The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has recently finalized the purchase of the Sekiu boat launch property, a robust addition to the state's efforts in conserving and providing recreational access to the northern Olympic Peninsula's waterways. The acquisition, which wrapped up on May 28, set the state back by an approximate $2.4 million, a figure that was paid to Mason Family Properties LLC, as reported by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Stretching over roughly 2.5 acres of both uplands and tidelands this valuable strip of coastal real estate, includes an ingress/egress easement; apart of its sellable charm is the a four-lane boat launch and accommodating parking spaces for trailers and vehicles, thus ensuring that those looking to explore the Strait of Juan de Fuca between Neah Bay and Port Angeles have a point of departure. Matthew Blankenship, WDFW’s assistant regional wildlife program manager for the Coastal Region, told WDFW’s newsroom, “The Sekiu Water Access Area will maintain the only developed launch for motorized boats along the Strait of Juan de Fuca between Neah Bay and Port Angeles,” highlighting that no extra fees will be demanded for launching from and parking at WDFW’s lot while, overnight parking restrictions do apply.
Securing this stretch of the shoreline didn’t spontaneously occur, the funding for the property purchase, along with initial infrastructure improvements, came from the state’s 2024 supplemental capital budget, it also included a Boating Facilities Program grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. The Sekiu Water Access Area isn't just another picturesque drop in Washington's scenic bucket, it holds a deep importance to commercial fisheries and recreational activities alike; notably salmon and bottomfish fishing, not to mention sea kayaking and wildlife viewing opportunities it presents.
In the words of Blankenship, “This site is vital to the local economy and recreation, and keeping it open to the public is crucial to continuing its long legacy while also supporting boating safety, fisheries monitoring, and regulations enforcement,” a commitment that echos in WDFW's ongoing request for further site improvements and repair work on the concrete launch that gives meaning to this corner of Clallam County. It is a piece not just of land but also a pillar in the local community and economy, the shores of the Sekiu Water Access Area are a testament to how deeply intertwined our lives are with the natural landscapes that we, at times, take for granted.
Having made its way onto the 2018 Lands 20/20 projects list, the Sekiu Water Access Area's acquisition finally got the green light from the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission on February 14.
