Earlier this year public Wenatchee River access to the Dryden Weir (aka as the lowhead dam below Rock and Roll) was closed off by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) due to issues with vandalism to equipment, litter, people driving on stockpiles, and complaints from neighbors about parties. WSDOT does not have the resources to manage the site and they chose their quickest and easiest option which was to close the area to public access. Unfortunately this has been a common occurence on this river where access sites are generally owned by agencies that do not traditionally serve whitewater recreation.
Thanks to the efforts of local volunteers Dick and Kathy Spencer however the access has just been opened. The Spencer’s were able to point out the benefits of this access for public recreation and safety. For the future the DOT has considered selling their property at the Dryden Weir. If they retain ownership of the property and if problems at the site continue they have committed to meet with stakeholders to determine the best method for addressing safety, security, and liability concerns.