The State vs. The Oyster Poachers

In cancelling the oyster deed for 40 acres of tide lands sold under the Bush Act in 1904 to Mark H. Stanley of Grand Junction, Colorado, Land Commissioner C. V. Savidge for the first time in the state's history laid down the principle that if tide lands are acquired for the purpose of raising shellfish, they must be used for that and no other purpose. Under the Bush Act, tide lands utilized for growing shellfish sold for $1.25 an acre. The Stanley holdings are located at the head of Hood Canal in Mason County, in the vicinity of the state's oyster reserves. It developed at a hearing held by Commissioner Savidge that the lands had been used for other purposes and rental collected for them. Thereupon the deed was cancelled. It is estimated that if the tide lands were sold for general use they would be appraised at from $8 to $10 per chain, and the lands in question would be worth between $900 and $1,000 for general commercial purposes such as the location of a booming ground for logging operators. When utilized for oyster culture, extensive improvements are required, and the state land office has followed the policy of encouraging the raising of shellfish by charging only a nominal fee for tide lands suitable for that purpose. Commissioner Savidge is determined that if the lands are obtained cheaply, they shall be used only as the law directs.