Sauvie Island Parcel might get closed to Hunting due to Conflict with Bird Watching

[lor]

For those of you who know me, this is not my normal post.
I found this on one of the ducking forums I visit.

However since this is right in our backyard, I felt people should be made aware. I have never hunted and will probably never hunt this area, but that might not be the case for someone else on this board or whom we may know. If this is your secret area and I have somehow let the cat out of the bag, I sincerely apologize for that. My hope is that bringing this to the attention of a broader community might give you more leverage in keeping this area open.

I am sending a letter and will try to find out when a public discussion is taking place.

http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/OBOL.html

Subject: update on hunting at Wapato, Sauvie Island
From: "Andy Frank" <andy.frank AT kp.org>
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:48:28 -0800

This is an update regarding hunting at Wapato Greenway Access on Sauvie Island. I had earlier posted that the one path around the lake there includes a large area that is not considered part of the State Park and in which hunting is allowed. This comingling of hunters and on-hunters created a concern regarding safety of those visiting. I contacted a friend with knowledge of such things who led me to Betsy Johnson, the Senator for Sauvie Island. This then led to Tim Woods, Director of parks and recreation. He responded (shared with his permission):


"We are aware of the issue. It has become more of a safety issue this year than in the past. Duck hunting season is over for the year, so the immediate hazard is past. We have heard from several citizens and will be considering a change to our rules to prohibit hunting in the future. The rulemaking process will include public comment and input. If constituents would like to be notified when the process is underway, they should email Vanessa.Demoe@state.or.us ."

I haven't found any mention of exactly what occurred, I did find some organized hike was planned during hunting season.
http://www.metro-region.org/index.cf...event_id=25705

It would be interesting if this is the cause of all the ruckus.

[merrile]

Lor,

Thanks for the open post. Allot of time the decisions are made without the appropriate parties being informed such changes are being made. All we can hope is that some reasonable plan can be made to ensure safety for others but allow hunters to access rights to already limited use of public land. Thanks for passing the word. I have often wondered driving by that spot whether or not it was open for public use such as hunting.

[lor]

Originally Posted by merrile

I have often wondered driving by that spot whether or not it was open for public use such as hunting.

I've wondered the same thing, but just considered other area more peaceful since this area is obviously open to anyone who parks and wants to walk the trails. I go out of my way to avoid conflict with people who may not be informed or care about my rights as a hunter/fisherman.

I sent a message to the contact person.
The meeting will take place March 13, 2008 with the agenda being posted by Tuesday February 19.

[merrile]

Probably what happend was a bird watcher got upset because the heard gunfire near them. Not to mention that hunters are probably stacked to the rim waiting to move in if someone leaves. I sent her an email as well hopefully she will get back to me.

[quackersnacker]

Actually I've hunted back in there. So I can imagine if a non-hunter parked their car and started down the trail with their kids for some wholesome family time, they would be quite startled if they suddenly heard a barrage of gunfire. There are no signs, that I am aware of, that indicate it is either open or closed to hunting at any given time. The Willamette River parks and recreation guide states that it is open to hunting, but this is not a widely read publication.

[BrotherWolf]

That Area Should be Closed during the waterfowl season except for hunting, Just like they do at St Louis Ponds................ A No brainer

[merrile]

Agreed may I ask how you did while hunting there?

[BrotherWolf]

Originally Posted by merrile

Agreed may I ask how you did while hunting there?

Nothing to really brag about but a decent place to take the kids for a few hours and scracth a few birds

[merrile]

Nice hopefully they can arrange to keep it open. So it sounds like there is only a small section open for hunting right?

[Northwest Pest]

We need to fight to keep this and all public land open to hunting...... Don't let this area become the next non-huntable piece of land due to over population and peoples lack of hunting understanding.

[merrile]

Any update anyone, I checked the website they said that land owners complanied about safety issues and they were going to check with ODFW. They mentioned closure to hunting as the first option.


Thanks,
Eric

[merrile]

http://www.oregonstatelands.us/OPRD/...mentMarkup.pdf


Here is the link not sure of the area myself but it sounds like it has been prohibitied !