Weekend trash closes Illia Dunes until further notice | Environment

A popular recreation spot for residents of the Palouse was trashed over the weekend prompting its closure until further notice. Over 3,000 people visited the Illia Dunes and left a giant mess for somebody else to clean up.

The Army Corps of Engineers is concerned for visitor safety and health because of the trash. They found broken bottles, beer cans left in the water at the site located downstream of the Lower Granite Lock and Dam along the Snake River. The refuse extended into the parking lots and roadway.

A cleanup plan is underway for the site, but Corps officials do not know when the recreation spot will reopen to the public.

Officials say they're disappointed with the situation. Even with reduced funding, they provide free garbage bags to visitors to help remove trash from the premises.

The dunes is one of the few locations along the river where recreation and wildlife is managed.