Throughout time, lands along the Columbia River have had many uses, leaving important traces of that history on the land. To better understand how Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day Projects – including the reservoir and associated facilities – may be affecting these important traces of history, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Bonneville Power Administration, are working through the Federal Columbia River Power System Cultural Resources Program to identify and assess impacts to cultural resources on both government and privately owned lands adjacent to the lakes. Cultural resources can include archaeological sites, historic buildings and structures, and areas having cultural importance to Indian Tribes.
As a part of this effort, known as the Wana Pa Koot Koot Cultural Resources Survey, the Corps is reaching out to landowners to coordinate access to their lands. Understanding the impacts to cultural resources is an important part of being good stewards to the environment.
Prior to anyone accessing private property to conduct these surveys, the Corps will need written permission from the property owner. Once permission is granted and a survey scheduled, an archeologist, will walk the property to observe any cultural material that may be on the beach or shoreline. If any are identified, the archaeologist will document artifacts, site conditions, and site boundaries. (Scroll down to the FAQ section for more information.)
The Corps is identifying properties within the designated study area that may be suitable for surveying and sending out standard Right-of-Entry form that the Corps uses to access properties. If you are interested in having your property surveyed or would like to learn more, please use the contact information below:
Email: cenwp-pme-wanapakootkoot@usace.army.mil
Phone: 503-808-4463
Return completed Rights-of-Entry forms to:
Portland District, CENWP-PME-CR
P.O. Box 2946
Portland, OR 97208-2946