[Tweeters] Big Ditch access closed

[Beverly Choltco-Devlin]

Thank you for posting this.

It is truly terrible what some unconscionable people do in our region. I
was at the Auburn M Street Marsh two weeks ago and some people had set up a
big tent (gone now), but used the path to the back pond as a human toilet
with feces all over the place. There is dangerous trash all over. I used to
feel comfortable going there, but last week, in the middle of the road, two
cars met in the middle of the road facing in opposite directions, clearly
doing a drug deal. I didn't even get out of my car.

It is sad, because we live in such a beautiful, rich area for enjoying
nature.

Beverly.

On Thu, Jun 10, 2021 at 9:07 AM Martha Jordan <mj.cygnus at gmail.com> wrote:


> Sadly, too many people with bad actions have lead to another summer closer

> of the Big Ditch Access Area in Skagit County.  Here is the WDFW press

> release text sent out earlier this week:

>

> *Big Ditch Access Area near Stanwood will close until Oct. 1*

>

> MILL CREEK – Due to significant impacts caused by unlawful activities and

> a need to protect public safety, the Big Ditch Access Area

> <https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/water-access-sites/30492> along Pioneer

> Highway near Stanwood will be closed June 9 through Oct. 1, 2021. Dike

> district personnel and neighboring farm owners will still have

> administrative access.

>

> Belinda Rotton, wildlife area manager for the Washington Department of

> Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), said the site has seen high levels of trash

> dumping, vandalism, and target shooting. Area visitors and neighbors have

> complained about these activities and the local dike district is concerned

> about potential infrastructure damages.

>

> Bird watchers and waterfowl hunters use the site most often for access to

> the Skagit Bay Estuary during the fall and winter.

>

> “Since we’re seeing most of the site challenges in the summer, we think

> the seasonal closure can help address issues with a relatively low

> recreational impact,” said Rotton.

>

> The Big Ditch Access Area is within the Skagit Wildlife Area

> <https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/wildlife-areas/skagit-wildlife-area>,

> which contains a little over 16,700 acres of wildlife habitat, including

> open water, island shoreline, tidal mudflats and marshes, forested uplands,

> and managed agricultural (diked) lands. This range of habitats provide

> necessary resources for aquatic and terrestrial species such as ducks,

> geese, swans, raptors, and shorebirds.

>

> By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild

> places, WDFW serves as stewards for Washington’s natural places, protecting

> the state’s land and water for people, fish, and wildlife. WDFW works to

> preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while

> providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial

> opportunities.

> Martha Jordan

> Everett, WA

>

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