LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Preserve access to public beaches at Wonn Road

Editor, For several years running, Island County has been engaged in a property dispute with owners of adjacent properties on Wonn Road near Greenbank Farm. The road ends at the tidelands but the Montgomerys, who own adjacent property, have erected a stone wall barrier prohibiting the public’s access to the water. Island County has sued the Montgomerys to clarify title to the uplands and tidelands, and to have them remove the wall. Island Beach Access has joined the county as an intervenor in the case. The case awaits completion of discovery documents before filing motions of summary judgment with the court. Discovery is nearly done.

January 15, 2016 6:51 pm

Editor,

For several years running, Island County has been engaged in a property dispute with owners of adjacent properties on Wonn Road near Greenbank Farm. The road ends at the tidelands but the Montgomerys, who own adjacent property, have erected a stone wall barrier prohibiting the public’s access to the water. Island County has sued the Montgomerys to clarify title to the uplands and tidelands, and to have them remove the wall. Island Beach Access has joined the county as an intervenor in the case. The case awaits completion of discovery documents before filing motions of summary judgment with the court. Discovery is nearly done.

Unexpectedly, the Montgomerys have proposed a settlement offer that does not provide for public access to Wonn Road, but instead offers a lesser parcel as, in effect, a trade. That offer is now before the board of county commissioners.

I have read the offer and find it onerous, untimely, and if accepted, would put Island County in violation of state law and contrary to the county’s Shoreline Management Plan. Further, a strong case can be made that the Montgomerys do not have clear title to the tidelands and uplands in question. The road, uplands and tidelands were dedicated in 1943 for the public’s use forever by James Pratt. Recognizing that the issue of ownership is controversial, it is best decided by a judge pursuant to a motion for summary judgment.

Wonn Road is strategically important to county residents and tourists alike as it is one of only two saltwater access points on the East Side between Freeland and Coupeville. To give or bargain away such a valuable resource is simply not the right thing to do.

Here’s what you can do.

• Attend an Island Beach Access meeting or visit their website to learn more. They have been particularly active in clarifying and protecting both private and public waterfront property rights.

• Contact the Island County commissioners individually to let them know the importance of preserving practically the only public access to Saratoga Passage between Coupeville and Freeland.

• Urge commissioners to not take action at least until after motions for summary judgment are heard by a judge. Your voice counts. Let it be heard.

DALE CHRISTENSEN

Clinton