Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Ordinance stems from problems with campers
COLFAX - A new ordinance bans camping on Whitman County right-of-ways along a 27-mile stretch of the Snake River.
Passed unanimously by county commissioners on Aug. 2. The move followed a public hearing with no testimony.
Concerns from the county health department and Whitman County Fire District 12 about encampments along the river led to the decision.
Camping is banned within 500 feet of the centerline of Wawawai Road along the designated stretch, except for places marked specifically for camping. Violators are face trespassing charges.
The matter stems from an unauthorized camp with several vehicles and tents. It appeared near the Port of Wilma. The camp had two fires, one of which burned a camper and another damaged part of the inside of a van.
Pullouts along the county road are not intended for camping unless they are established sites created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Legal camping is allowed at Wawawai Park.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
Reader Comments(0)