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Nez Perce National Historical Park begins to increase recreational access

LAPWAI - Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Nez Perce National Historical Park is increasing recreational access.

The National Park Service (NPS) is working service wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning June 20, Nez Perce National Historical Park will reopen access to:

  • Nez Perce National Historical Park Spalding Visitor Center daily 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

In addition, the following areas will continue to be available:

  • Spalding picnic area
  • All trails and grounds
  • All associated Nez Perce NHP sites such as Buffalo Eddy, White Bird Battlefield, Weippe Prairie and Bear Paw Battlefield, etc.

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

Nez Perce National Historical Park archives research center library. Email requests for materials may be sent to NEPE_Library@nps.gov.

"Park Rangers are excited to reopen the visitor center in Spalding and provide interpretive and educational programs daily there and at affiliated park sites," said Superintendent Mike Gauthier. "The safety of our employees and visitors continues to be our priority as we increase public access and services."

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Nez Perce National Historical Park, their operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. They continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.

When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. They will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

They invite visitors to enjoy all of the photographs and multimedia for Nez Perce National Historical Park, on their website at.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on their website www.nps.gov/nepe and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.


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