windygorge]

or a sport investment group that only lets the elite hunt.  like over in klickitat area

[JLS]

I certainly can't see a downside to it.

[CAMPMEAT]

Washington has $2billion in debt.  How can they afford buying it.  Wolves will move in quick wipe all Elk.

This friggin' state has money to spend on what THEY want, they're not broke. More price increases for licenses, tags etc. You can count on it.

[CAMPMEAT]

Actually the Odoms will still retain the rights to farm and graze the ranch.

Are these the rich Odoms that sell booze ?

[WSU]

The more public land there is the better.  As far as the land purchase on the OP, well, not too sure on that one.  One thing is for sure, that land on the OP will be raped and pillaged to the fullest extent allowed.  History has proven that to be true over and over.  Protecting some of it, especially on the OP, is a good thing.

[windygorge]

somewhere i read, or was told, that washington hunting revenue is more than...colorado, montana, idaho.  is this true?? that washington is top dog, #1, head cheese for generating hunting revenue.  True or false. 

[B.G.hunter]

Actually the Odoms will still retain the rights to farm and graze the ranch.

Are these the rich Odoms that sell booze ?

Related to but not the same.

[boneaddict]

Here is my concern and maybe someone in the know can help me out........  Similiar deal, different place.

Prewitts in Twisp, essentially Davis lake, Fuzzy canyon to Pipestone.   The government buys the land from them...AWESOME DEAL for wildlife.  He retains the rights, BUT STILL puts fresh white NO TRESPASSING signs up every year, LOTS of them.  Patrols it and hunts it himself.    Game department bought it.........so what is up with that?   AND could the same thing happen with this new property?   The game department also bought his neighbors...again more awesome property.  Charlie Leman.   Again, not sure about access for the average citizen.   I believe access IS open on the Pipestone side, but not the river road. 

[400out]

Here is my concern and maybe someone in the know can help me out........  Similiar deal, different place.

Prewitts in Twisp, essentially Davis lake, Fuzzy canyon to Pipestone.   The government buys the land from them...AWESOME DEAL for wildlife.  He retains the rights, BUT STILL puts fresh white NO TRESPASSING signs up every year, LOTS of them.  Patrols it and hunts it himself.    Game department bought it.........so what is up with that?   AND could the same thing happen with this new property?   The game department also bought his neighbors...again more awesome property.  Charlie Leman.   Again, not sure about access for the average citizen.   I believe access IS open on the Pipestone side, but not the river road.

  you would think that if gov. ownes it then it should be open, but if he retains rights to work it then he probably makes the arguement that he runs the risk of damage theft of property etc. He could go written perm. then the state takes full responsibilty for damages. But if it was your land and you sold it and got to keep and work it would you give it up to others without being forced  key is he should be forced not get his cake and eat yours too!