MEDIA ADVISORY
May 13, 2011
Public hearing on the proposed boundary for Trombetta Canyon NAP
Comments will be welcomed until June 15
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing in Colville at 6 p.m. on May 24, 2011. At the hearing, DNR will present a proposed boundary for the Trombetta Canyon Natural Area Preserve (NAP) and will take public comments.
Who: Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Natural Areas Program
What: Public Hearing: A presentation of a proposal to set boundaries for the Trombetta Canyon Natural Area Preserve. Following the overview of the proposal, DNR will receive public testimony on the proposed preserve boundary. A fact sheet about the proposal is on DNR’s website: www.dnr.wa.gov.
Written comments on the proposed preserve boundary: Welcomed until close of business on June 15, 2011, to be sent to Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Forest Resources & Conservation Division, ATTN: Trombetta Canyon Boundary, PO Box 47016, Olympia, WA 98504-7016; Phone (360) 902-1600. Or, comments may be emailed to frcd@dnr.wa.gov, with the subject line ‘Trombetta Canyon Boundary Comment.’
When: Hearing at 6:00 p.m., May 24, 2011
Where: DNR Armory Building, 225 S. Silke Rd Colville, Washington
Why: Proposed Trombetta Canyon NAP
Trombetta Canyon is a striking geological feature, consisting of a dry cliff-sided canyon incised in a raised limestone formation, with no apparent source of flowing water to have formed it. The limestone cliffs provide habitat for two rare and other limestone-dependent plant species. The canyon’s location and topography protect habitat for a variety of other organisms, particularly those that may be adapted to limestone substrates. Isolation of this site offers an uncommon opportunity for study of ecological processes without human-caused effects.
Trombetta Canyon proper lies just 2 miles southeast of Northport, Washington in Stevens County. The canyon is almost entirely within the west half of Section 16, in Township 39 North, Range 40 East, with a sliver of land extending west into Section 17 and the mouth of the canyon reaching north into Section 9 and the extreme southeast corner of Section 8. The limestone/dolomite formation in which the Canyon is cut includes the southern third of Section 9, the western edge of Section 15, and the eastern two thirds of Section 17.
The Natural Heritage Advisory Council recommended acquisition in March 26, 2008, and proposed a preliminary site boundary. The public hearing will be held prior to a Commissioner’s decision on whether to establish a boundary for the natural area.
Media Contact: Jane Chavey, Senior Communications Manager, 360-902-1721, jane.chavey@dnr.wa.gov
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