Waterfront property is targeted

"Unreasonable rule interpretation shows up in the way Ecology extends shoreline jurisdiction. Along the ocean, it is no longer 200 feet from ordinary high water mark. We are looking at claims by Ecology taking jurisdiction extending up to several thousand feet from ordinary high water mark. My past experience in deferring to Ecology's judgment has witnessed instances of inverse condemnation."

-Planning Director from Grays Harbor County in letter to legislators 2/17/98
"I'm very concerned about the recommended lockup of 200' of upland along the Puget Sound /Straits of Juan de Fuca shoreline, with the lockup to benefit wildlife. People are mentioned only as intruders on the waterfront..." -Testimony given to the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin International Task Force in Bellingham 2/6/98

Owners of waterfront property take note! It's not enough that your tidelands have been turned over to the Indians. Now these humiliations! And don't forget the thrashing you're about to receive from the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act with the salmon listings.

Rather than reversing poor stewardship, if, indeed, this is the problem, through knowledge, education and assistance, unelected government employees have decided that the absence of humans is the best way to preserve fish. Over harvesting is an incorrect topic. The same agencies that managed the demise of the fisheries are now saying the answer lays in restricting human activity. Through creative interpretation of laws and bold assumption of authorities, these agencies gather more and more power.

Lest some readers lack sympathy for highly taxed shoreline owners, think again. If we citizens wait to be individually victimized, if we fail to stand up in protest at the loss of our neighbors rights, no one will be left to stand up for our rights when our turn comes. And our turn will come!

As goes private property rights so goes personal freedom. One can not exist without the other. It hurts to see it go!