HELP, Landowner Blocking Historical Access Point to the Miami River, How To Proceed

[PhilR]

Yeah, they do that stuff a lot over there.

 

[DerekWhipple]

Maybe try Backcountry Hunters and Anglers?

 

[JohnSmith]

It’s a pretty place and not at all surprising that someone would try to restrict access.

You might post this information on ifish. It seems like there are a lot of people with connections to that area on that site.

I did, i was very surprised by the responses though. Many EHH who cares, and pro landowner narratives. I really couldn't believe it. For people who "value" outdoor recreation they sure seemed sympathetic to taking it away...

 

[JohnSmith]

Welcome to the PNWFF board.

Sorry for dilemma as your first post.

As a land owner that had access issues across my property, I had to spend $$$$$ to rectify it. Thankfully Montana law was on my side. Until I threatened to give the land to the state did they finally come to their senses.

When the property owner did the gate, they are prepared for the fight. They know what it takes to fight the fight. If the county or state will not take it on, you are probably SOL.

I would research everything you can. Dig deep into everything you can. Historical access does not equal access now. Look into Oregon law in depth. Build your case and contact the county and state, departments and representatives, and seek their help with case you developed. It takes big bucks and a powerful government to enforce the judgment.

Good luck in your endeavors.

The link i posted is from a lady who already did all that research and has looked into it, plus contacting people. Sounds like they told here shes gotta take them up in court, but shes no made of money so she cant.

Also im curious, what part of MT? I went to school, fished and lived in MT for the past 6 years so im pretty familiar with the state at this point. Just moved back to oregon a few months ago.

 

[JohnSmith]

I don't really have a dog in this fight, but it got me curious enough to do a little research. According to information on the county assessor's website, the individuals that bought this property appear to be from a family that has a long history in Tillamook county and the Garibaldi area. They are likely pretty well connected with individuals in the legislative agencies for the area, which explains a lot of the dead ends and ambivalence towards it.

It looks like one of the folks on the property owns and operates an excavation business in the Garibaldi area. They likely know exactly what they are doing, have quite a few local folks on their side, and are seemingly ready to go to battle. There was a similar situation with a gate on the road in the late 80s and the individual lost that case, probably because he wasn't as well connected in the community and maybe because such actions were considered more egregious back then.

They are obviously waving their middle finger at everyone right now and daring anyone bold enough to come and fight them. Their calculus is certainly that nobody is willing to put up the funds to take them to court and deal with the small town politics that have seemingly permitted and turned a blind eye to their behavior. Frankly, it's a pretty good bet. As another poster said, sometimes rural woods problems require rural woods solutions.

Perhaps Prouty Creek will have a thousand year flood and wash out the bridge leading to their property from the highway, might make them reconsider the viability of their location. Hopefully after a lot of money has been spent on it.

WOW that great research. When talking to the woman who made that article she said they were connected to some of the elk foundations and they refused to help as well.

 

[JohnSmith]

This road has been gated for 5+ years now … I have an old research site back there, on state forest. The state isn’t motivated to open it because of past problems with dumping/squatting/vandalism. There is (or was …) access over the NW ridge, but it’s a pretty long drive.

Even though i grew up here, im not really familar with the outdoor culture so much as ive lived in MT for the past 6 years and just moved back. As a kid i was just a kid so i didnt really explore the state and recreate on my own.

But ive noticed alot of trash around some of the creeks and rivers ive fished and ive seen "trash dumping" mentioned on a few forumm.

Im not really familar with this issue and i dont undertsand what leads Oregonians to trash their own public land like this? From my understanding Oregonians were mostly conservationalists and respectuful of nature.

 

[_WW_]

Even though i grew up here, im not really familar with the outdoor culture so much as ive lived in MT for the past 6 years and just moved back. As a kid i was just a kid so i didnt really explore the state and recreate on my own.

But ive noticed alot of trash around some of the creeks and rivers ive fished and ive seen "trash dumping" mentioned on a few forumm.

Im not really familar with this issue and i dont undertsand what leads Oregonians to trash their own public land like this? From my understanding Oregonians were mostly conservationalists and respectuful of nature.

...and then there's the tweakers.

 

[Stonedfish]

Even though i grew up here, im not really familar with the outdoor culture so much as ive lived in MT for the past 6 years and just moved back. As a kid i was just a kid so i didnt really explore the state and recreate on my own.

But ive noticed alot of trash around some of the creeks and rivers ive fished and ive seen "trash dumping" mentioned on a few forumm.

Im not really familar with this issue and i dont undertsand what leads Oregonians to trash their own public land like this? From my understanding Oregonians were mostly conservationalists and respectuful of nature.

Washington is the same way.
It unfortunately is a common issue. Lots of pigs out there that don’t give a shit about littering up places even where they are enjoying the outdoors. Their own homes likely look like garbage dumps.
The best suggestion I can give you is take a garbage bag with you and pickup what you can after fishing or other outdoor activities.
You’ll never get it all but every bit that you pick up helps.
SF

 

[DerekWhipple]

If you want to keep pushing this, I would try Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. These are the type of issues that they like to take up.