FISHING -- Washington Fish and Wildlife officials are taking public comment on a proposal to buy 80 acres of land to establish a public fishing access at Chapman Lake in Spokane County.

Once a popular fishing destination, the 128-acre lake near Cheney has been inaccessible to the public since 2011, when the private resort that provided access was closed.

The state has helped maintain the kokanee fishery on the prospect that public access could someday be restored, said John Whalen, regional fisheries manager.

The property owner has offered to sell 80 acres for an access, he said.

The property is bordered on three sides by Washington Department of Natural Resources land.

Submit public comments by March 21 by email to  teamspokane@dfw.wa.gov.