The Grays Harbor County commissioners have postponed action on a resolution that would ensure public access to county lands.

Drafted by Commissioner Wes Cormier, the resolution had been postponed at the request of Commissioner Randy Ross.

Ross had asked that the resolution include language that allows the county to limit access in cases of public safety and hazard, like during heavy storms that may knock down trees or cause landslides, or during high fire danger.

The resolution would leaving county land open to public access year round, other than those exceptions.

“Grays Harbor County-owned and managed forest land will remain open and gates unlocked for recreational opportunities year round unless county or county contracted logging or an immediate business operation is commencing on a specific tract of land,” the resolution states.

Ross’s amendment will add the other safety concerns.

“I liked commissioner Ross’s potential add to include health and safety,” Cormier said.

The resolution is worded in a way that keeps the county’s current forestry plan, noting that the plan “outlines the desire to have ‘no net loss’ of access to Grays Harbor County-owned public lands.”

The resolution goes on to state the county’s support of public access for recreational activities including hunting, fishing, berry picking, horseback riding, mushroom picking, salal harvesting, forest thinning, hiking and picnicking.

“Access to these lands improve the quality of life for all visitors to and citizens of Grays Harbor County,” the resolution states.

Despite the best intentions of the resolution, not all county land will be accessible after the resolution is passed, Ross noted. Some county land is only accessible through easements with other property owners, and those easements are not contracted to allow for public access.

Cormier said he hopes the county will issue maps of county-owned land so residents will know what is accessible.