On 3-25-2023 a new property owner within the community reported to the President that they had experienced an interaction with Steve Svinth at the water the prior weekend. In this experience, Steve Svinth identified himself and informed that he decided whom was able to use the river access for launching purposes. To be very clear, there is an easement that has been recorded and in effect since this community was established.
Originally this community was established as a place where you could Fish the Cowlitz. It was developed with the intent to allow easement to allow access to river for all owners. More recently with the Cascade Woodland Ltr 3-14-23 sent by the CWLOA attorney of record, the access to the river cannot be obstructed. It is clearly identified on all relevant deeds and recordings as identified on these publicly available deeds:
It is clearly marked that the property to the south of the roadway is encumbered by a 30 easement affected section on the north line of that parcel. Oddly, this is the only parcel apparently that is specifically identified as being encumbered. Most deeds only stipulate the general recorded easement. The specificity of this deed encumbrance is significant.
If you are an owner within this community you have the right to use this resource without interference. Please note that for parking purposes, to be safe and respectful, you should park your vehicle and trailer below the high water line similar to how the images below illustrate. If you have any issues down there, please report them so that the board may follow up with the attorney of record. Please respect the privacy of the property owners down there, don’t park on their property and let us know if you experience any issues.
If you choose to park on the beach in front of the south property, stay below the high water line and park within the first thirty feet south of the launch area. Additionally, if you choose to park on the north side, stay below the high water line and within the sixty feet of the launch area if possible. Otherwise, move farther north onto the bar as necessary to not block the launch for other users.
