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Commission approves North Willapa Bay acquisition and permits sale of a small Grande Ronde fishing easement
Summary
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved adding a 40‑acre parcel to the Johns River Wildlife Area and authorized staff to dispose of a small, previously undeveloped portion of a Grande Ronde fishing easement after appraisal; both items were presented as staff recommendations and passed by voice vote.
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission on June 12 approved two separate real‑estate items brought forward by agency staff: the purchase of a 40‑acre parcel known as North Willapa Bay Property D to expand the Johns River Wildlife Area, and the disposal of a small portion of a fishing easement along the Grande Ronde (Dreams Road easement) that the department judged cannot be used advantageously.
Staff said the North Willapa Bay acquisition is part of a broader Greater North Willapa Bay Estuaries and Shoreline Project funded through a 2022 Recreation and Conservation Office riparian grant. The parcel, in Pacific County, was described as an edge holding that will improve ecological connectivity, protect riparian and wetland habitat used by species including marbled murrelet and green sturgeon, and slightly increase operations and maintenance duties once incorporated into the wildlife area. Staff said the addition will be folded into a wildlife‑area management plan and included in future decision packages for operations funding.
On the Grande Ronde, staff explained that a portion of a fishing easement acquired decades ago was rendered impractical for continued public development after private subdividing and waterfront construction along the easement corridor. The Legislature provided a proviso and funds requiring an appraisal and offering the landowners the opportunity to purchase the portion back at appraised value; staff reported the property owners accepted the offer and asked the commission to authorize the director to complete the disposal consistent with statute (RCW 77.12.210). Commissioners asked about the nature of access and water fluctuations and were told existing developed access points remain available and the disposed area is an upland strip alongside private lots.
Both motions were made and carried by voice vote. Vice Chair Lemkew moved approval of the North Willapa Bay acquisition and Commissioner Garcia seconded; the motion carried. Commissioner Landau moved to allow the director to dispose of the specified Grande Ronde easement portion; Vice Chair Lemkew seconded and the motion carried. Public comment on the land items was limited; one in‑person speaker asked about nearshore development concerns and was directed to the follow‑up public input options.
Next steps: staff will complete the purchase paperwork for North Willapa Bay Property D and integrate it into wildlife‑area planning; for the Grande Ronde disposal, the director will execute the sale at appraised value and notify affected parties. The commission and staff said they will continue to fold land acquisitions and disposals into planning that balances conservation, recreation, and adjacent private property rights.
