Washington Company Agrees To Pay $900,000 For Resource Damage At Lake Roosevelt NRA

By

Kurt Repanshek

Published Date

November 18, 2024

A Washington state utility company has agreed to pay $900,000 for damages to natural resources at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area/NPS file

A Washington state utility company has agreed to pay $900,000 for natural resource and archaeological damage it caused at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area while moving a power pole.

The damage was done back in 2017 when Avista Corp. crews entered the NRA, without National Park Service permission, to move a power pole, according to court documents (attached).

The Justice Department said the field work damaged "numerous archaeological features and artifacts" as well as "approximately 70 big sagebrush shrubs, approximately 29 ponderosa pine trees, and many native grasses, forbs, and herbaceous species."

The filings note that Avista Corp's last special use permit for work involving the power pole in the NRA expired at the end of September 1999.

When company crews showed up in the NRA in March 2017 "[t]o stabilize, move, and replace the power pole, Defendant and/or its contractor used several motor vehicles off-road in park areas not designated for off-road use. To stabilize, move, and replace the power pole, Defendant and/or its contractor cut down trees, mechanically damaged trees and shrubs, and removed, trimmed, and displaced other native vegetation in the park."

According to the filings, the power pole originally had been sited "on the edge of previously documented archaeological features and artifacts," and that the crew in March 2017 moved it further into that area and damaged archaeological resources. Avista did not notify the Park Service of the work until April 2017, the filings note.

Avista officials signed off on the settlement in July 2014, with the Justice Department signing in October.

Stories about:

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

Story Categories:

Parks in the News

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

laro-avista_complaint.pdf

laro-avista_stipulation.pdf

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks