Proposed legislation seeks to restrict water access

To the surprise of many in the paddling community, legislation was introduced in the Washington State legislature that would restrict water access:

• Restricting access to public lands adjacent to waterbodies if the government agency does not provide adequate public parking.
• Requiring the agency to post a warning sign indicating that using the public land for access is prohibited.
• Establishing that a person who violates the access restrictions is guilty of a misdemeanor.

While legislation directing local agencies to provide parking sounds good, this legislation provides no funding to do so. Therein lies the rub and the possibility for conflict.

Said Spokane Riverkeeper Jerry White, “We’ve seen several public corridors slowly improved by local government and citizens groups such as the Spokane River Forum, resolving parking problems and community friction. This is how it should work. Public use should be recognized, supported and managed in positive ways that facilitate community improvement and individual gains in quality of life for our citizens.”

The bill, HB 1056, is being considered by the House State Government Committee, which is chaired by Sam Hunt (sam.hunt@leg.wa.gov). Jeff Holy (jeff.holy@leg.wa.gov) is the local representative on that committee. The Forum encourages interested citizens to email them with your opinion.