i

General Management Plan

for

Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Prepared by

U.S. Department of the Interior

National Park Service

This final Whitman Mission National Historic Site General Management Plan (GMP) is the

proposed action of the National Park Service and was derived from four draft alternatives presented to

the public during the general management planning process. (Refer to the Whitman Mission National

Historic Site Draft General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement, July 1999 and the

Whitman Mission National Historic Site General Management Plan and Environmental Impact

Statement published in abbreviated format in May 2000.) With the signing of the Record of Decision on

August 25, 2000 this alternative became the general management plan for the national historic site.

This GMP responds to both the National Park Service planning requirements and to the issues identified

during the public scoping process. It emphasizes enhanced protection of the national historic site

resources and associated visitor experiences. The general management plan contains the following four

major components: 1) provides for a three-dimensional delineation of the original structures, and

substituting native grasses for the existing lawn at the Mission Grounds; 2) creates a recreational trail

through the riparian area near the Walla Walla River; 3) constructs additional exhibit and administrative

space; and 4) encourages the acquisition of voluntary conservation easements on properties adjacent to

the national historic site by nonprofit organizations.

Coordination and partnerships will be encouraged with other agencies to support implementation of the

general management plan. In addition, the GMP contains one development concept plan related to

enhancements to the visitor center, parking lot, picnic area, and pedestrian circulation. Actions in this

plan include reconfiguring the main parking lot, adding a group shelter to the picnic area, adding several

improvements to the visitor center entry, constructing additional administrative space on the existing

administrative wing of the visitor center, and reconfiguring the pedestrian access to the Oregon National

Historic Trail and the Mission Grounds.

For additional information contact the Superintendent, Whitman Mission National Historic Site, 328

Whitman Mission Road, Walla Walla, Washington 99362; telephone: (509) 522-6360.
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Summary

This document is the general management plan (GMP) for Whitman Mission National Historic Site

(NHS). The plan provides National Park Service (NPS) staff with the necessary framework to guide the

management of the national historic site for the next 15 to 20 years. The plan is intended to be a useful

long-term decision-making tool, providing NPS managers with a logical and trackable rationale for

decisions about the protection and public use of NHS resources.

At the beginning of the planning process, a series of public scoping meetings were held to present the

purpose and significance of the NHS to the public, to outline park mission goals, and to present issues

that would be addressed in the plan. Input was solicited from the public and other governmental agencies

to discern if there were other issues that needed to be addressed in the plan which were not initially

listed. A draft GMP/EIS was released for public review and comment in July 1999. Public meetings were

held in conjunction with this public review period.

In response to these issues, and cognizant of the mission goals established for Whitman Mission National

Historic Site, the draft GMP provided four alternative approaches for the protection, public use, and

management of NHS resources. One of these proposals, Alternative C, became the general management

plan for the NHS with the release of the final general management plan and the signing of the Record of

Decision on August 25, 2000. (For information on the three other alternatives originally proposed, refer

to the Whitman Mission National Historic Site Draft General Management Plan and Environmental

Impact Statement, July 1999 and the Whitman Mission National Historic Site General Management Plan

and Environmental Impact Statement, May 2000.)

The GMP will provide for enhanced visitor experience and understanding by providing for a threedimensional delineation of the original structures and substituting native grasses for the existing lawn at

the Mission Grounds, providing a riparian recreational trail along the Walla Walla River, constructing

additional exhibit and administrative space within the visitor center, and encouraging the voluntary

acquisition of conservation easements on properties adjacent to the NHS by a non-profit land trust or

other entity. In addition, the GMP contains a development concept plan. Actions in this plan include

reconfiguring the main parking lot, adding a group shelter to the picnic area, adding improvements to the

visitor center entry, and constructing additional administrative space on the existing administrative wing,

and reconfiguring the pedestrian access to the Oregon Trail and the Mission Grounds.

Other actions to be incorporated into the plan included the following: keeping the required occupancy in

the existing park residence, providing a photographic panoramic of the view from Memorial Hill for

mobility-impaired visitors, coordinating with the staff of other Oregon Trail sites, completing a baseline

inventory for the NHS, developing a Whitman Mission NHS “Friends Group,” re-establishing Doan

Creek, and planting native plants at the NHS when non-historic ornamental trees and shrubs die.

Some modifications in the draft GMP were made, including the deletion of the viewshed analysis as a

component of the land protection section of the general management plan. The concept of viewshed

protection was misunderstood by several members of the public who commented on the draft GMP and

attended public meetings. While the protection of the historic scene and retention of compatible land uses

surrounding the national historic site remain an important objective of the National Park Service and this

general management plan, the viewshed analysis component of the plan was eliminated from the final

plan.
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Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Background of the Park 1

Background 1

Purpose and Significance 2

Whitman Mission National Historic Site Mission Goals 3

Chapter 2: Purpose and Need for the Plan 5

Planning Issues and Concerns 5

Pertinent Laws, Policies, and Procedures 8

Chapter 3: The General Management Plan 15

General Description 15

Actions to be Incorporated into the Plan 15

Management Zones 17

Cultural Resource Management 17

Natural Resource Management 23

Interpretation and Visitor Use 23

Recreation Resource Management 24

Scenic Resource Management 25

Park Facilities 25

Park Operations and Staffing 30

Fees 31

Park Hours and Seasons of Operation 31

Parking, Access, and Circulation 31

Carrying Capacity 32
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Park Boundary and Land Protection 33

Opportunities for Regional Cooperation 36

Action Plan Items 36

Chapter 4: Affected Environment 39

The Cultural Environment 39

The Natural Environment 44

Interpretation 54

Visitor Use 61

Socioeconomic Factors 65

Recreational Resources 77

Scenic Resources 77

Existing Park Development and Programs 79

Chapter 5: Summary of Public Involvement 83

Chapter 6: List of Preparers and Cooperating Entities 85

Chapter 7: Appendices 89

Appendix A: Whitman Mission National Historic Site Legislation 90

Appendix B: Analysis of Boundary Adjustment and Land Protection Criteria 94

Appendix C: Supplemental Bibliography 98

Appendix D: Acronyms 101

Appendix E: Record of Decision 103

Chapter 8: Bibliography 107
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List of Figures

(Figures are located after the following page numbers.)

Chapter 1

Figure 1, Palouse Grassland Ecoregion 2

Chapter 2

Figure 2, Physical and Natural Features 6

Figure 3, Cultural Landscape and Features 6

Chapter 3

Figure 4, Management Zoning 18

Figure 5, Schematic Development Concept Plans (2) 26

Figure 6, Vegetation 50

Background of the Park

1 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Background of the Park

Whitman Mission National Historic Site (NHS) is located to the west of the Blue Mountains in

southeastern Washington. In 1836, Marcus and Narcissa Whitman arrived at a valley near the confluence

of the Walla Walla River and Mill Creek to set up a Christian mission for the Cayuse people. The area

was called Waiilatpu, “Place of the Rye Grass,” by the Cayuse Indians. The present 98.15 acre historic

site is on a portion of the original land settled by the Whitmans.

The NHS is within Washington’s Fifth Congressional District in Walla Walla County and is located

approximately seven miles west of the city of Walla Walla. Vehicular access to the NHS is from U.S.

Highway 12 at the Swegle Road intersection. (See Figure 1, Palouse Grassland Ecoregion.)

Background

Establishment of Whitman Mission National Historic Site

On June 29, 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation (Public Law 840, H.R. 7736) that

established Whitman Mission at Waiilatpu as a unit of the National Park Service (NPS). The act stated

the following:

The property acquired under the provisions Section 1 of this Act shall constitute the Whitman

National Monument and shall be a public national memorial to Marcus Whitman and his wife,

Narcissa Prentiss Whitman, who here established their Indian mission and school, and ministered to

the physical and spiritual needs of the Indians until massacred with twelve1 other persons in 1847.

The act stipulated that the site of the Whitman National Monument had to be acquired by gift, and

included a right-of-way to the nearest highway, U. S. Highway 12. Although there was significant local

support of the monument, acquiring the land by gift delayed establishment of the monument due

primarily by the need to clear land titles. On January 20, 1940, the Secretary of Interior accepted clear

title and 45.94 acres were deeded to the NPS. This included the Mission Grounds, Memorial Hill, and the

Great Grave.

