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Walla Walla Corps Scales Back Services, Closes Key Recreation Areas by Mark Rattner NBC Right Now, April 26, 2025

WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Walla Walla is closing several recreation areas due to limited resources, according to a Corps press release (below).

The affected sites include Ice Harbor Dam and Lock, Fishhook Park Class A Campground, and Lower Granite Dam and Lock, among others. Visitors are asked to respect all posted closures, signs, and barriers.

In addition to the closures, all Walla Walla District project areas will see reduced maintenance, landscaping, trash collection, and facility cleaning services. These changes will remain until further notice, the Corp said.

While supporting land and wildlife management programs, the Corps said in the release that they want to focus efforts on maintaining top-notch services at key locations.

"Visitor well-being is our top priority," said Lt. Col. Katie Werback, Commander of the Walla Walla District. "While these decisions were not made lightly, ensuring we continue to fulfill critical requirements for our land and wildlife management programs is necessary."

Visitors should prepare in advance by checking site statuses for closures and advisories. Essential items such as water, food, and navigation tools are recommended, especially since many areas lack cell phone coverage.

Recreation closures impact USACE sites
April 24, 2025

Walla Walla, Wash. -- Due to limited resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District is making targeted adjustments to recreation operations, resulting in the closure of multiple recreation areas.

This season, select areas will be closed to allow staff to focus on maintaining safe, high-quality service at priority locations. These adjustments are guided by the need to concentrate available resources, including personnel, where they are most impactful. Closures will remain in place until further notice.

Additionally, all Walla Walla District project areas (Mill Creek, McNary, Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, Lower Granite, Lucky Peak and Dworshak) will experience reductions in services including maintenance, landscaping, trash collection and facility cleaning.

"Visitor well-being is our top priority," said Lt. Col. Katie Werback, Commander of the Walla Walla District. "While these decisions were not made lightly, ensuring we continue to fulfill critical requirements for our land and wildlife management programs is necessary."

The following areas will be closed:

• Ice Harbor Dam and Lock
  • Ice Harbor Visitor Center -- School and VIP tour booking still available
  • Fishhook Park & Class A Campground
  • Levey Park
• Little Goose Dam and Lock
  • Lambi Creek Recreation Area
  • Willow Landing Recreation Area
  • Illia Dunes Recreation Area & Habitat Management Units
• Lower Granite Dam and Lock
  • Visitor Center - no services available -- School and VIP tour booking still available
  • Blyton Landing
  • Lewiston Levee Parkway confluence parking and restrooms (D Street & Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center)
• Lower Monumental
  • Riparia Recreation Area

"By concentrating our resources, we can better maintain essential missions," said Werback.

USACE asks visitors to respect posted closures and any associated signs, flagging, or barriers.

Visitors are encouraged to "know before you go" as many locations lack cell phone coverage -- before leaving home:

• Check site status for closures, limited services, and safety advisories.
• Pack water, food, weather-appropriate gear, first aid, and navigation tools.
• If recreating on or near water, bring a life jacket and make a float plan.

For the latest information on recreation site availability and service updates, visit www.nww.usace.army.mil