Corps seeks public input for Lower Granite Master Plan

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District is seeking public input on its Lower Granite Master Plan. The Corps plans to revise the plan.

The master plan is the strategic land use management document that guides the comprehensive management and development of all project recreational, natural and cultural resources throughout the life of the water resource project.

“What do people want us to look at? It does not look at operations, but we're talking about associated lands and how they're used,” explained Gina Baltrusch, public affairs specialist with the Walla Walla District.

The Corps began the public comment period March 22, and it will conclude April 22. The current master plan dates back to 1974.

“One of the reasons we're in need of updating is that a lot has changed since 1974,” said Baltrusch. She listed things such as land classification requirements no longer being met according to Corps' code and new invasive species.

“Those things have changed over the years,” said Baltrusch.

According to the Corps' press release, the master plan describes how the resources of the project will be managed in the future and also provides the vision for how the project should look in the future. It does not address issues such as flood risk management, operational areas and water level management, though those areas are addressed in other documents.

“The input could be as simple as someone wanting another drinking fountain,” said Baltrusch. “There's all sorts of different uses that can go there. The most important thing is encouraging people to submit their ideas. Check out the ideas of the webpage, and submit your ideas.”

The existing plan from 1974 – the original – is available on the Corps' website to view. A comment form is also available online.

Comments can be submitted via email to [email protected], or mailed to:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Walla Walla District

ATTN: Lower Granite Master Plan

201 N. 3rd Avenue

Walla Walla, WA 99362