Lake Roosevelt Updates
- Details
- Published: Monday, 11 January 2021 20:46
National Park Service
Visitor Use Site Management Plan Adopted
The Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (LRNRA) Visitor Use Site Management Plan was completed in September. This effort, which began in 2017, focuses on nine priority sites.
As funding is available, NPS reports that management strategies and improvements will be made “… to address a broader spectrum of visitors’ needs and interests, including diversified camping facilities and enhancements to day-use and boat launch areas as well as parking areas, roads, entrances, trails, docks, fish cleaning stations, and other visitor facilities. Implementation of management strategies and improvements will enhance visitor experience and visitor safety and reduce impacts to the national recreation area’s natural and cultural resources.”
Prescribed Burns
NPS conducted pile burns this fall as part of their wildland fire management activities. Focal areas in Stevens, Lincoln and Ferry counties were chosen based on the priority to decrease forest fuel loads adjacent to recreation areas, residences, and structures. Benefits include reduced small fuels, which are primary fire carriers; decreased risk and intensity of uncontrolled wildfires; increased nutrients for trees and understory, and increased understory plant diversity and natural reseeding of trees.
COVID-19
LRNA continues to monitor the pandemic and work closely with state and local public health officials. Visit www.nps.gov/laro for the most current information regarding availability and services at campgrounds, marinas, and other facilities.
Bureau of Reclamation
Third Power Plant Renamed
On August 12, U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt announced the renaming of the Grand Coulee Dam’s Third Power Plant to the “Nathaniel ‘Nat’ Washington Power Plant.” The name change honors the father-son duo who was instrumental in the conception, construction, and implementation of operations at the dam. The announcement was made during a virtual roundtable event hosted by Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA).
Modernization of Grand Coulee Generating Units
Completion of the mechanical overhaul of Unit G-22 in the third powerhouse is slated for early 2021. Previously, Units G-23 and G-24 were overhauled. Based on lessons learned, assessing modernization of Units G-19, G-20, and G-21 is in process. Reclamation, Bonneville Power Administration, and the Corps are conducting an optimization study that will take 2–3 years. As with previous overhaul projects, the goal is operating with maximum flexibility, efficiency, and durability over a 40+ year time horizon.
Go to https://www.usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee/ for a fun, informative video showing time lapse images of generating unit overhauls.
Temporary Closures
In support of the recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Bureau of Reclamation temporarily closed the visitor center, and dam tours are not available until further notice.