KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA | Agreement At Juniper Dunes Wilderness Area

Agreement At Juniper Dunes Wilderness Area

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Wash - An agreement has been reached at the Juniper Dunes Wilderness area.

Now, users will be able to drive there without disturbing the people who own the road that leads to the public land.

The Bureau of Land Management is going to build a fence along the property line, set up signs and kiosks and help law enforcement along Peterson Road.

The property owners, Steve and Sharon DeRuyter will lease the private road for 2 years. The agreement was signed by the DeRuyters and BLM District Manager, Robert Town on Tuesday. 

The DeRuyters won't get any money, but the fences and improvements will be paid for by the BLM, Town said.

This is a momentous occasion for the users and property owners, Town said. 

"You've got to realize Congress designated the Juniper Forests a wilderness area in 1984 and we've never had legal access to it," Town said.      

Interested users, the BLM and Franklin County leaders will form a steering group to monitor the agreement, which takes effect immediately, Town said. 

Visit the attached link for a copy of the agreement.