When this community was developed, it was prefaced on “Fish The Cowlitz” as seen on this flyer that was produced by original owners and developers. The “Board” was created and mandated to follow the bylaws of Cascade Woodlands, specifically Article 1, Section 2, Paragraph D:
d. To maintain the restricted access through the gate at the entrance to the access road of Cascade Woodlands, as well as other Cascade Woodlands facilities.
Over the weekend, the new owners of the original lot 11 section have installed a physical barrier preventing access to the Cascade Woodlands “Facility”. It has also become known that several of the board members believe that the boat ramp issue is a non-issue, and one board member has even provided resources to support the assumption that cascade woodlands residents should not have access to the river and launch area. Please read the exchange here.
This issue is not new and has been through the legal review process in 2003. There were a series of letters, however, on April 2, 2003 this letter was provided to previous owners describing established prescriptive easements. This response from the previous owner’s attorney, dated May 15, 2003 admits plainly that there is indeed a right to access a boat ramp. This last letter also makes the statement that “All of the members of the Association have frontage on the Cowlitz River, and can erect boat ramps, just like other lot owners have already done”, and this statement is biased against non-waterfront owners who wish to use the “Facilities” that they paid for.
As of today, a deed has appeared that is dated June 17, 1986, and recorded under lewis county recording number 946314, This deed clearly states that property owners are entitled to use a boat ramp. Here is a section of the deed in question, and as this is a private document, any individuals make look up the public record as needed.
Please be aware that the board is responsible to pursue this issue. If they do not pursue this issue, they will make the LOA liable for loss of value and rights as related to multiple property owners. If this escalates, the LOA may be sued and could cause the LOA to become insolvent. Please review the information provided here and reach out to your board.