Sen. Schoesler speaks on Steptoe Butte toilet removal

STEPTOE - Senator Mark Schoesler, 9th District, learned that Washington State Parks is removing the restroom at the top of Whitman County's Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site and strongly opposes the Parks administration's decision.

Sen. Schoesler said that while he is happy they are repaving the road to the top of the butte, he strongly spoke out against the decision to close the service in a press release from Friday, Jan. 26.

"The top of the butte is very isolated. Anyone having a picnic there will be forced to travel five miles down to the park entrance for a rest room. In what other state park would that be OK? Park lovers in our region – and I am one of them – deserve better," Schoesler said.

Sen. Schoesler told the Gazette Monday, Jan. 29, that he had one school district contact him about what they would do if they went to the top of the butte with a school bus of children. "I haven't had a constituent who has thought it is a good idea," he said, noting that Washington State Parks made the deal behind closed doors and needed to re-examine it.

In the press release from Friday, Jan. 26, Sen. Schoesler said that since Steptoe Butte is in his district, the Washington State Parks administration should have notified him, and Representatives Joe Schmick (R-Colfax) and Mary Dye (R-Pomeroy) about the restroom closure. "Instead, I found out from reading the Whitman County Gazette," Schoesler said, noting that while he commends the Gazette for reporting, he wonders why Washington State Parks kept it quiet from him.

Schoesler said when he inquired, the Washington Parks officials said the restrooms are being closed as part of a deal with local tribes.

"I understand that the tribes consider Steptoe Butte to be sacred ground. It is a special place for all of us," Sen. Schoesler said, noting that he thinks the move will ruin a great experience for the many visitors who travel to the butte's summit.