Editor’s note – This letter was sent to Clallam County Sheriff Brian King and shared with the Forks Forum. See Sheriff King’s response after the letter.
Dear Editor,
I am a resident of Neah Bay, a Makah Native, who works at the Hoko Falls Makah Fish Hatchery, which is located on the Hoko-Ozette Road, near Sekiu. On my work days, I travel back and forth on Hwy 112, and regularly have the opportunity to observe the number of people who use the pull-offs in that section of the state highway.
I have done this for 15 years, while working at my job, and have been very concerned about those who stay overnight in these areas, some of which for very extended times, even weeks or months. There are no portajohns or wash stations at these sites.
While sometimes those who are overnight camping have self-contained units, most appear to be using nature as their restroom.
Recently, finally, three signs have been posted regarding “Day use only. No overnight camping”, which partially helps. However, there are numerous sites west of that area, especially around the four mile mark, that have no posting at all, with numerous vehicles staying overnight and longer, and this is increasing each year.
I recall Ron Cameron, Jr. patrolling that section between Neah Bay and Clallam Bay, in the distant past; I have not seen a sheriff patrolling that section since that time.
Working at the fish hatchery, I am well aware of the fact that we release fish in the Spring, and the fish come out at the 4 mile marker area, one of the areas frequented by these overnight campers.
This is a health issue, not only for the fish, but for humans. We don’t want human waste polluting these area nor any of our public waters.
There are other reasons that the sheriff and county commissioners and health officer should be concerned:Lost revenue experienced by local businesses including hotels, motels, restaurants, campgrounds and others negatively impacted by the current illegal camping.
Danger to pedestrians walking in or near the road going from their camper to the beach access.
Danger of oversized vehicles entering and exiting the highway at or near blind curves.
Suspicion of RV operators dumping their black water (sewage) on the ground when leaving their illegal campsite.
Denying drivers a place for a safe pull out if/when experiencing automobile problems. If RVs are taking up all the pullouts, broken down autos must remain on the road surface.
There are students on school buses using this route to and from school.
Slide danger to RVs sitting stationary for days and weeks at a time.
Litter left at these illegal campsites.
There are two things I am requesting:
1. Please post signs on the pullout areas, as soon as possible, regarding day-use only and no overnight camping.
2. Please enforce the rules and regulations about this, noted in our state laws, by patrolling the area between Neah Bay and Clallam Bay, regularly and ticketing violators.
I look forward to your review and response to this issue, at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Deb Cooke
Neah Bay
Sheriff King’s Response
Ms Cooke,
State Route 112 is state highway and falls under the jurisdiction of the State of Washington (Washington State Patrol). Additionally, much of the beach properties in that area also fall under the jurisdiction of the state (Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources).
I am assigning one of my West End Deputies to coordinate a response with those agencies who have the primary territorial jurisdiction. We can support them in their enforcement. We do have concurrent jurisdiction but we need to collaborate with the state to ensure we are enforcing their right-of-way laws and camping laws correctly as they are ever evolving from one location to another.
I am assigning Deputy Hoban, soon to be Sergeant Hoban, to work on the project. He will be communicating his efforts with you. Please understand that these are Washington State properties and therefore we must coordinate our efforts with them as the landowners.
Description: Description: Star
Brian J. King
Sheriff