Actions Affecting Whitman Mission National Historic Site after Enabling

Legislation

More acreage of the original mission land was needed to meet the objectives of the monument. By 1952

it was apparent that these lands were not going to be available by donation. On May 1, 1958, Public Law

985-388 authorized the purchase of an additional 46.71 acres located to the north of the original

monument. This acquisition was completed in 1960.

In 1961, 5.6 acres of land were transferred from Walla Walla County to the Federal Government to

provide access from Highway 12 to the west side of the NHS. These two roads, the northern portion of

 

1 There were eleven people killed along with the Whitmans. According to historians, one person escaped, but was

probably either captured by and killed by the Indians, or drowned. This would account for the 12 people cited in the

legislation.
Background of the Park

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 2

Swegle and Whitman Mission Road, constitute the park entrance road and is owned and maintained by

the United States of America.

One year later, on May 31, 1962, the name of the park was changed to Whitman Mission National

Historic Site. The change in designation from a monument to a national historic site emphasized its

historic significance and the need to address the entire historic setting as well as the existing memorials

to the Whitmans. (See Appendix A for Whitman Mission National Historic Site legislation.)

In 1968, the National Trail System Act was passed (Public Law 80-543). This act contained authorization

and criteria for establishing national trails. On November 10, 1978, the Oregon National Historic Trail

was established (Public Law 85-625). With acceptance of the Comprehensive Management Use Plan for

Oregon National Historic Trail (CMP) in 1981, Whitman Mission was officially recognized as a historic

site along the Oregon Trail. The CMP states the importance of the National Historic Site:

Although Whitman Mission is 31 miles north of the primary route of the Oregon Trail, its history is

indelibly tied to the early years of western migration. This mission was established in 1836 by Dr.

Marcus Whitman, a Presbyterian missionary determined to bring religion and civilization to the

Indians of the Pacific Northwest. Whitman and his wife, Narcissa, along with Reverend Henry and

Eliza Spalding, made the long overland journey to Oregon in 1836, helping to blaze what would

become the Oregon Trail. They followed a route first used by fur traders and trappers, and their

journey helped establish the possibility of using the trail as a major migration route. Mrs. Spalding

and Mrs. Whitman were the first white women to travel on the trail, and their party was also the first

to successfully use vehicles as far west as Fort Boise.

Designation as part of the Oregon Trail expanded the legislative purpose and significance of Whitman

Mission National Historic Site beyond a memorial to the Whitmans as specified in the 1936 enabling

legislation.

The purpose of the NPS Long Distance Trails Office (located in Salt Lake City, Utah) is to preserve and

commemorate the history of the California, Pony Express, Mormon Pioneer, and Oregon National

Historic trails and to coordinate the management of the four national historic trails. The Oregon National

Historic Trail master plan has been revised to identify elements that are common to all four national

historic trails and to make recommendations for future actions. A draft plan was released to the public in

June 1998, and a final plan was completed in August 1999. As plans for the Oregon Trail are developed,

these plans may affect the role of Whitman Mission National Historic Site in interpretation of the trail.

Purpose and Significance

Purpose of Whitman Mission National Historic Site

The National Park Service Organic Act of 1916 established management criteria for all units of the

National Park System. The stated purpose is “... to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic

objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such a manner and by

such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”

The Enabling Act of 1936 identified the purpose of Whitman Mission National Historic Site as a

“...public national memorial to Marcus Whitman and his wife, Narcissa Prentiss Whitman, who here

established their Indian mission and school and ministered to the physical and spiritual needs of the
Background of the Park

3 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Indians....” The act called upon the National Park Service to “... maintain and preserve it [Whitman

Mission] for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the United States.”

1 

Background of the Park

1 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Specifically the purpose of Whitman Mission NHS is to provide the following:

• To preserve and maintain the site of the Mission and school for Indians established by Marcus

and Narcissa Whitman between 1836-1847 along the Walla Walla River at Waiilatpu, and to

preserve and maintain the memorials to their lives.

• To relate for the public the events that took place at the Mission site and its role in western

migration and settlement along the Oregon Trail.

Significance of Whitman Mission National Historic Site

There are five reasons that make Whitman Mission National Historic Site significant:

• Establishment of Whitman Mission, and the subsequent massacre that occurred, are important

events in western pioneer history and settlement. The designation of the NHS provides a direct

link to the theme of America's westward expansion as defined by the National Park System Plan,

and assists the NPS in representing this theme to the American people.

• The story of Whitman Mission is a clash between two cultures and their lack of understanding

and ability to solve problems peacefully. One culture a white, American missionary society that

produced the Whitmans and brought them to Waiilatpu, and the other, the Indian culture of the

Cayuse and other native peoples that the Whitmans encountered and attempted to influence.

• The site of Whitman Mission was an important component of the Oregon Trail. The Mission was

one of seven such aid stations along the trail and provided an important respite for weary Oregon

Trail emigrants during the early years of the Oregon Trail. Additionally, Dr. Marcus Whitman

had a key role in guiding one of the first wagon trains into Oregon Territory. Finally, the

successful crossing of the continent by Narcissa Whitman and Eliza Spalding proved that white

women could endure the journey.

• The massacre of the Whitmans and eleven others (and one who disappeared and presumably

drowned) and the unsuccessful end of the Mission led to a war between the militia and the

Cayuse in 1848 and the arrival of federal troops in 1849. The ensuring 1855 treaties resulted in

opening up the territory to pioneer settlement.

• The NHS preserves the Mission Grounds, the site of the Great Grave, and the memorials to the

Whitmans.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site Mission Goals

Mission goals describe the desired resource conditions and visitor experiences, that taken together, fully

achieve the National Historic Site’s purpose, maintain its significance, and are consistent with NPS

management policies. Whitman Mission National Historic Site currently has 11 mission goals:

• To preserve and protect the historic, cultural, and natural resources of Whitman Mission National

Historic Site for present and future generations.

• To encourage others to assist in the preservation of the cultural and agricultural setting around

Whitman Mission NHS and the historic setting of the Mission area.

• To provide the visiting public with an understanding of three primary interpretive messages:

a) An understanding and appreciation of the Mission Period and the resultant clash of cultures

between early pioneer settlers and the Cayuse and other Indian peoples in the region.

b) The role of the Mission as an aid station along the Oregon Trail, Dr. Whitman’s important role in

guiding early wagon trains west along the trail, and the influence Narcissa Whitman and Eliza

Spalding had on other pioneer women considering travel to the American West.
Background of the Park

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 2

c) The importance of the massacre event’s resultant outcome in the establishment of the Oregon

Territory.

• To develop stronger ties with local tribes to assist in the interpretation and understanding of the

Mission Period.

• To encourage both visitors and staff to utilize sustainable practices in the present and future use of

Whitman Mission NHS.

To provide adequate administrative space to serve the programs and operations of Whitman Mission

NHS.

• To provide adequate permanent, seasonal and volunteer staffing levels to support future Whitman

Mission NHS interpretive and educational programs, and other operational needs.

• To explore and promote opportunities to coordinate and share human and physical resources with

Nez Perce National Historical Park, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, other NPS sites and

partners having interpretive themes and programs which relate to the purpose of Whitman Mission

NHS.

• To determine and implement the extent and manner of memorialization of the Whitmans.

• To maintain Whitman Mission NHS facilities in a safe condition and to remain open and accessible

to the general public.

• To preserve and enhance the natural resources of the NHS, including riparian and wetland areas, in

accord with all applicable laws, NPS policies, and executive orders.
Purpose and Need for the Plan

3 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Purpose and Need for the Plan

The purpose of this general management plan (GMP) is to guide the protection of cultural and natural

resources and management of visitor services at Whitman Mission National Historic Site during the next

15 years. Successful implementation of the GMP would result in the preservation of natural and cultural

resources and the enhancement of the quality of the visitors’ experience.

