WDFW closes Irving Lawson Access Area through Dec. 25

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is temporarily closing the Irving Lawson Access Area in Snohomish County. 

The 12-acre site on the Snohomish River will be closed from June 25 to Dec. 25, 2020. WDFW staff have seen increased illegal trash dumping and damage to natural resources at the 12-acre site, and it has become a public safety risk. 

“Water access areas provide important public recreation opportunities, but this site has seen a dramatic increase in illegal activity,” said Fenner Yarborough, WDFW North Puget Sound wildlife program manager. “We need to make it a safer place for visitors and our community and to protect valuable habitat.”

WDFW actively manages approximately 1 million acres of land and over 500 water access areas across the state to preserve natural and cultural heritage, provide access for hunting, fishing, and wildlife-related recreation, and to foster experiences and exploration for thousands of Washingtonians and visitors each year.

WDFW is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing, hunting, and other recreation opportunities.