Miscellaneous Items - 7/25/10

We were out of town for awhile and missed a number of events.

Bill Green Memorial Event at the Elks.  We heard the memorial at the Elks was nice tribute to Bill Green, and that Bill Enger did a nice job of moderating the event .  We were glad to see the coverage in the Kitsap Sun which is at the following link:  http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jul/16/bill-green-remembered-as-a-reliable-coworker/ target="_blank"

Sunken Sail Boat at the Illahee Dock.  We also heard a sailboat sunk at the Illahee community dock last weekend and hope that someone may have taken photos and/or have more information, so we can pass them on.

Illegal Dumping.  We receive several emails about some illegal dumping, but without the photos or location.  We need more information so we can pass that information on also.

Gun Shots Fired.  We noticed the following story in the Kitsap Sun and hope someone has some more information on this incident.  Two Arrested in Illahee After Multiple Gun Shots  http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jul/17/two-arrested-illahee-after-multiple-gun-shots/ target="_blank"

Some Responses Regarding Shoreline Walking.  A couple of weeks ago we asked if anyone had thoughts regarding the Public Trust Doctrine and being able to walk on the beaches in Illahee.  We only received two email comments which are:

Re: Beach walking: I suggest you look into the public trust doctrine in Washington. Here is a good overview to start with:

In Caminiti v. Boyle, the Court upheld the dock leasing statute.  But, in a lengthy analysis, it acknowledged that the public trust doctrine has always existed in Washington.  While the state may convey title to tidelands and shorelands, the private owner does not receive the full “bundle of sticks” that all first-year law students learn about in property law.  Instead, the state retains a “jus publicum” or public easement on the lands.  The state may no more dispose of these public rights than it may abdicate its police powers to run the government or preserve the peace.

http://www.celp.org/water/celpaward/Benella_Caminiti.html

Why shouldn't you be able to walk on the beach. If your just walking and looking at critters and rocks... why not. Unless things are out of hand, people are abusing the area or being disrespectful, you should be able to cruz by without being scorned and bullied.  It's on loan from God anyway. 

Homeless Reports in the Kitsap Sun.  We received a number of inquires about the recent articles in the Kitsap Sun about problems with the homeless in an encampment along state highway 303, with people wondering if the homeless were in the Illahee Preserve.  The answer is that the encampment is behind Safeway, though some of people had previously been in the Illahee Preserve.  The major concern with homeless in the Preserve is the fire danger with the Preserve and surrounding forested areas being roughly about 600 acres surrounded by houses.  There are no fires of any kind allowed in the Preserve, but that rule was routinely violated by those who were camping in the Preserve and a number of months ago a transient with a fire was burned so bad he had to be flown to Harbor View for treatment.  The Parks Department and Illahee Preserve groups are carefully watching the homeless situation across the road at Safeway since if it is not resolved the people may be looking at returning to the Preserve.

Reports and Comments.  If it is easier for you to report on any if the events we noted earlier rather than sending an email, please feel free to call at 479-1049.

Jim Aho