Public Law 95-625, the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978, requires the preparation and timely

revision of general management plans for each unit of the National Park System. The NPS management

policies call for each GMP to “...set forth a management concept for the park [and] establish a role for

the unit within the context of regional trends and plans for conservation, recreation, transportation,

economic development, and other regional issues...” Congress has also specifically directed (16 U.S.C.

1a-7[b]) the NPS to consider, as part of the planning process the following:

General management plans for the preservation and use of each unit of the National Park System,

including areas within the national capital area, shall be prepared and revised in a timely manner by

the Director of the National Park Service. On January 1 of each year, the Secretary shall submit to

the Congress a list indicating the current status of completion or revision of general management

plans for each unit of the National Park System. General management plans for each unit shall

include, but not be limited to:

(1) measures for the preservation of the area’s resources

(2) indications of types and general intensities of development (including visitor circulation and

transportation patterns, systems and modes) associated with public enjoyment and use of the

area, including general locations, timing of implementation, and anticipated costs;

(3) identification of an implementation commitment for visitor carrying capacities for all areas of

the unit; and

(4) indications of potential modifications to the external boundaries of the unit, and the reasons

therefor.

While it is the policy of the NPS to prepare or revise a GMP for units of the National Park System every

15 years, the last general management plan (master plan) for Whitman Mission National Historic Site

was revised in 1960. The need is to address the many issues which have changed since the master plan

was written, and previous actions that need to be reevaluated based upon new information or

circumstances. A discussion of these issues can be found in the following “Planning Issues and

Concerns” section.

Planning Issues and Concerns

Specific needs or problems to be addressed in this GMP reflected in the following array of issues specific

to Whitman Mission NHS. These issues were developed by NPS staff and the public through the public

participation process. They are listed by category. For a more detailed description of these issues, refer to

“The Affected Environment” chapter of this document. (For help in identifying the location of features,

see Figure 2, Physical and Natural Features and Figure 3, Cultural Landscape and Features. Note that in

Figure 3 the cultural landscape areas are taken from the 1984 Landscape Study and Management

Alternatives for Revegetation.)
Purpose and Need for the Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 4

Issues Relating to Cultural Resource Management

Clarification on Memorialization of Whitmans

Clarification is needed regarding how the Whitmans should be memorialized. Currently, memorials exist

at the Memorial Shaft and at the site of the Great Grave which includes the remains of Marcus and

Narcissa Whitman and eleven other people killed. There is a need to determine how these memorials will

be cared for and interpreted, including any future memorials. The extent and manner of memorialization

through the interpretation and protection of the overall mission site should be identified.

Issues Relating to Interpretation and Visitor Use

Inadequate Interpretation of Mission Grounds

Currently, the manicured lawns throughout the Mission Grounds do not convey the historic scene. While

the outline of the exterior walls of the various mission buildings are provided by inlaid concrete blocks,

no reconstructed buildings or raised three-dimensional profiles of the mission buildings exist to assist in

the interpretation or understanding of the scene. Hence, the “footprints” of the buildings at the Mission

Grounds are often difficult to discern. Additionally, since the Mission Period, the main channel of the

Walla Walla River has meandered to the south away from the site. In light of these issues, various

options for the future interpretation, maintenance, and protection of archeological and other resources

within the Mission Grounds were examined during this planning process.

Issues Relating to Park Facilities, Staffing, and Operations

Identification of Infrastructure Concerns

Present and future infrastructure issues will be addressed during the planning process. Infrastructure

issues include the condition and reliability of the water, sewer, electrical, and communications systems,

internal road circulation, maintenance responsibilities for access roads and bridges, and suitability of

existing storage facilities for curatorial, maintenance, and administrative needs.

Inadequacy of Park Security

Currently the park has one “required occupancy” (residence) to provide on-site response and an

immediate presence in the area. Expertise is provided in the area of site maintenance which enables the

park to respond well to potential facility or equipment breakdowns and related incidents. However, none

of the current staff are commissioned law enforcement officers who can make an arrest or deal with the

potential of criminal activity at the park. The park visitor center and maintenance building have an alarm

security system which alerts the county sheriff's office to respond. There is a need to determine if any

additional staff is needed to serve in a law enforcement capacity, or if the present security system is

adequate to protect park resources, staff, and visitors.

Inadequate Staffing Needs

Staffing needs may be influenced by the proposed actions that are developed through the planning

process. Future staffing requirements need to be compared with the existing permanent and seasonal

workforce. Current staff shortfalls in park operational areas such as visitor services and interpretation

need to be addressed. The future role of volunteers and other cooperators and partners needs to be

identified to provide assistance in the operation of the park.
Purpose and Need for the Plan

5 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

WHMI GMP/EIS

FIGURE 2

Physical and Natural Features
Purpose and Need for the Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 6

WHMI GMP/EIS

FIGURE 3

Cultural Landscape & Features
Purpose and Need for the Plan

7 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Inadequacy of Administrative Space

Efficiency is affected by inadequate physical space for administrative support. Current conditions result

in overcrowding and congestion in the administrative office. The interpretive storage facilities are also

crowded.

Issues Relating to Park Boundary and Land Protection

Defining Access Along Park Entrance Road

Access to the park entrance road from adjacent private property is by the exercise of valid existing rights.

In 1961, when Walla Walla County transferred ownership of Whitman Mission Road and the newly

constructed segment known as Swegle Road (from U.S. Highway 12 to the intersection with Whitman

Mission Road) to the Federal Government, the National Park Service accepted title to the entrance road

subject to the reservations of rights referenced in the deed, and as necessarily may be implied under

Washington State law. These reserved rights generally addressed utilities and irrigation ditches. New

landowners in the area that own property adjacent or in proximity to the park road must utilize existing

recognized access points.

Recently, land use conversion, including residential subdivision, has occurred in the agricultural land

immediately surrounding the NHS. These approved subdivisions by the County have resulted in

proposals to the staff at the NHS by landowners to permit access points along the federally owned road.

The NPS has four concerns: 1) The inability of NPS to grant new legal access along a federally owned

road. 2) The prospect of future increases in the number of requests for granting access for subdivision

development. 3) Safety issues related to numerous access points. 4) The ability of NPS to provide an

attractive access road entrance to the NHS for the traveling public. At issue is the need to address how

and whether future subdivision access should be legally granted onto the current federal road.

Relationship to Adjacent Land Uses

Some of the land historically cultivated by the Whitmans as part of the Mission is located to the west of

the present park boundary and is privately owned. Ongoing agricultural land uses that are currently in

practice surrounding the NHS on all sides are generally complementary to land protection policies of the

NHS.

However, there is a fragility to this relationship since in some places there is only a small buffer, less

than 55 feet, between historic structure foundations and private land. As with most private land,

surrounding land uses are subject to local zoning which currently permits a wide range of land uses in a

general agricultural zone. There is no guarantee that these agricultural uses will exist in the area in future

years. At issue is how to ensure that compatible agricultural uses and practices will continue to occur on

private lands surrounding the park. Workable, cooperative strategies between landowners, local

government, and the National Park Service need to be identified and initiated to help ensure the longterm protection and retention of these important agricultural settings to the historic site.

Pertinent Laws, Policies, and Procedures

This section summarizes the laws, executive orders, NPS policies, and operational procedures related to

the preparation of park planning documents. The following section highlights those which are most
Purpose and Need for the Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 8

pertinent to the planning for the future protection, use, and management of Whitman Mission National

Historic Site.

The National Park Service Organic Act

The NPS Organic Act of August 25, 1916 (16 USC 1) established the National Park Service. “The

service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks,

...by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purpose of said parks, ...which purpose is

to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the

enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the

enjoyment of future generations.”

National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978

Public Law 95-625, the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978, requires the preparation and timely

revision of general management plans for each unit of the National Park System. The NPS Management

Policies (U.S. Department of the Interior 1988) calls for each GMP to “...set forth a management concept

for the park [and] establish a role for the unit within the context of regional trends and plans for

conservation, recreation, transportation, economic development, and other regional issues...”. Congress

has also specifically directed (16 U.S.C. 1a-7[b][4] ) the NPS to consider, as part of the planning process,

what modifications of external boundaries might be necessary to carry out park purposes.

