Where is the Van Wyk property? It is now part of the Cowiche unit

[HoofsandWings]

Over 4000 acres near Yakima is all I know.

[hughjorgan]

Is that along the cowiche mill road?

[HoofsandWings]

Looking at an ownership map, it looks like south fork of Cowiche and Renolds creek.

[hughjorgan]

Looking at an ownership map, it looks like south fork of Cowiche and Renolds creek.

Yep which is off the cowiche mill road...

[OutHouse]

I have heard of this property and know that it is a few stones throw from my house but don't know where it is either. Does "part of the cowiche unit" mean it is open for hunting?

[ballpark]

https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-06/4.%20Lands%20Transaction_summary.pdf

Item 3: Cowiche Watershed/Van Wyk Property Stewardship Easement – This 3,555 acre transaction
in Yakima County was approved by the Commission in April. Forterra NW will be purchasing and
holding the remainder of the property until WDFW receives additional grant funding. In order to
commit to and demonstrate stewardship capacity, Forterra NW proposes to hold a permanent
stewardship easement on the Cowiche/ Van Wyk property. With a publicly recorded interest
evidencing long-term motivation and commitment, Forterra NW proposes to undertake restoration,
interpretive elements or stewardship actions to enhance the conservation values of the property. As
this is a permanent easement it requires Commission approval.

[hughjorgan]

I have heard of this property and know that it is a few stones throw from my house but don't know where it is either. Does "part of the cowiche unit" mean it is open for hunting?

I think they mean it will be a part of the cowiche oak creek unit. Do you have onX maps?

[Nwgunner]

I remember reading a post on here last year that said the road was gated due to a private landowner?  Perhaps this will get that gate re-opened?  I do know that it was posted no hunting for a few miles, maybe those signs will be removed as well.  My father in law had success in the past in the area until it was posted.

[OutHouse]

I have heard of this property and know that it is a few stones throw from my house but don't know where it is either. Does "part of the cowiche unit" mean it is open for hunting?

I think they mean it will be a part of the cowiche oak creek unit. Do you have onX maps?

Not yet but I will get that in the near future. It is a phone app?

[OutHouse]

I remember reading a post on here last year that said the road was gated due to a private landowner?  Perhaps this will get that gate re-opened?  I do know that it was posted no hunting for a few miles, maybe those signs will be removed as well.  My father in law had success in the past in the area until it was posted.

Some landowner did gate it. Back in highschool we would head out the mill road all the time to get up into the mountains. When I bought my house in 2014 the road was open. Sometime after that the gates went up. I don't know what the legal conclusion is i.e. whether that landowner actually owns the road or whether there is a public easement. It may be on that older thread about the gate. It would be nice if someone had the easement document if it exists. I suppose a title company could find it.

[OutHouse]

https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-06/4.%20Lands%20Transaction_summary.pdf

Item 3: Cowiche Watershed/Van Wyk Property Stewardship Easement – This 3,555 acre transaction
in Yakima County was approved by the Commission in April. Forterra NW will be purchasing and
holding the remainder of the property until WDFW receives additional grant funding. In order to
commit to and demonstrate stewardship capacity, Forterra NW proposes to hold a permanent
stewardship easement on the Cowiche/ Van Wyk property. With a publicly recorded interest
evidencing long-term motivation and commitment, Forterra NW proposes to undertake restoration,
interpretive elements or stewardship actions to enhance the conservation values of the property. As
this is a permanent easement it requires Commission approval.

Thank you! Looks like it is somewhat near that elk area that starts right after the cattle guard.

[HntnFsh]

I have heard of this property and know that it is a few stones throw from my house but don't know where it is either. Does "part of the cowiche unit" mean it is open for hunting?

I think they mean it will be a part of the cowiche oak creek unit. Do you have onX maps?

Not yet but I will get that in the near future. It is a phone app?

You can get the phone app. Or a chip for GPS

[Ghost Hunter]

https://elknetwork.com/4486-acres-of-wildlife-riparian-habitat-permanently-protected-opened-to-public-access-in-washington/

[millerwheeler]

I remember reading a post on here last year that said the road was gated due to a private landowner?  Perhaps this will get that gate re-opened?  I do know that it was posted no hunting for a few miles, maybe those signs will be removed as well.  My father in law had success in the past in the area until it was posted.

Some landowner did gate it. Back in highschool we would head out the mill road all the time to get up into the mountains. When I bought my house in 2014 the road was open. Sometime after that the gates went up. I don't know what the legal conclusion is i.e. whether that landowner actually owns the road or whether there is a public easement. It may be on that older thread about the gate. It would be nice if someone had the easement document if it exists. I suppose a title company could find it.
[/quote

He owns both ends where the gates are he has been permitted to put them up and has sheriff there on and off . Apparently  I heard the courts teamed his gates perfectly legal . The gates are up last time I was over there