High water mark access WAC

[headduck]

Hi guys.

I vaguely remember discussion regarding aggressive land owners that believe they own all of beach and what's under water too...

I believe there is a WAC that points to access up to high watermark... But can't find it.

Anybody picking up what I'm laying down?

 

[Guy Gregory]

It’s not simple.

Still the best discussion I’ve seen:

The Right to Float on By: Why the Washington Legislature Should Expand Recreational Access to Washington's Rivers and Streams

This article surveys the contemporary status of Washington's navigability doctrine and public trust laws and proposes a solution to the increased conflicts between riparian property owners and recreational river users. Part II addresses the federal navigability jurisprudence that establishes the...

digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu

The WAC you seek is Ch. 332-30-106 WAC.

 

[Billy]

Onx can be a very valuable resource for figuring out things as well.

 

[headduck]

Thanks guys

 

[headduck]

Turns out WA is super tricky. Up until the 70s, wa Constitution did not allow leasing of shores and tidelands, and hence were sold to private parties and companies.

Today, only 29% of the state’s tidelands and 74% of the state’s shorelands remain in public ownership.

This makes access super tricky and unique per parcel.

Turns out the parcel I was curious about was sold in 1903 for $332... including mudflats, intertidal zone, etc out well below low tide. Amazing acreage. Right on the mouth of the river too...

Can float over by boat, but catch you walking by, even waist deep... Ticket.