General Authorities Act of 1970

This act defines the National Park System as including “...any area of land and water now or hereafter

administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the NPS for park, monument, historic, parkway,

recreational, or other purposes:...” (16 USC 1c[a] ). It states that “...each area within the national park

system shall be administered in accordance with the provisions of any statute made specifically

applicable to that area...” (16 USC 1c[b] ) and in addition with the various authorities relating generally

to NPS areas, as long as the general legislation does not conflict with specific provisions.

Redwood Act of 1978

The Redwood Act (16 USC 1a-1) in 1978 further states “...that these areas, though distinct in character,

are united through their interrelated purposes and resources into one national park system as cumulative

expressions of a single national heritage... The authorization of activities shall be construed and the

protection, management, and administration of the areas shall be conducted in light of the high public

value and integrity of the national park system and shall not be exercised in derogation of the values and

purposes for which these various areas have been established, except as they have been or shall be

directly and specifically provided by Congress”.

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 (as amended) requires that proposals and

alternatives relating to actions that could affect cultural resources both directly and indirectly, and the

potential effects of those actions, be provided for review and comment by the State Historic Preservation

Officer (SHPO) and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Therefore, this document will be
Purpose and Need for the Plan

9 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

submitted to the appropriate offices for review and comment according to procedures in 36 CFR Part 800

and delineated in the 1990 Programmatic Agreement signed by the NPS, the National Conference of

State Historic Preservation Officers, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

Section 110

Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act gives federal agencies positive responsibility for

preserving historic properties in their ownership or control. Agencies are directed to establish

preservation programs to identify, evaluate, protect, and nominate to the National Register historic

properties under their ownership of control, whether they are of significance at the local, state, or

national level. It calls for them to use such properties, where feasible and compatible with their

preservation, in preference to acquiring, constructing, or leasing others. The law emphasizes cooperation

with SHPOs in establishing such programs.

Section 111

This section of law states that federal agencies after consultation with the Advisory Council for Historic

Preservation will establish and implement alternatives for historic properties that are not needed for

current or projected agency purposes. Federal agencies may lease an historic property owned by the

agency to any person or organization, or exchange any property owned by the agency with comparable

historic property, if the agency determines that the lease or exchange will adequately insure the

preservation of the historic property.

Section 112

This section of the law provides that each federal agency, having responsibility for the protection of

historic resources, including archeological resources, will ensure that all action taken by employees or

contractors will meet professional standards under regulations developed by the Secretary in consultation

with the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation, other affected agencies, and appropriate

professional societies of the disciplines involved. Agency employees or contractors will also meet

qualification standards established by the Office of Personnel Management in consultation with the

Secretary and appropriate professional societies. Section 112 also provides that records and data are

permanently maintained in appropriate data bases and made available to potential users.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site Legislation

On June 29, 1936, an act was approved to provide for the establishment of the Whitman National

Monument. It authorized the Secretary of the Interior to acquire the site of the Indian Mission established

in 1836 by the Whitmans on the Walla Walla River. The act declared the Whitman National Monument

to be a public memorial to Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. In 1958, Public Law 85-388 authorized the

acquisition of certain properties of historic significance in connection with the monument area and which

were necessary to provide suitable monument facilities. Public Law 87-471, enacted on May 31, 1962,

changed the name to Whitman Mission National Historic Site.

Oregon National Historic Trail

The Oregon National Historic Trail was established as part of the National Trails System Act in 1978. It

is a route 2,170 miles in length which begins in Independence, Missouri, extends through Kansas,

Nebraska, Wyoming, and Idaho, and ends at Oregon City, Oregon. Although Whitman Mission NHS is

31 miles north of the primary route of the Oregon Trail, its history is indelibly tied to the early years of
Purpose and Need for the Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 10

western migration and has been identified as a “high potential site” in the Comprehensive Management

and Use Plan for Oregon National Historic Trail.

Executive Orders 11988 and 11990

The objectives of Executive Orders 11988 (Floodplain Management) and 11990 (Protection of Wetlands)

are to avoid to the extent possible the long and short-term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy

and modification of floodplains and wetlands. Application of the final NPS procedures for implementing

those executive orders would occur if a NPS proposal affects a 100-year floodplain (500-year for critical

actions), coastal high hazard zone, flash flood area, or wetland. If a proposed action involves adverse

impacts to a floodplain or wetland areas, a Statement of Findings (SOF) would be prepared that

documents the rationale for the determination that there is no practicable alternative to locating in or

impacting these areas. The SOF would be prepared for concurrence signature by the Chief, NPS Water

Resources Division (WRD), and approval by the NPS Regional Director, Pacific West Region.

Executive Order 11987

The objectives of this executive order are to restrict the introduction of exotic species into the natural

ecosystems on federal lands and to encourage the states, local governments, and private citizens to

prevent the introduction of exotic species into natural ecosystems of the United States. This order

provides a legal basis for NPS to conduct vegetation management activities to restrict the introduction of

those exotic species which do not naturally occur within the NHS and provides the basis for the NHS to

work with others to restrict the introduction of exotic species.

Executive Order 12898

Executive Order 12898 requires an analysis of impacts on low income populations and communities, as

appropriate. The Department of the Interior’s policy on environmental justice (No. ECM95-3) is based on

this Executive Order and requires the NPS, in all environmental documents, to “...specifically analyze

and evaluate the impacts of any proposed projects, actions, or decisions on minority and low income

populations and communities, as well as the equity of the distribution of the benefits and risks of those

decisions.” If significant or no impacts are predicted on minority or low income populations, then this

should be stated and the reasons given.

Executive Order 13007

Executive Order 13007 instructs federal land managers, such as the National Park Service, to

accommodate access to, and ceremonial use of, Indian sacred sites on federally managed land by Indian

religious practitioners. Federal agencies are also ordered to avoid adversely affecting the physical

integrity of sacred sites and must maintain confidentiality of sacred sites, where appropriate. The May

24, 1996 Executive Order defines “federal lands”, “Indian tribe” and “sacred site”.

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requires the preparation of either an

environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement (EIS) for all federal proposals that may

have significant environmental, sociological impacts, or both, on park resources or adjacent areas.
Purpose and Need for the Plan

11 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

A February 22, 1991 policy memorandum from the NPS Associate Director for Planning and

Development specifies that EISs are to be prepared in conjunction with GMPs. That position reinforces

the policies and procedures of the Departmental Manual which state that EISs will be the normal rule in

preparing GMPs rather than the exception. This EIS describes potential impacts that might result from

implementation of any of the alternatives discussed. Following public and agency review of the draft and

final EIS, the Superintendent, Deputy Regional Director, and the Regional Director of the NPS Pacific

West Region, will sign a Record of Decision indicating the proposed action and the rationale for its

selection. Implementation of the GMP may then proceed.

Endangered Species Act

Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires that when a project or proposal by a federal agency has

the potential to impact a known endangered, threatened or candidate plant or animal species, that agency

must enter into formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW). National Park

Service management policies direct the NPS to give the same level of protection to state-listed species, as

is given to federally listed species. Prior to implementing any development proposals at Whitman

Mission NHS, the NPS will consult with the USFW to obtain species listings, and to ascertain the need to

prepare a biological assessment of the proposed actions. Similar contact will be made with the

appropriate state agencies if information on state-listed species is not available through the USFW.

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) provides protection to native

grave sites on tribal and federal lands. The intent of NAGPRA is to “provide for a process whereby

Indian tribes...have an opportunity to intervene in development activity on federal or tribal lands in order

to safeguard Native American human remains, funerary objects, or objects of cultural patrimony...[and to

afford] Indian tribes...30 days in which to make a determination as to appropriate disposition for these

human remains and objects.” Under certain conditions, culturally affiliated Indian tribes or lineal

descendants will have ownership and control over human remains and cultural items which are located

on federal lands.

A permit must be obtained from the managing land agency where the burial site is located to excavate a

burial site. If the site is located on federal lands, the site may be excavated only after consultation with

the appropriate tribe. If buried cultural items are discovered during other activities, such as construction,

all activities must stop and the responsible federal agency notified, who in turns, notifies the appropriate

tribe.

