Chittenden Locks Closed to Paddlers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is limiting use of the small lock at Chittenden Locks in Seattle. The small lock will continue to be used for emergency and commercial vessels at the discretion of the lockmaster. Kayaks and canoes are not allowed in the large lock. Kayak or canoe traffic through the locks will be seriously impacted until repairs can be made, likely in October 2008.

Bill Blair Memorial Fund

Washington Water Trails Association has set up a memorial fund in memory of treasured WWTA friend, Bill Blair. Tax-deductible donations in support of WWTA's ongoing public access and water trail work can be made in Bill's honor at www.wwta.org/give/billblair.asp.

SEA Kayaker Team Begins Summer

On the second evening out North and Ella led a one-hour interactive session for an Outward Bound Wilderness Instructor Course at Shaw County Park. Friday was working Anacortes ferry terminal and Odlin Park on Lopez and Saturday morning was a visit with Bureau of Land Management. The Team paddled to James Sunday and took out at Spencer Spit Monday. To lessen impact on limited recreation resources in Puget Sound, the team takes July 4th weekend off and will be back on the water July 11.

Posey Island Reservations

A reminder that reservations are a must at the Cascadia Marine Trail popular Posey Island just off San Juan Island. Phone Lime Kiln State Park 360.378.2044. July is filling fast.

Cascadia Marine Trail Changes

Kopachuck State Park has a new Cascadia Marine Trail, replacing the original site that was closed due to erosion. New Saltwater State Park Cascadia Marine Trail campsite in Des Moines fills a gap on the urban eastern shores of Mid Puget Sound.

Kitsap County Parks ended camping at three former Trail parks.  WWTA is seeking a solution to reopen the campsites and is looking at replacement sites.