Currents and Undercurrents: An Administrative History of Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

The 1,259-mile Columbia River flows out of Canada and across eastern Washington state, forming the border between Washington and Oregon. In 1941 the federal government dammed the Columbia River at the north end of Grand Coulee, creating a man-made reservoir named Lake Roosevelt that inundated homes, farms, and businesses, and disrupted the lives of many. Although Congress never enacted specific authorization to create a park, it passed generic legislation that gave the Park Service authority at the National Recreation Area (NRA). Lake Roosevelt's shoreline totals more than 500 miles of cliffs and gentle slopes. The Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (LARO) was officially created in 1946. This historical study documents the long and complex story of the establishment of LARO and how it has been managed since its creation. Following informational materials and an introduction, the study's chapters are: (1)"When Rivers Ran Free"; (2) "The River Becomes a Lake"; (3) "A Long Road Lies Ahead: Establishing Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area"; (4) "Agreements and Disagreements: From Tri-Party Agreement to Multi-Party Agreement"; (6) "Family Vacation Lake: Recreation Planning and Management"; (7) "Building and Maintaining the Park: Administrative and Visitor Facilities"; (8) "Changing Stories: Interpretation"; (9) "From Simple to Complex: Cultural Resources Management"; (10) "An Uphill Struggle: Natural Resources Management"; (11) "Regaining Ground: Leases and Special Use Permits"; and (12) "Echoes of the Past: Future Issues." Includes seven appendices and an extensive bibliography. (BT)