Policies on Dike Usage at Lake Tapps Announced

Cascade Water Alliance recently adopted policies regarding dike usage around Lake Tapps, which it now owns. Cascade's Board of Directors recently decided to continue the previous owner's policy that the public's use of the Cascade controlled dikes is and will be considered trespassing.

The Board's adopted policy is that dikes not associated with public parks or the Puget Sound Energy camp are closed to the general public and that trespassing on these dikes will be subject to enforcement by the Pierce County Sheriff's Office.

As a result of this policy, all previous temporary permissions have been terminated. All individuals with access rights have been notified. If an individual thinks he or she has access rights and has not yet received a letter, contact Cascade at 425.453.0930.

Cascade will be doing additional outreach and public education regarding authorized and unauthorized access and uses, the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies and organizations, and the responsibilities of the public will promote a safe and enjoyable recreational experience at Lake Tapps.

The public may access and enjoy Lake Tapps through one of the public parks located on the Reservoir--North Tapps Park or Allan Yorke Park in Bonney Lake.

The following is additional information regarding dike usage at Lake Tapps:

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Access and Use of Dikes at Lake Tapps

What are the 15 dikes at Lake Tapps Reservoir?
Fifteen dikes were built by the power company in the early 1900s to create the Lake Tapps. Cascade is now responsible for the safe condition of all fifteen of the dikes. The dikes are commonly known by the number that appears on a large sign at each dike.

Who can use Dikes 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4, 11, 12, 14 and 15?

• Access to these nine dikes is controlled by Cascade and they are closed to the public. Unauthorized entry is considered trespassing.
• Under a 1958 Easement, an owner of the property immediately adjacent to one of the nine dikes has limited rights to use the dikes.
• Adjacent property owners have been sent letters to remind them of their easement rights. If you have not received a letter, you do not have an easement right.
• If you think you should have received a letter but have not, please contact Cascade Water Alliance 425.453.0930
An adjacent property owner:
• Has the right only to cross and recross the dike adjacent to the owner's property to reach Lake Tapps to recreate in the water.
• Cannot stay, build on or store recreational equipment on the dikes to ensure protection of dike integrity.
• May be able to build in the water in front of the dikes with a Cascade-issued license. Cascade now owns the lake bed and allows only the same activities that were allowed under the 1954 Deed, such as:
  • usual recreational activities including boat, swim, fish,
  • moor floats or drive stakes for mooring floats, boats, boathouses
  • build docks on pilings only
  • remove trees, bushes and growth
  • dredge and dispose in a lawful manner

Owners must still contact the appropriate agencies (e.g. Bonney Lake, Pierce County, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and/or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) and must meet and continue to comply with all applicable regulations.

Who Can Use Dikes 4A, 5, 6 and 7?
Access and use controlled by Pierce County through the Pierce County North Park at Lake Tapps.

Who can use Dikes 8, 9 and 10?
Access and use controlled by Puget Sound Energy through the Puget Sound Energy Camp at Lake Tapps.

Who can use Dike 13?
Cascade Water Alliance and the City of Bonney Lake are in the process of developing a partnership to allow additional park space while assuring the integrity of the dike. However, in the interim, public access is only allowed from the adjacent Bonney Lake Allan Yorke Parke.

In case of emergency or trespassing: Call 911