In a public ceremony\, the Nez Perce Tribe and Wallowa Lake Lodge will dedicate the Wallowa Lake Conservation Easement at 10am Thursday\, July 21\, on Lodge grounds.
\nSince time immemorial\, Wallowa Lake has served as the cultural heart of the local Nez Perce Wal&rsquo\;wama Band. The Conservation Easement encompasses the 9.22- acre Lodge property\, including its open ground\, towering old growth trees\, and riparian wetlands at the confluence of the upper Wallowa River and Wallowa Lake. The Cayuse-Nez Perce word for this special place is Waala&rsquo\;amkt\, &ldquo\;where the braided stream disappears beneath the water.&rdquo\;
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\nThis Conservation Easement\, acquired in late 2020 and today held in perpetuity by the Nez Perce Tribe\, will ensure protection of fisheries habitat and cultural resources by precluding or restricting additional development.
The Nez Perce Tribe and Wallowa Lake Lodge welcome the public to attend this long-awaited dedication. Tribal Chairman Sam Penney will lead the celebration to officially dedicate the Easement. Others will comment on its cultural and scientific significance\, and implications for future management of the Wallowa Lake Basin.
\n\nThe Celebration begins at 10am. A private lunch will follow.
\n\nFor more information\, contact Madeline Lau\, Lodge GM\, at 541-432-9821\, or Ann McCormack\, Nez Perce Tribe\, at 208-621-3710.
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