Visitor safety on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands is a high priority. Our Lower Granite Lock and Dam rangers and staff do their best to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors to Illia Dunes and Granite Point.

We ask visitors, including WSU students, to do their part, too. We thank those who park safely, don’t take glass on the beach, consume alcohol responsibly, remove trash, clean up after others and respect other visitors.

Take care of yourself as you have a good time. Wear sunscreen, drink water frequently and put on a life jacket if you’re in the water. If you can help a friend, please do so. Also, remember that Illia Dunes is actually not a designated recreation area. Instead, it’s a wildlife habitat management unit. Respect the wildlife and their habitat. You wouldn’t want visitors to your home leaving a mess behind, right?

Your actions help determine future usage of the dunes and Granite Point, and we’re watching. We worked with Garfield County last year to prohibit unsafe parking on Almota Ferry Road near Illia Dunes. You can park in two nearby lots. While alcohol is currently allowed at the dunes and Granite Point, the District Commander can ban alcohol. It’s been banned at other areas.

Along with local law enforcement, part of our job is to watch for unacceptable, prohibited or illegal behavior. We issue citations if necessary, but our first choice is that you use common sense and avoid getting a citation.

This is about responsible visitation on Corps lands. With your safety in mind, here’s what you can and can’t do on Corps property:

• Park appropriately and legally. Don’t block other vehicles or access.

• No glass is allowed on the beach. Please don’t throw that empty bottle in the ditch.

• Consume alcohol responsibly, and only if of legal drinking age. Don’t drive or boat under the influence. Have a designated driver.

• Drug use is prohibited on federal lands even if state law allows it elsewhere.

• Use provided restroom facilities.

• Possession of fireworks is not allowed on Corps land at any time of year. Help prevent fires.

• Don’t litter. Help remove trash: “Pack it in, pack it out” or place trash in Corps-provided bags and containers, not on the beach. Help protect our environment.

• Cliff jumping is not allowed at any time at Granite Point or other Corps properties. You can get injured or killed.

• Special events require an advance permit. Contact our Lower Granite Natural Resources Office at 509-751-0240 at least 30 days in advance.

To keep things safe, enforcement has been increased by Corps rangers, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Patrol. Violators may be cited by our rangers or law enforcement.

Remember, your actions help determine future usage of the dunes and Granite Point. Take care, and enjoy your visit.