LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Appreciative of beach access work

Published 5:16 pm Thursday, January 9, 2014

Editor,

Many “thank yous” and much appreciation goes to friend Mike McVay of South Whidbey who recently researched and recorded public beach access on Whidbey Island.

Whidbey was developed in such a way that people could buy beach property and build homes there with perhaps the unintended consequence of obstructing even the public access areas.

Mike did the work needed to bring to the attention of public officials this reduction/restriction of access of the designated public beaches. The following beaches have been the focus of attention: Robinson Park, Freeland — it used to be a resort; Marissa Lane at Sandy Point, Langley; Wonn Road, Greenbank — the path/walk area is still being worked on; and Shore Meadows condos, Freeland -— there is a 300-foot path to the seawall.

One of the best resources regarding public beach access is “Getting to the Water’s Edge on Whidbey & Camano Island,” produced by the Washington State University Extension. The book can be found at any Whidbey Island bookstore or can be purchased directly from the Extension.

BEVERLY DUROCHER

Langley