American Indian Religious Freedom Act

The American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) (42 USC 1996) states that “henceforth it shall be

the policy of the United States to protect and preserve for American Indians their inherent right to

freedom to believe, express, and exercise the traditional religions of the American Indians, Eskimo,

Aleut, and Native Hawaiians, including but not limited to access to sites, use, and possession of sacred

objects, and the freedom to worship through ceremonials and traditional rites.” This statute does not

create additional rights or change existing authorities, but as a matter of policy in keeping with the spirit

of the law, the National Park Service will be as unrestrictive as possible in permitting Native American

access to and use of traditional sacred resources for customary ceremonials.
Purpose and Need for the Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 12

National Park Service Management Policies

The NPS has detailed written guidance to help managers make day-to-day decisions. The primary source

of service-wide policy is contained in the publication Management Policies, last published in 1988 and

currently being revised. These policies state that all parks are complex mixtures of values and resources,

each with its own unique qualities and purposes, each requiring specific treatment in the development

and implementation of management strategies and operational plans. However, the managers of all parks

are required to apply policies in a consistent and professional manner to achieve the congressional

mandate for management of the National Park System.

The management policies further state that the NPS will conduct planning activities to evaluate possible

additions to the National Park System; to identify how park resources will be preserved and how parks

will be used and developed to provide for public enjoyment; to facilitate coordination with other agencies

and interests; and to involve the public in decision making about park resources, activities, and facilities.

The NPS plans will represent the National Park Service’s commitment to the public and to Congress of

how parks will be managed.

Included and tiering from these policies are Director’s Orders issued periodically by the Director.

Detailed planning guidelines, called Director’s Order 2 Park Planning, have recently been developed and

finalized to guide the development of park planning, including general management plans. General

management planning is guided by both these management policies and the accompanying Director’s

Order 2.

Cultural Resources Management Guideline

Authority for cultural resource management activities derives from a variety of laws, including the 1916

NPS Organic Act. Also fundamental are the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for

Archeology and Historic Preservation. The NPS Management Policies states basic principles governing

the management of cultural resources in the National Park System, consistent with law and the

Secretary’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation, which are reproduced in

the cultural resource management handbook issued pursuant to Director’s Order 28. The Cultural

Resources Management Guideline (Director’s Order 28) elaborates on these policies and standards and

offers guidance in applying them to establish, maintain, and refine park cultural resource programs.

Natural Resources Management Guideline

The NPS Natural Resources Management Guideline (Director’s Order 77) is a comprehensive guideline

on natural resource management, combining existing guidance with documentation of unwritten practices

and procedures of NPS resource management. It guides the actions of park managers so that natural

resource activities planned and initiated in the parks comply with federal law and regulation, and the

Department of the Interior and NPS policies.

National Park Service Strategic Plan

The NPS publication, the National Park Service Strategic Plan (1997) includes the NPS mission

statement, mission goals, and gives five-year long-term goals to help the agency measure performance

and guide the allocation of available human and financial resources. The NPS Strategic Plan incorporates

the requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA).

In addition to service wide strategic planning, staff at individual NPS units are required to produce

mission goals and a five-year strategic plan for their unit. In planning for parks, both strategic planning
Purpose and Need for the Plan

13 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

and general management planning share the need to articulate the purpose and significance of the park

unit and to define park mission goals in relationship to overall service wide goals. In strategic planning,

parks must translate mission goals into five-year long-term goals and allocate human and financial

resources accordingly. In general management planning, which is provided for Whitman Mission NHS

through this document, managers and park planners must insure that proposed actions in the plan are in

harmony with park mission goals and help to implement their various provisions by articulating actions

and strategies which are utilized by park managers to guide the long term preservation and public use of

Whitman Mission NHS.
The General Management Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 14

The General Management Plan

The general management plan for Whitman Mission National Historic Site was selected from four draft

alternatives following a public review process. The general management plan provides for the optimal

protection of the national historic site and enhanced visitor experience. The following information

describes the actions that constitute the general management plan.

General Description of the Plan

Several actions are proposed in the general management plan which will provide for the protection and

enhancement of cultural, natural, and scenic resources. Some actions also involve the enhancement of

visitor facilities and interpretive programming; others enhance administrative and operational capabilities

both in terms of facilities and staffing. Finally, specific measures in land protection are proposed, that, if

implemented, will assist in the protection of agricultural land and the rural, open space character of the

surrounding area.

Actions to be Incorporated into the Plan

The following actions will be incorporated into the general management plan for Whitman Mission

National Historic Site:

1) Required occupancy (Category I Housing)—The park would continue to provide onsite housing to

serve as a deterrence to crimes against park resources and timely response to emergencies outside normal

working hours. The required occupancy requirement would be in addition to any other appropriate onsite security and safety measures (such as lighting and motion sensors).

2) NPS interpretive programs—As funding and staff are available, NPS interpretive programs would be

expanded outside of Whitman Mission NHS. This could include school programs, electronic media,

organizations, and other educational program development outside the boundary of the park. Multiple

program themes would be developed including, but not limited to, the Oregon Trail and pioneer history,

the mission period and mission life, interaction between early settlers and the Cayuse people, Cayuse

people and customs, the establishment of the Oregon Territory, the relationship of Whitman Mission

NHS to other historical sites in the Pacific Northwest Region of the United States, the National Park

System, and other topics.

The park would develop and implement a plan to provide persons with disabilities, the opportunity to

experience as many park interpretive programs as possible.

3) Memorial Hill photographic panorama—For persons with disabilities or others who are unable to

ascend and descend Memorial Hill, a photographic panorama would be made available at the visitor

center to provide visitors with a scene of what a 360 degree view is like from the top of the hill.

4) Oregon Trail sites—The NHS staff would seek rapport of purpose between the NHS and other areas

whose interpretive theme is westward settlement as a means to complement each other and assure

continuity of purpose and thought for the visitors. This cooperation would not be confined to NPS

administered parks and sites.
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15 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

5) Natural resource inventory—The staff at Whitman Mission NHS would complete the NPS Natural

Resource Inventory and Monitoring Program themes for “Level I” inventories (baseline data) according

to NPS-75, the NPS guideline for inventory and monitoring.

6) Natural processes—The NHS staff would allow natural processes to occur on land and river environs

so long as the effects do not adversely impact cultural resources and existing public facilities.

7) Traveler information—The Whitman Mission NHS staff would provide traveler information about

other historic sites, camping, points of interest, and information to the visiting public, at, or in proximity

to, the visitor center desk.

8) Video discs—In cooperation with the Harpers Ferry Center, NHS staff would locate “master” film

copies of movies made for Whitman Mission NHS, and place them on video discs for future use and as

archive copies for both the Harpers Ferry Center and NHS archives. It would provide a better format for

archive purposes.

9) Whitman Mission NHS Friends Group—The staff at Whitman Mission NHS would encourage the

establishment of a park “friends” group to assist Whitman Mission NHS in a variety of activities and

programs.

10) School reservation system—Staff at the NHS would institute a reservation system for school groups

in order to better serve the educational community by assuring that NHS staff are available.

11) Safety training—The NPS would encourage each permanent NHS employee to have a minimum

amount of first aid and CPR training, benefiting both staff and visitors alike.

12) Community outreach and education—Through community outreach, the staff at Whitman Mission

NHS would help the surrounding landowners and larger community better appreciate the important

historic resources they have in their own “back yard”, to provide opportunities for area residents to assist

the NHS in protecting the historic setting, and to participate in NHS programs, events, and other

activities.

13) Re-establishment of Doan Creek—Doan Creek would be established to its historic free-flowing

condition through the NHS. Actions, such as the planting of native hardwood trees and shrub species,

would be undertaken.

14) Native plants—Existing non-native trees and shrubs would be replaced with native species when they

die except for those plants that have an historic association with the Whitmans.

15) Reprinting the NPS handbook, Whitman Mission—This NPS handbook was printed in 1964 and is

now unavailable to visitors. A publishing source and funding would be found to reprint the book.

