PROTECTIONISM IN MASON COUNTY

The Hunter Farms "fishing camp"

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE,
THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME!

Submitted to Shelton Blog by Bill Allen Mason County Progressive

It seems as if things begin to heat up with the summer, and especially so in an election year. For several years now, I have exposed and reported on the frequent problems with water quality in our area in general, and Hood Canal in particular. We’re not done yet!

During the course of this summer, there have been some heated presentations at the County Commissioner’s meetings, and letters to the editor of the local paper. Five years ago, I wondered why all three commissioners felt compelled to write a somewhat intimidating letter to me when I was pushing the agenda to redress the Bio Recycle dumping facility. Three years ago, the disaster and fecal outbreak in the Skokomish river fishery was exposed. While the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) stepped to the plate at the last minute, it was perplexing why the County did not take more of a role with health and zoning issues.

It is further perplexing why zoning and land use issues are not enforced for “certain” individuals. It is also perplexing when hard working County staff are suddenly silenced when inquiries on specific follow up procedures that they are committed to act upon are "tabled".

Hunter Farms "fishing camp" waste products

Mason County’s administration is regarded as the black sheep of good government in the eyes of any other county in Western Washington. The reason for this is lack of good strategy, lack of good leadership, and lack of consistent and even handed follow through on decisions that are made.

At this point it is time to tell the story of a “love triangle”. The players are the County land use staff who “know their place”, the “boss” who is Tim Sheldon, and the “good ole boy” that is Hunter Farms.

In this story, we have the recurring theme of “don’t rock the boat with the Hunter people”. After all, they are a good hard working fourth or fifth generation Mason County family. Does that mean they play by the rules?

Not really. For years, Hunter Farms has had an agreement with the WDFW wherein the Hunters receive cash for allowing unimpeded public access through a designated right of way to enjoy fishing on the river.

The Hunters are to provide 200 spaces for cars to park and access the river. Further, the Hunters receive funds to create cattle diversion mechanisms that keep the cattle out of the river area. So far, so good, if this was the end of it...but it’s not.

Former President Reagan said “trust but verify”. Two weeks ago, Scott Grout of Gold Coast Oyster and I visited the public access area of the Hunter property to determine if the lease agreement was being carried out. On the outskirts of the area in question, the WDFW seemed to be doing their part.

While portable toilets were pretty full, and the dumpsters overflowing in the initial “access area”, we found that pickups are being made, albeit a little less frequently than we’d like. Better yet, several garbage sacks were being provided in areas that were not close to the Hunter access area. Our state agencies were apparently appreciative of our attention on the matter, and were following up with our previous recommendations.

"...pickups are made, albeit a little less frequently than we’d like"

However, when we ventured further into the public area, it was an entirely different story. First, there was no sign designating a parking area. Beyond what we took to be the public parking area, a drive continues toward the fishing area. This "public access" road was gated with an armed guard being kept company by Mr. Bill Hunter and a money box (the annual parking permit fee is $75.00, and camping fee $125.00).

When they learned we were there to take a look at the toilet facilities and garbage provisions as stipulated by the lease between the WDFW and Hunter, we were thrown off the “public access area”.

It becomes apparent why they would not want us around:

1. For years, Hunter Farms has operated a “fishing camp” and trailer area in direct violation of the zoning ordinances. Over 100 trailers and tents do NOT constitute “normal and accustomed” use of that agricultural land.

2. Our inquiries about why this is allowed to continue year in and year out are met with deaf ears. Any other event like this would require, you guessed it, an EVENT permit. This invokes oversight of litter, sanitation, and garbage.

3. So it is clear why we would not be welcome. We were there to determine accountability, and whether the County was following through on it’s own land use policies. We were there to determine whether or not there was an event permit, and if Hunter Farms was following through on proper garbage disposal, river protection, animal access, and toilet facilities. Our current photos determine that this is not the case. So far we’ve not had a fecal outbreak like in 2009. Are we just lucky?

"...portable toilets were pretty full"

4. Hunter Farms is in clear violation of the terms of the lease from other perspectives. There are (as of August 17) no marked public access areas. The public is required to pay at the “armed gate” in violation of the lease’s wording and intent to allow public access. Despite being compensated for providing cattle stiles, cattle are free to access the river and use it for their own comfort station. Why is there no accountability here on the part of the County? Are the Hunters “untouchable” for some reason?

5. One would presume that for all this consideration and compensation, Hunter Farms would, permit or not, keep up the site. As the recent photos included with this article demonstrate, the maintenance of dumpsters and sanitary facilities on this property are woefully inadequate. This has been a pattern for a long time, and the County simply turns a deaf ear to doing anything about it. Did the “boss” say something? The Hunters do not take responsibility for the costs here because they do not have to do so.

“...don’t rock the boat with the Hunter people"

It’s clearly time for change. It can’t stay the same. To say our County government has lost the respect of our State agencies is the least of it. Yes, the State Department of Ecology, Department of Health, and Fish and Wildlife have all had to do the County’s work for them.They stop when it comes to land use issues, as they should. It seems to me, I recall that Mason County has a land use and zoning office. Why are they not placing the same expectations on the Hunter property that they would require for any other special event elsewhere? It seems like there is an uneven playing field here. It’s called protectionism.

"...zoning and land use issues are not enforced for 'certain' individuals"

In the confrontation Mr. Grout and I had with Mr. Hunter, we made it clear our purpose had nothing to do with any kind of issue we had with Hunter Farms personally. It had everything to do with protecting water quality, and the County not having oversight on the permitting, as well as sanitation standards and practices pertaining to their “fishing camp”. Where it does get a little personal is when Hunter Farms imposes selective access to an area that is specifically intended for the public (in direct violation of the lease agreement).

When Mr. Grout and I were being thrown off the "public access area", I asked Mr. Hunter a question: Why is somebody with the wealth, the reputation, the legacy and yes, the responsibility of the Hunter name, playing a minimalist role in providing clean and responsible access? Maybe we all need to look in the mirror.

We are in the 21st century, and it’s time our County government and the Hunters got off their asses and acted like it. Let’s end the “selective application” of the rules. Let’s come up with people and business friendly land use and zoning standards, and become proactive in applying them before we ruin the waterways and lifestyle we all enjoy.

I challenge our commissioner candidates to seriously commit to a spirit of “we can” when it comes to streamlining and applying County systems and providing leadership.

We’d better get better!

Photos by Scott Grout

Link to State Lease to Hunter Farm:
myweb.hcc.net/pkands/docs/hunterleasewdfw.pdf

SHELTON BLOG NOTE:

Hunter Farms is invited & most welcome to respond to this posting.