Small Town News

Green Diamond opens more land to public

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Green Diamond Resource Co. representatives announced Tuesday that it has opened many gates and lands for hunting and recreation, effective immediately.

With the company's expansion of its Recreation Access Permit program, about 60,000 acres of land in Mason County are reserved for those who purchase permits.

"Many more acres of Green Diamond's private forest lands are open for free use," said Pat-ti Case, public affairs/regulatory manager, in a news release.

Green Diamond gates are typically orange with signs mounted next to them to show the type of access allowed in that area, Case said.

Recreation Access Permit areas are posted with signage showing that entry is limited to those with permits. In all other areas, a sign with a red dot means motor vehicles are not allowed; and a green dot indicates licensed, street-legal motor vehicles are allowed on roads only during daylight hours.

An orange sign indicates harvesting or other activity is taking place. All recreation access to these areas is prohibited.

"An open gate may be a sign that forest management activity is taking place," Case said. "Visitors should be cautious ... We ask that recreation seekers wear high visibility clothing for safety and that visitors exit Green Diamond's forest land within one hour of sunset as indicated in the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's hunting regulations."

Visitors to Green Diamond land are encouraged to report illegal activity, she said.

"Anyone who witnesses illegal activity should call 911 immediately," Case said.

Those who learn about unlawful activities can also call the Green Diamond Rewards Program at 427-4090, a secure message phone. Callers are asked to leave method of reply so that leads can be followed up on.

Green Diamond offers a cash reward of up to $500 for information leading to arrest and prosecution of criminal activity on Green Diamond land.

Targeted activities include littering, dumping, trespassing, timber or other forest products theft and unlawful use of off-road vehicles.

For more information about the program, go to www.greendiamond.com.

Green Diamond is a privately held forest products company that owns and manages working forest lands in Washington, Oregon and California.



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