Improving Pittsburg Landing, Wallowa Whitman in full support
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Thursday, January 21st, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is working with Idaho County and the Hells Canyon Recreation Collaborative to complete needed upgrades at Pittsburg Landing Campground. To help cover the cost of improvements, Idaho County is seeking funding from the Idaho Parks and Recreation (IDPR) recreational vehicle grant program.
The proposal includes resurfacing the campground loop road, trailer parking pads, and access road to the boat launch. Heat, combined with heavy vehicles and boat trailers, has broken down road surfaces over time. The result is an uneven surface, which poses a safety hazard for vehicles and pedestrians. Completing the resurfacing now will prevent the need for more expensive work later.
Also included in the proposal is the restoration of the restrooms at Pittsburg Landing Campground by refurbishing or replacing interior surfaces. Existing surfaces are showing wear due to age. They are beginning to crack and separate from the walls, which allows dirt and other substances to enter and makes cleaning difficult. Surfaces that can be easily cleaned are important for public health and safety.
“This effort is a part of a valuable partnership with Idaho County and the Hells Canyon Recreation Collaborative,” said Mark Bingman, Acting District Ranger of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. “Together, we have identified several future projects at Pittsburg Landing where we can continue building on our past success.”
Idaho County has agreed to oversee the work and will also provide administrative and engineering services. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has offered to cover up to $26,500 in additional personnel costs as in-kind match, as well as a $10,000 cash match to help make the proposal more competitive. The Hells Canyon Recreation Collaborative is drafting the grant proposal and providing volunteers for restroom work.
“The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is in full support of the Pittsburg Landing Campground Project that Idaho County is proposing, and we are looking forward to our continued partnership to provide excellent recreational opportunities for the public,” wrote Forest Supervisor, Tom Montoya, in a recent letter of cooperation to Idaho County.
If successful, grant funds from the State of Idaho would be available July 1, 2021. Work on the restroom interiors would be completed by the end of the calendar year, and roadwork would be completed in 2022.
For more information about the proposal, please contact Kathy Ackerman, Idaho County Clerk, at 208-983-2751 or kackerman@idahocounty.org.