Management Zones

In the general management plan, five management zones will be established within the NHS. First, in

recognition of the fact that the entire NHS is included on the National Register of Historic Places and

was established for its cultural and historical significance, three historic zones will be identified which

incorporate the majority of the park. The first historic zone, Historic-Commemorative, will include the
The General Management Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 16

Memorial Hill and Great Grave. Since the Memorial Shaft and the Great Grave were established to

memorialize the Whitmans, the setting for the visitor will be contemplative and commemorative. The

second historic zone, Historic-Interpretive, will include the Mission Grounds. The setting for the visitor

will be one of active interpretation of the Mission Grounds illustrating the life of the Whitmans and the

Mission Period. A third historic zone, Historic-Setting, includes the river oxbow and pasture area. This

zone is intended to convey to the visitor a sense of the historic setting and pastoral character.

A Natural Zone will be established along the northern boundary of the NHS and includes the wetlands,

channels, and floodplains of Doan Creek and Mill Creek. This zone will be consistent with the historic

scene.

Finally, a Park Development Zone will be established that includes the visitor center area, main parking

lot, maintenance area, and access roads. (See Figure 4, Management Zoning.)

Cultural Resource Management

Mission Grounds Treatment

The delineation of the original building foundation of each building on the Mission Grounds will be

enhanced using a three-dimensional approach. Using this method, various interpretive treatment concepts

will be explored. This will include consideration of materials such as, but not limited to, simulated

adobe. Whatever approach is selected, emphasis will be on the use of low-maintenance materials, those

which do not adversely impact the foundations and other archeological resources located in the earth

below, and those concepts which will be sympathetic to the historic setting.

The three-dimensional concept may include various creative concepts such as replicating portions of

building walls, and window and door openings, if this information is historically documented. At the

most developed extent, replication of the outlines of the buildings may be considered. Whatever

approach is ultimately implemented, improved site interpretation will need to make clear to the visiting

public that materials used to convey the extent of the mission buildings are for demonstrative and

interpretive purposes only and do not consist of original materials.

Prior to full implementation of native grass treatment on the Mission Grounds, a small test section around

the site of the First Mission House and orchard area is proposed. Based upon the evaluation by the park

staff on the effectiveness of this treatment from an aesthetic perspective, the use of native grasses will be

applied throughout the Mission Grounds. In any event, it is proposed that a small groomed grass strip

will be maintained along the paved walkways of the loop walk to provide a border and appropriate base

for interpretive wayside exhibits along the walk.

Memorial Hill and Great Grave

The overall setting for the visitor experience will be preserved as memorial and contemplative. No

changes are proposed. The preservation options to protect the inscriptions on the Great Grave stone cover

will be addressed under the cultural resource section of the updated Resource Management Plan.
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17 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Oregon National Historic Trail logo

Oregon Trail

No changes are proposed. Reconstructed wagon ruts and the

placement of the pioneer wagon on the Oregon Trail will be

maintained. Maintenance staff will continue to keep weeds off the

trail and keep down the height of grass to simulate use of the trail.

Development will be prevented in the Oregon Trail corridor

within the NHS.

In addition, the NHS staff will take measures to formally sign the

trail within the NHS with the official Oregon National Historic

Trail logo, and encourage congressional action to designate the

Whitman Mission Route as an officially recognized branch of the

Oregon Trail. Adjacent landowners will be encouraged to

preserve the open, undeveloped character of portions of the Oregon Trail corridor directly adjacent to the

east of the NHS. This could be achieved through a variety of land protection techniques such as

acquisition of conservation easements by a private land trust from willing sellers.

River Oxbow and Pasture Area

The Walla Walla River Oxbow will continue to be interpreted from the Mission Grounds. This area will

be kept in a pastoral, character. Since the area was historically grazed at the time of the Whitmans, the

wheatgrass will continue to be burned periodically to manage and maintain the historic setting.

Interpretive wayside exhibits about the natural environment will be considered here.
The General Management Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 18

WHMI GMP/EIS

FIGURE 4

Management Zoning
The General Management Plan

19 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

View of Mission Grounds showing delineated foundations

of Mission buildings and orchard

Delineation of the original foundations of the Mission Grounds

will be enhanced with a 3-D approach
The General Management Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 20

Memorial Shaft on Memorial Hill will continue to evoke

in visitors a contemplative experience

The overall setting of the Great Grave will be memorial and contemplative
The General Management Plan

21 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

A “cushman” type vehicle will be used to transport visitors with disabilities up Memorial Hill

The Millpond will continue to be interpreted from the Mission Grounds
The General Management Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 22

The general management plan will continue to memorialize the Whitmans with

emphasis on interpretation on the Mission Grounds and the Oregon Trail

Rye grasses will be extended for interpretation purposes onto the Mission Grounds
The General Management Plan

23 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Natural Resource Management

Vegetation management activities to maintain the native grasses within the Mission Grounds and river

oxbow and pasture area could include mowing, burning, and use of herbicides. Herbicides will only be

used to assist in the control of noxious weeds. Though mowing will be required on a periodic basis

(about once a year), this action will also eliminate the need for the frequent mowing, fertilizing, and pest

control that was required for the former lawn. If prescribed burning is used, the burning will occur on a

regular basis every one to three years. The existing lawn areas within the Park Development Zone around

the visitor center and picnic area will be maintained.

Native vegetation will be planted and sustained along Doan Creek, the oxbow of the Walla Walla River,

and irrigation ditch. Vegetation will be managed to meet the objectives of the established natural zone

along Doan Creek and Mill Creek. Water quantity for downstream users will not be affected.

An integrated pest management plan is being prepared to address the plant, animal, and insect pests

within the NHS.

The asphalt rip-rap lining along the bank at Mill Creek within the NHS will be removed and the bank

stabilized with rock rubble and revegetated.

Any native plant material used in the NHS, such as ground cover, will not be harmful to archeological

resources. The NPS will work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and adjacent

landowners to control noxious weeds at the NHS, such as yellow star thistle, in accordance with NPS

policies. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NRCS will be reviewed and updated upon

renewal.

For the purpose of vegetation management, the NPS will continue the prescribed burn program already

implemented at the NHS for the seven acre rye grass area adjacent to the visitor center and the twentyeight acre wheatgrass area in the river oxbow and pasture area.

The NPS will monitor the underlying aquifer on an “as needed basis.” The resource will be assessed to

determine if an increased level of inventory and monitoring is warranted.

In addition, a park Integrated Pest Management Plan will be prepared and implemented to address the

NHS’s plant, animal, and insect pests.

Interpretation and Visitor Use

The overall interpretation of the Mission Grounds will be enhanced, including the connection between

the Mission Grounds and the former location of the Walla Walla River (river oxbow area). Existing

audio wayside exhibits (sound boxes) located on the Mission Grounds, Memorial Hill, and the Great

Grave will be either replaced or removed to address problems of noise distractions to visitors. However,

given the value of an audio interpretive message, other interpretive media will be proposed to replace it,
The General Management Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 24

A descendent of the Cayuse tribe in a traditional wing dress

weaves mats from locally gathered tule reeds

such as use of individual audio discs. It is suggested that the sound boxes not be removed until an

appropriate substitute is found.

For interpretive purposes, the placement of the pioneer wagon and the simulated wagon ruts will be

maintained along the Oregon Trail. Interpretive materials will note that the wagon ruts are reconstructed.

Interpretive programming concerning Cayuse culture will also continue.

There will be improved public information signs to and around the NHS. A new interpretive audio-visual

program will be developed for use in the auditorium to

replace both the 1976 movie and the 1978 slide program.

These older programs will be preserved on video disc or

in another format and archived.

The interpretation sign for the Great Grave will be

slightly moved back toward the visitor center to provide a

more contemplative setting at the grave site itself.

Public access will be provided to the research library and

archives for research work, projects, and inquiry about

the Whitmans, mission life, the Cayuse people, and other

topics related to Whitman Mission.

Electronic media will be proposed, such as posting

interpretive and archival material on the Whitman

Mission National Historic Site “Park Homepage” on the Internet.

The staff at the NHS will expand multi-lingual opportunities. For example, park interpretation material

will be produced in other languages.

