Clark County has begun the process of vacating 2.75 miles of road and right of way from the gate at the end of the Lower River Road. The land would become owned private land owners and will mean a loss of access to public lands and waterfront. Most notably for tweeters and OBOL, this road allows access to Post Office Lake, which is excellent waterfowl habitat. Species seen here recently include tundra swans, merlin, black phoebe, short eared owl, snowy egret, bonaparte?s gull, yellow breasted chat and ross?s goose, even though its isn?t often visited.

At this link you can find the recording of a work session with the County Commissioners where they discuss a lot of the issues:
https://www.clark.wa.gov/the-grid/ws-upcoming-road-vacation-hearing-portion-lower-river-road-09-07-2016 <https://www.clark.wa.gov/the-grid/ws-upcoming-road-vacation-hearing-portion-lower-river-road-09-07-2016>

My sense from listening to this session is that the commissioners are sympathetic to the desire to retain access for bikers and hikers, although the legal issues are somewhat complicated.

There will be a hearing on Tuesday Sept. 20 at 10:00 am:
https://www.clark.wa.gov/councilors/board-meeting-information <https://www.clark.wa.gov/councilors/board-meeting-information>

It seems to me that it might be valuable for some of you who have birded here regularly and want to retain access to provide testimony about its importance either at the hearing or in writing.

John Bishop
Vancouver, WA