Corps shuts down Illia Dunes Sunday

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Monday announced they closed down the Illia Dunes on Sunday after 1,800 people unexpectedly visited the dunes Saturday. Reason for the closure was “significant” environmental damage and the potential for risks to health and safety.

The report said enormous amounts of trash were scattered along the beach with broken bottles and beer cans left in the water. Also, extensive human waste was left along the beach and adjacent riparian areas.

Chris Lorz, park ranger at Lower Granite Lock and Dam, said the first objective will be to remove broken glass and debris and clean up the health risk caused by visitors who did not use the restrooms.

The dunes in August two years ago was hit by a crowd of 3,000 visitors who left behind tons of trash, broken glass, foam coolers and other litter.

Since then the Corps has worked with Garfield County officials to ban parking along the Almota Ferry Road. Many of the vehicles Saturday had parked in restricted areas.

The corps two years ago worked with college officials to emphasize visitor safety and responsibility and WSU officials coordinated a cleanup drive conducted by college students.

Darren Opp, park manager, noted the corps does not have the resources to repeatedly clean up “after thousands of party goers who refuse to use the trash bins and bags.”

The dunes has three vault toilets, and bathrooms are also available at the Lower Granite Visitors Center.

Opp noted the dunes is a unique land resource.