In addition, a new unpaved nature loop trail will be developed south of the Mission Grounds. This

unpaved pedestrian nature trail will provide opportunities for self-guided nature walks with

corresponding interpretive wayside exhibits and educational materials about the flora and fauna of this

important riparian area, and the natural forces of the changing Walla Walla River. Interpretive wayside

exhibits about the natural environment and the changes that have occurred in the historic setting will be

considered in the river oxbow and pasture area.

Recreation Resource Management

A non-motorized hiking and bicycle trail has been proposed by Walla Walla County and the cities of

Walla Walla and College Place. The county bike route terminates at Whitman Mission NHS. Currently, a

small bicycle rack is provided for bicycle users near the south side of Memorial Hill upon entering the

NHS. In addition, a bicycle rack is located at the visitor center parking lot.
The General Management Plan

25 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

An exact location for the bicycle trail from Whitman Drive to the visitor center will be identified.

Cooperative agreements with adjacent land owners may be developed to provide the best circulation

pattern. Bicycle racks have already been established in proximity of the visitor center and the existing

bicycle rack near Memorial Hill will be removed. Bicycle users will be encouraged to park their bicycles

at the designated bike rack and walk within the NHS to prevent pedestrian/bicyclist conflicts.

In addition, a new unpaved nature loop trail will be developed south of the Mission Grounds within the

river oxbow and pasture area along the perimeter of the NHS southern boundary. The trail will be located

and designed to have minimum impact on the riparian corridor of the Walla Walla River. Park visitors

and other organized groups will be encouraged to use the trail for nature walks, birding, photography and

for other related pursuits.

The NHS staff will explore the possibility of designing a trail from the picnic area by the parking lot to a

site along Mill Creek.

Scenic Resource Management

The scenic resources within adjacent properties will be protected by the voluntary acquisition of

conservation easements, agricultural easements, and development rights by a nonprofit organization.

Legislation will not be needed for this action. A land parcel that was once farmed by Marcus Whitman

along the west boundary of the NHS, but is not included within the existing boundary, is encouraged to

be protected. In addition, the protection of the surrounding historic setting is also highly encouraged. For

more information on land protection strategies, see the “Park Boundary and Land Protection” section.

Park Facilities

A range of general improvements will be made to the existing visitor center building. First, the park

visitor center and museum will be named and signed on the exterior of the building,“ Waiilatpu Visitor

Center”(to reflect its Cayuse name) with smaller lettering underneath “Place of the Rye Grass.” Second,

various building remodeling projects will provide needed space for the public. Additional restroom space

will be constructed adjacent to the existing public restroom, maintaining access for persons with

disabilities. Also, a pay telephone will be added to the exterior of the building for public convenience.

Building walls will be moved out into the concrete patio areas behind the sales desk, and also at the

demonstration area to the east, to create more interior space for exhibits, demonstrations, and cooperating

association sales. These improvements, however, will not alter the exterior “footprint” of the building.

The interior configuration of the sales desk, sales area, demonstration area, and interpretive exhibits area

will be reconfigured to better utilize the additional space provided, to separate the demonstration area

from the lobby and other public use areas of the building. However, the space in the museum and theater

is presently adequate and will not be reconfigured.

New administrative space will be added to the existing administrative wing of the visitor center building,

which will alter the footprint of the building. A preferred location will be along the western portion of the

structure, immediately adjacent to the existing administrative office area and lunch room. The NPS will

locate the addition out of the Walla Walla floodplain and floodway. Portions of the existing office area

nearest the visitor center portion will be remodeled for use as cooperating association sales, office space,

and storage. In addition, vending machines will be added for public use.
The General Management Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 26

The existing administrative space will be reconfigured and the additional administrative space of the

visitor center building expanded by approximately 1,800-2,000 square feet to accommodate various

administrative services. This will amount to less than one-tenth of an acre of ground disturbance in an

previously disturbed area. The design for the extension will be compatible to the existing Mission 66

style architecture. Administrative functions in the expanded building include offices for the

superintendent, administrative assistant, clerical personnel, chief of maintenance, chief of interpretation

and resource management, seasonal and permanent interpretive staff, Northwest Interpretive Association

staff and storage, and a volunteer coordinator.

Additionally, park archives, library, and collection storage will also be addressed in the expanded

administrative space in the existing administrative wing of the visitor center. Modifications to the visitor

center will include a correction of storage deficiencies, such as security and safety improvements and

research/work space, as identified in the NHS’s Checklist for Preservation and Protection of Museum

Collections.

A covered picnic shelter with two grills will be constructed for group use within the NHS picnic area.

The shelter will be made available to school groups and others on a reservation basis. A change in

demographics over the years has created a higher demand for group picnic facilities. This will benefit

both the local residents and out of area visitors. (See Figure 5, Schematic Development Concept Plan.)

The electrical system will be upgraded and extended into the new administrative space. Otherwise, there

will be no change in current utility systems and infrastructure except for routine maintenance and

replacement when necessary.
The General Management Plan

27 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

WHMI GMP/EIS

FIGURE 5

Schematic Development Concept Plan
The General Management Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 28
The General Management Plan

29 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

The park residence will continue to be occupied by

maintenance, interpretive, or law enforcement staff

The maintenance area will be retained in its current configuration

 in the general management plan
The General Management Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 30
The General Management Plan

31 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

The main parking lot next to the visitor center will be reconfigured to

make more efficient use of the space and to allow for bus and RV parking

A covered picnic shelter with two grills will be constructed

for group use in the picnic area
The General Management Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 32

Enhanced bus parking will be available to large groups of school

children during the spring and fall seasons

A covered entry portico, passenger drop-off and vehicle loading

lane will be constructed in front of the visitor center by the main

parking lot and entry road
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33 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Development Cost Estimates

Development Action Construction

Costs

Pre-design

Costs and

Supplemental

Services

Design Costs Estimated

Total Costs

Picnic shelter with two grills $25,000 $1,750 $2,500 $29,250

Parking lot improvements $50,000 $3,500 $5,000 $58,500

Enhancements to visitor center $170,000 $11,900 $17,000 $198,900

Expansion of administrative

wing

 $470,000 $32,900 $47,000 $549,900

Visitor center exhibit and A/V

upgrades

 $175,000 $12,250 $17,500 $204,750

Mission Grounds interpretive

upgrades

 $375,000 $26,250 $37,500 $438,750

Covered entry portico $105,000 $7,350 $10,600 $122,950

Estimated Total Costs $1,370,000 $95,900 $137,100 $1,603,000

Park Operations and Staffing

The NHS will have 14 authorized FTE (Full Time Equivalent) staff, and an average of 21 staff

(permanent, seasonal, and term) during the course of any one fiscal year. Four seasonal workers are

proposed to be added to the existing staff under the plan.

Total Staffing Needs

Administration Maintenance Interpretation Resource Management Total FTE

3 Permanent 3 Permanent 4 Permanent 1 Permanent 11 11.0

0 Seasonal 3 Seasonal 5 Seasonal 2 Seasonal 10 3.0

3 Total 6 Total 9 Total 3 Total 21 14
The General Management Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 34

Estimated Operating Costs

Operating Base: $638,000

Additional interpretive and maintenance staff $ 85,000

_______

Total $723,000

The difference between operating costs and current base: $85,000.

Fees

Fee collection would be retained at the visitor center. If the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program is

expanded, the NHS could consider participating in the program so that a large percentage of fees

generated at the park would be retained.

Park Hours and Seasons of Operation

Under the general management plan, the visitor center at the NHS will be open the following hours and

seasons (these hours may be subject to change):

 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the summer season

 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the spring and fall seasons

 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the winter season

Except for the visitor center, the NHS is open from dawn to dusk year-round.

Parking, Access, and Circulation

The NPS will continue to own the park entrance road. However, the NPS will convey an easement

interest in that portion of the park entrance road within the boundary of Whitman Mission National

Historic Site between U.S. Highway 12 and the intersection of Whitman Mission Road, also known and

signed as Swegle Road, to Walla Walla County for purposes of road maintenance, administration, and

engineering of existing access points along the park road.

Access to the park entrance road from property adjacent to the road is by the exercise of valid existing

rights. Under current federal law, no new permanent legal access to property along Whitman Mission

Road and that portion of Swegle Road between U.S. Highway 12 and Whitman Mission Road will be

available under the easements, as the stipulations in the easement will not empower the County to grant

new access points. However, the easement stipulations will empower the County to grant permits for

existing access points, subject to the advance review and written approval of the NPS.

