Welcome to Skagit County

April 25th, 2005

SKAGIT COUNTY CREWS BUSY MAKING LAKE SHANNON ROAD READY FOR FISHING SEASON OPENER ON APRIL 30
Glacier, Skagit County, PSE work together to re-open road

SKAGIT COUNTY – The road to Lake Shannon’s only boat launch will be ready for the opening day of fishing season on April 30.

Thanks to a collaborative effort between Skagit County officials, Glacier Northwest, and Puget Sound Energy, public access will be restored to one of Skagit County’s most popular fishing lakes.

“The cooperation from all the parties has been great,” said Skagit County Commissioner Ted Anderson. “We’ve cleared up some safety concerns and other access issues just in time for fishing season!”

Glacier’s Vice President, Annette Ware commented, “We are very pleased and impressed with the diligent efforts of the County Commissioner and the County staff to work promptly toward a workable and safe solution. Public safety has always been our concern and we believe that the additional traffic controls will go a long way toward the goal of providing for safe access to this popular facility.”

Earlier this year, due to significant safety concerns, Glacier Northwest was forced to close part of the road providing access to the boat launch. In a series of recent meetings and discussions, Skagit County officials and Glacier Northwest have developed a variety of actions to address these safety issues and have agreed to develop a long-term approach for lake access in the future. In related discussions, Puget Sound Energy has agreed to implement measures to assist the County in providing for safe travel along the access roadway.

Glacier Northwest owns property along Lake Shannon’s southeast shore through which the boat launch access road passes. Puget Sound Energy owns the Lower Baker Dam which created the Lake Shannon reservoir. PSE also owns the reservoir’s sole boat ramp. The utility, for decades has allowed free public access to its ramp.

Skagit County had periodically provided maintenance for part of the access road over the last several years and will now maintain all of the roadway to insure that safe and dependable access is available.

“We are extremely pleased that people will again be able to use our boat launch, and we’re appreciative of the efforts by Commissioner Anderson and Glacier Northwest to get the access road re-opened,” said Ray Tryznka, PSE’s community relations manager in Skagit County. “Lake Shannon’s fish had better be on the alert, because a lot of folks will be after them very soon.”

With the opening of fishing season looming ahead on Saturday, April 30, Skagit County crews have been busy removing a rock barrier, grading the road and putting down crushed rock. They also changed road signs as well as installing additional signage for public safety.

For further information, contact: Dan Berentson
Communications Director
360-419-3461