Ancient Lakes Camping Closure Proposal Sparks Concerns Among Outdoor Enthusiasts

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has proposed a ban on backcountry camping in the Ancient Lakes area, located in the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area in Central Washington.

The Ancient Lakes area is a unique landscape of rolling sagebrush, sparkling lakes, and craggy basalt canyons, and is a popular destination for off-season hiking and camping. However, WDFW has been working to better manage recreation in the wildlife area amid growing visitation and strained funding and staffing.

In response to human waste and campfire concerns, WDFW has released a proposal that would ban backcountry camping in the Ancient Lakes area starting on January 1, 2027. The Mountaineers, a conservation group, supports WDFW's efforts to care for the wildlife habitat and natural environment of Ancient Lakes, but wants to work with the agency on solutions that can both protect the area and continue to allow backpacking.

The Mountaineers are concerned that a backcountry camping closure would be a loss for their programs and the broader outdoor community. They are asking for feedback from the public on the proposal and are submitting a comment letter to share their concerns and provide suggestions for alternative management solutions.

Growing recreational use of the Ancient Lakes area has led to increasing impacts to the landscape, including improper human waste disposal and campfires affecting sagebrush habitat and posing a safety hazard during high fire danger. The proposal responds to these impacts by closing hike-in and bike-in camping, while road-based camping would remain open.

The Mountaineers appreciate WDFW's work to more sustainably manage recreation on their lands, but have some concerns with the proposed backcountry camping closure. They want to ensure that the agency understands how a closure would affect outdoor access and fully considers potential alternatives.

The Mountaineers and their partners at Washington Trails Association have met with WDFW staff to share their concerns and offer their support in finding alternative solutions. They have asked the agency to extend the comment period and host a public meeting to hear more input from the public.

The Mountaineers are encouraging the agency to consider trying other management strategies before resorting to an outright ban on camping. Potential strategies could include improved educational signage, a permanent campfire ban, hardening of campsites, and prohibiting camping in undesignated sites.

The challenges at Ancient Lakes illustrate the importance of state land management agencies having the resources they need to support sustainable recreation. This is a perfect example of why The Mountaineers advocates for robust funding and staffing for land managers.

**Supporting Sustainable Access at Ancient Lakes**

The Mountaineers are asking for the public's feedback on the proposal and are encouraging recreationists to share their thoughts on how WDFW could better manage the area through policy changes or infrastructure improvements.

WDFW is accepting comments through August 26, though this deadline will likely be extended or reopened to allow for additional feedback after the public meeting this fall. When commenting, consider including how you use the Ancient Lakes area, why maintaining backcountry camping access matters to you, and suggestions for how WDFW could better manage the area.

As a stakeholder in the management of Washington's public lands, your voice matters and we hope you'll consider helping us shape a better future for the Ancient Lakes area.

**Speak Up Now for Ancient Lakes Camping**

The public has the opportunity to shape the future of the Ancient Lakes area by providing feedback on the proposed camping closure. The Mountaineers are encouraging everyone to speak up and share their thoughts on how WDFW can balance recreation and conservation in the area.

The Mountaineers will be submitting a comment letter to WDFW, and are asking for the public's support in advocating for sustainable access to the Ancient Lakes area.