A vantage point offers a view of the Ancient Lakes area southwest of Quincy in Grant County. File photo by Randy Bracht
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is accepting public input on a proposal to close camping in a portion of the Ancient Lakes area of Grant County.
The Ancient Lakes area is located about four miles southeast of Crescent Bar, overlooking the Columbia River on a portion of the Babcock Bench in the WDFW’s Quincy Lakes Wildlife Area Unit.
It is a popular hiking and camping destination and sees some of the highest recreational use on public lands managed by the department in the Columbia Basin. And it’s that popularity — and impacts posed by visitors — that has state officials considering restrictions on overnight stays.
“Many visitors park at the Ancient Lakes trailhead then hike about 1.5 miles to camp, far from any restroom facilities and other services,” the department said in a Sept. 10 press release. The proposed closure would still allow for camping closer to the Ancient Lakes trailhead.
The agency also noted that the area sees frequent campfire use, often during Grant County’s outdoor burn ban period from June 1 to Sept. 30 and WDFW emergency fire restrictions, creating a significant concern about wildfire and safety.
“Because of limited fuel options, visitors often use sagebrush, which is full of oils and burns very hot for a short duration, so a large amount is needed to maintain a fire. Sagebrush provides an important habitat component for wildlife, and the area is showing signs of heavy impact as a result,” the agency stated.
“Continued camping in this area would require amenities such as a road, restrooms, designated campsites, or other features that would allow for proper maintenance and response,” Richard Finger, Columbia Basin Wildlife Area manager, said in the press release. “If this is something that users of this area would want, we would work with stakeholders to pursue grant funding opportunities to carry it out, but it will likely take several years to develop. A complete burn ban may also need to be implemented to prevent continued impacts to sagebrush habitat.”
WDFW says it would like to hear from the public about how they use the area, and potential options to facilitate camping in the future that do not conflict with the ecological integrity of the site.
The department noted that the public comment period is in addition to a State Environmental Policy Act review that is also accepting comments specific to potential environmental impacts of the proposed closure. For information on that aspect, visit WDFW’s SEPA webpage.
We use cookies to keep GCJ.news working and, with your consent, to understand how our community uses the site. We use this data only internally to run and improve the site — we never sell your personal information. See our cookie & privacy policies.
WDFW eyes camping closure in Ancient Lakes area
Comments being accepted through Oct. 30.
OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is accepting public input on a proposal to close camping in a portion of the Ancient Lakes area of Grant County.
The public can submit general comments online now; WDFW will also host a virtual public meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. to present information about the proposed closure and hear feedback. Pre-registration is required.
Comments will be accepted through Oct. 30.
The Ancient Lakes area is located about four miles southeast of Crescent Bar, overlooking the Columbia River on a portion of the Babcock Bench in the WDFW’s Quincy Lakes Wildlife Area Unit.
It is a popular hiking and camping destination and sees some of the highest recreational use on public lands managed by the department in the Columbia Basin. And it’s that popularity — and impacts posed by visitors — that has state officials considering restrictions on overnight stays.
“Many visitors park at the Ancient Lakes trailhead then hike about 1.5 miles to camp, far from any restroom facilities and other services,” the department said in a Sept. 10 press release. The proposed closure would still allow for camping closer to the Ancient Lakes trailhead.
The agency also noted that the area sees frequent campfire use, often during Grant County’s outdoor burn ban period from June 1 to Sept. 30 and WDFW emergency fire restrictions, creating a significant concern about wildfire and safety.
“Because of limited fuel options, visitors often use sagebrush, which is full of oils and burns very hot for a short duration, so a large amount is needed to maintain a fire. Sagebrush provides an important habitat component for wildlife, and the area is showing signs of heavy impact as a result,” the agency stated.
“Continued camping in this area would require amenities such as a road, restrooms, designated campsites, or other features that would allow for proper maintenance and response,” Richard Finger, Columbia Basin Wildlife Area manager, said in the press release. “If this is something that users of this area would want, we would work with stakeholders to pursue grant funding opportunities to carry it out, but it will likely take several years to develop. A complete burn ban may also need to be implemented to prevent continued impacts to sagebrush habitat.”
WDFW says it would like to hear from the public about how they use the area, and potential options to facilitate camping in the future that do not conflict with the ecological integrity of the site.
The department noted that the public comment period is in addition to a State Environmental Policy Act review that is also accepting comments specific to potential environmental impacts of the proposed closure. For information on that aspect, visit WDFW’s SEPA webpage.