What’s the deal with property owners or their tenants at North Beach being so rude to those accessing tidelands to the east of the public beach? I have been harassed by people and know of many others who also have been.

I know that up to 1979 the state sold tidelands, which in other states have traditionally always been publicly accessible. However, the only way the state can sell the tidelands is by upholding the “Jus Publicum.” Therefore, if one is walking on “Whaletale” Island, which is between the low and high tide waterlines, one is accessing the “Jus Publicum” which is detailed in the Shoreline Management act of 1979. For more info, refer to “Enjoys long walks on the beach: Washington’s Public Trust Doctrine and the Right of Pedestrian Passage Over Private Tidelands” by Ewa M. Davison, Ph.D.

I am talking about people simply walking on the low tideland. No one is trashing the beach, everyone is respectful and no one is trying to hang out on the beach area that the owners can rightfully claim as their own. By law, all county roads that dead end at water demand public access to said water. Are these property owners and tenants so shallow that they cannot realize that with the public access so close to their property that individuals will walk on the tidelands? Furthermore, how can the property owners and tenants be so possessive that the sight of children frolicking in the sandy waters sets off such vehement anger and confrontation? I would like to see some information posted that clearly shows info on public access to get this answered once and for all. Also, to those who are so vehement about ensuring their rights to land that is more than half the time is covered by water, please try to accept the fact that you will have pedestrians strolling by, and that as long as they stay on the Jus Publicum and abiding by the law and common sense that it is okay.

Tracy Leahy

Eastsound