Wanapum Dam crack prompts access issues
Access to public lands and public documents are important to our readers and the general news media.
For the public, visiting the scenic wide open spaces in Grant County PUD's Priest Rapids Project has been a popular past time these past few weeks because of the lowered Wanapum Reservoir.
People from near and far have taken a road trip to enjoy the scenic beauty of our area. And we're happy to be hosts to visitors. Grant County is a beautiful area we love to share.
Shoreline that hasn't been seen by humans eyes for 50 years is now visible, creating a fun past-time for people who want to go on a nature hike. Recently, though, the PUD closed the shoreline to the public because of safety issues and protecting archeological items. While many have been respectful of the area, PUD officials confirmed, we can see why there is still cause for concern.
Remains of two humans, believed to be archeologic, were found along the shoreline this past month after the water was lowered. And one woman sank down to her waist in the mud along the shore. She wasn't hurt, but frightened, according to police reports.
In this case, we believe Grant PUD made the right decision in closing this area to the public. Inviting more people to the reservoir would not be wise until the water returns to previous levels.
Also recently, the state Legislature approved a bill making archeological sites and tribal burial grounds exempt from the state Open Public Records Act. The shores along the Columbia River and Wanapum Reservoir have artifacts from the Wanapum and other Native American groups that lived and traveled along the river, according to Grant PUD's website.
No one testified outright against the bill. Rowland Thompson, of Allied Daily Newspapers, a voice for the newspaper industry, testified with concerns that the law was too broad.
Changes were made to the law before it was approved. It was fine-tuned to state that locations of historical resources pertained to information shared between tribal governments, state agencies or local governments, according to today's front page story in the Columbia Basin Herald.
We are advocates of open public records, but in this rare case, we agree with the new law shielding the identity of burial grounds and archeologic sites in records request.
We trust that government agencies will continue to work well with the press and public and interpret the new law with care.
- Editorial Board