Since Cascade purchased the Lake Tapps and White River property in December 2009, we have initiated comprehensive risk management and planning to identify, prioritize, and address issues related to public access, public safety, security, and maintenance.
Cascade's goal is to maintain the functionality of the property for utility purposes, while allowing the safe use of the Reservoir by the public. In addition to the Reservoir itself being available for public enjoyment, some private property owners adjacent to the dikes are permitted by easements to cross the dikes to access the Reservoir. While Cascade is honoring those easements, it is restricting all unpermitted uses of the dikes to protect the structural integrity of the dikes and to ensure that the Reservoir is maintained for utility purposes. In addition to the dikes, the other non-Reservoir portions of the property remain closed to the public.
Cascade has been meeting with the Community, because education is key to the long-term stewardship of the Reservoir and Project. Through meetings, on-line information, mailings, increased signage, and cooperative efforts with Pierce County Sheriff, Pierce County Parks, the City of Bonney Lake Police, Cascade is getting the word out about access points to the Reservoir for the general public (the Pierce County Park and Allan Yorke Park in Bonney Lake), and the proper and safe recreational uses of the Reservoir. The Sheriff and Police are authorized to enter the Reservoir and the other Project property, including the dikes, to enforce against trespassers and to maintain public safety.
Cascade is committed to providing the public with recreational access to the Reservoir and working with the Lake Tapps Community and Pierce County and Bonney Lake to fulfill this commitment.
Boating Safety
Helpful links about boating safety:
BoatWashington.com >
WA State Park Boating Program >
RPIN: Water safety is the watchword this weekend >
Trespassing Laws
Helpful links about trespassing:
Washington State Burglary and Trespassing Laws >
