The safety of visitors to Corps of Engineers lands is a high priority for the Lower Granite Lock and Dam team. Our rangers and staff do their best to provide a safe and enjoyable experience while you’re visiting Illia Dunes and Granite Point.
We ask visitors, including University of Idaho students, to do their part, too. We thank those who park safely, don’t take glass on the beach, consume alcohol responsibly, remove trash, clean up after others and respect other visitors.
Take care of yourself as you have a good time. Wear sunscreen, drink water frequently and put on a life jacket if you’re on the water. If you can help a friend, please do so. And remember that Illia Dunes is actually not designated as a recreation area. Instead, it’s a habitat management unit for wildlife. Respect wildlife and their habitat. You wouldn’t want visitors in your home to leave a mess behind, right?
Your actions help determine future usage of the Dunes and Granite Point, and we’re watching. For example, we worked with Garfield County to prohibit parking on Almota Ferry Road near Illia Dunes last year, because unsafe parking had intruded on traffic lanes used by visitors and emergency vehicles, and pedestrians were at risk. You can still park in two nearby parking lots.
We’re also monitoring alcohol consumption. While alcohol is currently allowed at Illia Dunes and Granite Point, the District Commander can ban alcohol. It’s been banned at some other areas within the District.
The Dunes and “the Rock” have seen their share of irresponsible or illegal actions in recent years. Along with local law enforcement, part of our job is to watch for unacceptable, prohibited or illegal behavior. We issue citations if necessary, though our first choice is always that you use common sense and avoid getting a citation.
This is about responsible visitation on Corps lands. With your safety in mind, here’s what you can and can’t do at Illia Dunes and Granite Point:
Park appropriately and legally. Do not block other vehicles or access.
No glass is allowed on the beach. Please don’t throw that empty bottle in the ditch.
Consume alcohol responsibly, and only if you’re of legal drinking age. Don’t drive or boat under the influence. Have a designated driver.
Drug use is prohibited on federal lands even if state law allows it elsewhere.
Use provided restroom facilities.
Possession or use of fireworks is not allowed on Corps land at any time of year. Prevent fires by leaving fireworks at home.
Don’t litter and help remove trash. “Pack it in, pack it out” or place trash in Corps-provided bags and containers, not on the beach. Help protect our environment.
Cliff jumping is not allowed at any time at Granite Point or other Corps properties. Think about it. Cliff jumping is strictly prohibited because people can and do get injured or killed.
Special events require an advance permit. Contact our Clarkston Natural Resources office at 509-751-0240 at least 30 days in advance.
To keep things safe, we’ve increased enforcement. It’s a joint effort of Corps rangers, Garfield County Sheriff, Whitman County Sheriff, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington State Patrol. Violators may be cited by our rangers or law enforcement officers.
Remember, your actions help determine future usage of the Dunes and Granite Point. Take care, play it safe and enjoy your visit.
Marty Mendiola, Operations Project Manager
Lower Granite Lock and Dam
Walla Walla District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers