Camping, boat improvements not environmentally 'detrimental'

COULEE DAM – The National Park Service has found that a planning effort for nine sites along Lake Roosevelt will not have any significant environmental impact.

The finding, released Sept. 20, concludes that efforts to diversify camping amenities and improve boat launches, roads, parking areas and trails will not be detrimental.

The environment assessment also included plans to improve fish cleaning areas and other visitor amenities, officials said.

The plan dates back to 2017, and included multiple options.

The findings relate to Option No. 2, which calls for spending more staff time on improving amenities and less time dealing with congestion. In general terms, the plan said that means expanding camping, boating and day-use amenities.

Lake Roosevelt staff would also be dedicated to restoration of natural conditions at some locations, under the plan.

Some specific upgrades were rejected, including extending the Evans boat launch, development of group campsites at Spring Canyon and Fort Spokane, installation of RV hookups and removing the grassy area of Spring Canyon.