The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks to clarify public access concerns to the Nasty Creek Road within Cowiche Canyon near Yakima.

 

Road access to private lands in the Cowiche Canyon has evolved with land ownership over time and changed public access. Privately held portions of the Cowiche Canyon Road no longer provide public access across private lands in the area (Sections 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 28, and 30 in T13N R15E). Following the installation of a gate on a privately-owned portion (section 26) of Nasty Creek Road, there is no longer an access route to lands in the area.

 

While this changes how the public has traditionally accessed DNR-managed lands in the area, DNR needs to respect the rights of individual landowners and their decisions about public access over and across their property. There is not a public easement over these land holdings that can be exercised for the public to travel the roadways. 

 

DNR’s intention to allow access via the Green Dot Road system in the Cowiche Canyon has not changed. Any potential changes to be considered will be done with public input and participation at the annual Green Dot updates meeting.

 

Communications Manager

360-902-1000