Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
National Heritage Conservation Manager John Gamon outlines a proposal for the purchase of Steptoe Butte State Park to local residents at a public hearing in Colfax on June 14.
A chart displayed during the meeting shows the locations of a variety of plant species on the butte. A chart displayed during the meeting shows the locations of a variety of plant species on the butte. A chart displayed during the meeting shows the locations of a variety of plant species on the butte. A chart displayed during the meeting shows the locations of a variety of plant species on the butte. A chart displayed during the meeting shows the locations of a variety of plant species on the butte. A chart displayed during the meeting shows the locations of a variety of plant species on the butte.
The future of the Steptoe Butte State Park was discussed at a public hearing in Colfax on Thursday, June 14.
Kent Bassett, his late wife, Elaine, and Joan and Ray Folwell of Pullman bought the land north of Colfax, which encompasses more than 400 acres, about two years ago for $638,000 with hopes to preserve the area. The area is one of the last remnants of Palouse prairie, houses multiple rare species of plants and animals and is designated as a National Natural Landmark.
Washington's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering purchasing the land to be used as a Natural Resource Area, and the state parks department is also considering buying the land in order to add it to an existing state park it owns nearby. Per state law, a public hearing must be held prior to the purchase of land by a state agency for use as a Natural Area or state park. About 30 residents attended the meeting to provide comments and have their questions answered.
DNR officials conducted the meeting to gather the public's feedback on the type of designation the land should be given if acquired by the state, the recommended boundary for the site, which public uses of the land should be considered, and how weed control would be managed under a new owner.
Public access was an important topic among attendees who asked a number of questions about how the site would be used for activities such as hiking and hunting if the land were to be purchased.
DNR officials said that while the butte's level of public access is still largely undecided, they will collaborate with local stakeholders and state agencies to resolve the question. Officials said that while the land may be opened up to the public for recreational or educational activities, preservation of the habitat is their top priority and public access options may be limited to the extent it does not harm the area's wildlife.
"I want people to enjoy their natural freedoms, but if it means no hunting, no hiking... then that's what ought to happen," said Karen Kiessling of Pullman. "We have to preserve what is so unusual and what is such a gift to us."
Many present voiced support for legal hunting at the butte if a state agency acquires the site.
Chris Duke from the Phoenix Conservancy said he would support hunting in the area, but only "if in the interest of the longterm welfare of the native species and animals."
Final cutoff for public comments to DNR is Friday, June 22.
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