EITW Property Watch Program

WDFW Access Site Project:

Project Purpose:

To assist the WDFW in the reduction of vandalism, dumping criminal activities and abuses on the 749-access sites statewide; maintaining public use for outdoor recreation. 

WDFW/EITW Access Site Pilot Outline:

§  Engage in a community outreach utilizing media, business and non-profits to generate local volunteers and project leadership vested in the target site.

§  Schedule and advertise EITW CORT & WDFW Volunteer Orientation classes.

§  Coordination of volunteers to conduct clean up, sign posting and painting projects.

§  The deployment and monitoring of the EITW “Remote Photo Enforced” system.

§  Identify an organization, business, or a community group to “adopt” the access site.

Project History:

After the 2009 Oak Creek project success; Stephen Sherlock (WDFW Public Land Access Coordinator) contacted EITW asking if we could assist in the reduction of access site abuses.  This also an Enforcement program issue and a new partnership was created.  Several planning meetings with Lt. Steve Crown, Sherlock and EITW Directors developed this pilot project.

The WDFW maintains 749+ WDFW Access Sites statewide.  Dumping, vandalism and illegal activities are on the increase; several sites are in danger of closure for health & human safety.  A regional prioritized list was created and American Lake in Region-6 was identified as the first targeted site.   

Project 1: American Lake Pilot Project (Lakewood/Tillicum WA)

Gang activity, drug dealing, prostitution, dumping and vandalism were rampant at this site, nearly causing its closure; denying boating access the public. 

EITW Directors, Lt. Crown and Stephen Sherlock collaborated with David Anderson (Owner Bills Boat House) to involve the local community, Lakewood Police department and the Lakewood Fire department on this project.  We provided EITW CORT and WDFW Volunteer Orientation trainings to local volunteers; key volunteers were trained to use and deployed the EITW Remote Camera System (RCS).  EITW volunteers participated in a clean up project (including posting of deterrent signage, the painting of restrooms, cutting brush, and removing garbage).  Key volunteers are currently maintaining the RCS and are working with WDFW Enforcement continuously to ensure safe and responsible usage of the site.  The American Lake Access Site project has proven to be successful thus far; at last inspection, the site was clean and safe for public use.

Special thanks to David Anderson (Owner Bills Boat House) for Joining EITW as the Project Manager.  
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Interested in assisting on this project; contact David at (253) 988-2536 or billsboathouse@qwestoffice.net.

Project 2:  Is a WDFW Access Site in the Yakima area; planning is in process and project specifics will be posted soon.  If you live in the Yakima area and are interested in a leadership or volunteer role; contact Tony L. Wells EITW Property Watch Director.