OLYMPIA – Feb. 21, 2017 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is beginning a public process that will lead to long-term recreation and land-use plans for Steptoe Butte and Steptoe Battlefield state park heritage sites in Whitman County.
The public is invited to attend the first of several planning meetings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, at the Whitman County Library, 102 S. Main St., Colfax. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/k4nxJnkhgw22).
This first workshop will include a presentation from Parks’ staff describing the planning process and providing background information on the two parks. Following the presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to discuss the project with state park staff and provide comment.
More detailed information about the planning project is available at http://bit.ly/SteptoePlan. The public may also provide comment or ask questions about the planning effort by contacting Randy Kline, Parks Planner, at (360) 902-8632 or randy.kline@parks.wa.gov.
State Parks planning
Planning for both Steptoe Butte and Steptoe Battlefield will involve three main objectives:
- Classify park lands to determine the appropriate level of recreational use
- Delineate a long-term park boundary to identify lands with shared management objectives or that may be appropriate for transfer
- Prepare a park management plan for each park
Washington State Parks has completed land-use plans for almost 100 parks around the state, through its Classification and Management Plan (CAMP) process. The CAMP process will address recreational and trail use, day-use opportunities, natural and cultural resources, and other topics of interest to the community.
About Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site
Steptoe Butte is a 150-acre day-use park located high above the Palouse Hills on the southeastern edge of Washington; Steptoe Butte offers unparalleled views of a truly unique landscape. The butte contains some of the oldest rock in the Pacific Northwest, and it marks the border of the original North American Continent. Steptoe has, over time, been a wagon road, a hotel site and an observatory location. In addition to inspiring vistas, the 3,612-foot summit displays several interpretive panels that pay homage to its distinctive geology. For more information, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/592/Steptoe-Butte
About Steptoe Battlefield State Park Heritage Site
Steptoe Battlefield State Park Heritage Site is a 4-acre day-use park in Rosalia. The site commemorates a battle between U.S. Army forces led by Colonel Edward Steptoe and several Native American tribes from eastern Washington that occurred in 1858. For more information, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/591/Steptoe-Battlefield
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
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Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at http://adventureawaits.com/
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Washington Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388