We are unaware of any active state legislation affecting Recreational Rockhounding or Public Lands at this time. If you know of any please contact alaa@amlands.org
By Michelle Dupler, Tri-City Herald Mid-Columbians soon could have access to the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain with the unanimous passage of a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday opening the mountain to the public. The bill was introduced in August by Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., who has argued the mountain -- which is part of the Hanford Reach National Monument -- belongs to the American people and should be open for public visits. "The 3,600-foot summit of Rattlesnake holds one of the best views of central Washington and the Columbia River, but has been closed to the public," Hastings said in a statement. Read More:
Recreational Rock collecting -------- Washington State ---- UPDATE
Meloy Road is closed one mile from the junction of Wenas and Audubon Roads. There is no turn-around point.
Barbecue flats is not accessible due to road closure on adjacent private land. DNR is working on an agreement with private landowners to restore access.
Media Contact: Diana Lofflin, Recreation Program Communications Manager, 360-902-1169, Diana.Lofflin@dnr.wa.gov