PUBLIC LANDS -- The Washington State Department of Natural Resources  will hold a public hearing in Colville regarding a proposed boundary to limit access to the Trombetta Canyon Natural Area Preserve.

Trombetta Canyon, 2 miles southeast of Northport in Stevens County, 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 public hearing is set for 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 24, at the DNR Armory Building, 225 S. Silke Rd. in Colville. 

See a fact sheet onthe proposal at the DNR’s website.

Read on for more details.

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.

Written commentson the proposed preserve boundary  will be accepted until June 15.

Send 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 email comments to frcd@dnr.wa.gov with the subject line ‘Trombetta Canyon Boundary Comment.’

The Natural Heritage Advisory Council recommended acquisition of the canyon 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.