County administration of this portion of the park entrance road will allow the County to manage all of

Swegle Road. Through the issuance of a county permit, it will also allow the County to ensure adherence

to proper engineering standards pertaining to the specific type of access use (such as farm or residential

use) of all existing access points to private lands adjacent to the park entrance road. Additionally,

county maintenance of this road section will provide continuity and efficiencies in road maintenance for
The General Management Plan

35 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

all of Swegle Road because the County now already maintains the section of Swegle road from the

Whitman Mission Road intersection south past the Walla Walla River.

In the future, if subdivision of land occurs adjacent to, or in proximity of, to the park entrance road, new

landowners not already having the benefit of access by prior right will be required to gain access via

existing legal access points, and obtain a county permit for the access, subject to NPS review and written

approval. In these instances, the National Park Service will seek to work cooperatively with the County

and the landowner regarding applicable engineering standards that will be required, mindful of safety

concerns of park visitors, the public ownership of the road corridor, and any potential impacts on park

resources. Where applicable, landowners could also seek access to a county-owned road.

A change will be made in the pedestrian circulation pattern to and through the Mission Grounds. The

new principal access will be a walkway from the visitor center to a site off the Oregon Trail where

pioneers historically entered the Mission Grounds near the Blacksmith Shop.

In addition, the existing main parking lot adjacent to the visitor center will be reconfigured within the

existing “footprint”, wherever possible, to make more efficient use of existing spaces. Emphasis will be

on establishing designated parking spaces for tour buses, school buses, and longer recreational vehicles.

Parking lot improvements will address regular visitor day capacities and will not be expected to

accommodate special events such as Cultural Days. Park staff will need to identify and establish

appropriate off-site parking locations along with shuttle bus connections to serve these events.

Additional signs will be placed along roads directing the public to Whitman Mission NHS. The NPS will

coordinate sign needs with Walla Walla County and Washington State transportation departments.

Some minor modification to the entry landscaping, walkways, and general access to the park will be

proposed in order to better direct visitors to the visitor center for their park orientation experience.

To aid large school groups and persons with disabilities, a passenger drop-off and vehicle loading lane in

front of the visitor center will be constructed in front of the visitor center by the main parking lot and

entry road. A covered entry portico will be constructed in front of the visitor center in conjunction with

the drop-off area to provide shelter from inclement weather.

Carrying Capacity

The general management plan will allow for an increase in capacity over the existing conditions based

upon improvements to the visitor center and visitor center parking lot. There will also be some increase

in the picnic area capacity due to the development of the group shelter. The following increase in

numbers is expected.

The projected maximum use will be as follows:

 Capacity of the auditorium: 76 persons

 Interpretive staffing capacity of the visitor center: 125 school children

 Main parking lot capacity: 45 spaces minimum (contingent upon future parking lot site plan

recommendations), including 4 spaces for persons with disabilities, and spaces for 4 buses or RVs

 The picnic area capacity: 16 individual groups (10 tables without grills and 6 tables in covered

shelter with two grills)
The General Management Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 36

Except for the visitor center, parking lot, and picnic area, the carrying capacity of the park is not expected

to be reached during the next 15 years covered by this plan. However, the park will monitor the carrying

capacity and take appropriate action when carrying capacity problems are identified. With the existing

facilities a maximum of 300 people is assumed. This is based on a parking lot capacity of 45 spaces and 3

buses (averaging 3 people per car and 50 people per bus).

Park Boundary and Land Protection

The National Park Service will continue to work with park neighbors and encourage area landowners,

Walla Walla County, and others to work in a spirit of partnership in promoting the protection of rural

character and landscapes in the area surrounding the park.

Walla Walla County is encouraged to explore various ways to help ensure that agricultural and rural land

uses remain within the county, including lands surrounding Whitman Mission. This could include a

refinement of permitted uses in agricultural zones. In addition, the park will coordinate with one or more

private nonprofit land trusts, historical societies, or other eligible groups to encourage the voluntary

acquisition of conservation easements, agricultural easements, and development rights from adjacent

landowners who are willing sellers in order to ensure the perpetual protection of surrounding farmland in

its open and scenic character. A local land trust will be recommended to be involved where possible.

Implementation of this approach will mean that land will remain in private ownership. Land will continue

in its traditional farm and agricultural use and property tax revenues will continue to be received by local

county government. In addition, owners will be fully compensated for voluntarily removing the

development rights to the property, and any acquisition will be done only with the full consent of the

landowner. The boundary of the NHS will not be expanded, and no legislative action will be required.

(See Appendix B for Analysis of Boundary Adjustment and Land Protection Criteria.)

It should be reiterated that opportunities for area landowners to consider strategies such as conveyance of

a conservation easement interest in their land to a private nonprofit land trust or similar entity is

encouraged, but is strictly voluntary on the part of the landowner.

In addition, purchase of conservation easements will aid in protecting the night sky from surrounding

light pollution. Local colleges will be able to continue to conduct astronomy observations from the park.
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37 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Views of Memorial Hill and Shaft are seen from the interpretive sign along Highway 12

Views from Memorial Hill west to visitor center showing lands adjacent to park entrance road
The General Management Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 38

View from Memorial Hill looking east

View from Memorial Hill showing land along the top of the bluff and changing development patterns in area
The General Management Plan

39 Whitman Mission NHS GMP
The General Management Plan

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 40

Opportunities for Regional Cooperation

The NPS will continue to coordinate with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indians (CTUIR),

including, but not limited to, the protection of cultural properties and interpretation of past and present

Cayuse culture.

The NHS staff will coordinate with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to

encourage adjacent landowners to take greater advantage of voluntary programs available through the

NRCS. These programs include the Conservation Reserve Program which will help restore native grasses

along Doan Creek, complementing efforts of the NPS to restore Doan Creek within the NHS. Also

considered will be the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program which pays farmers to provide for wildlife

habitat areas within their lands. (Refer to the “Vegetation” section in “The Affected Environment”

chapter for information about NRCS programs.)

Coordination with Walla Walla County and area landowners will be encouraged in order to enhance land

use protection measures in the area. The NPS role is one of encouragement and technical assistance since

the NPS has no regulatory authority outside of the authorized boundary of the NHS.

The NPS will continue to pursue various opportunities to coordinate with the Confederated Tribes of the

Umatilla Indians, including, but not limited to, the protection of cultural properties and interpretation of

past and present Cayuse culture. Also, the tribe has offered the use of their native nursery stock for the

re-establishment of native grass, shrubs, and trees on the Mission Grounds.

In addition, the NHS staff will cooperate with Walla Walla County and Washington State transportation

departments to place additional signs along road corridors to help direct and advertise the NHS.

Park visitors and other organized groups will be encouraged to visit and use the proposed nature trail

along the southern boundary of the NHS for nature walks, birding, photography and for other related

pursuits.

The NPS also will seek the active cooperation and support from a local land trust, historical society or

other eligible group, and landowners in order to enlist their assistance in securing the long-term

protection of farmland and other agricultural, open space, scenic, and natural lands surrounding the

National Historic Site.

Action Plan Items

The following actions are proposed to assist in the implementation of the plan. Some of these items

would require additional special project funding to accomplish them:

• Implement recommendations from Inter-Fluve report

• Prepare Part II of Cultural Landscape Report

• Update Vegetation Management Plan

• Update Administrative History

• Update Collection Management Plan

• Prepare Accessibility Plan

• Complete Level I Inventories for Natural Resource Inventory and Monitoring Program (NPS-75)

• Prepare Level II Inventories for Natural Resource Inventory and Monitoring Program (NPS-75)
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41 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

• Update the Memorandum of Understanding with NRCS to cooperate with adjacent landowners for

vegetation management activities

• Prepare Visitor Management Plan

• Prepare inventory of significant historical items related to Whitman Mission at other sites

• Prepare Ethnohistorical Study (including documentation of landscape prior to contact with EuroAmericans)
The Affected Environment

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 42

Affected Environment

This chapter describes the natural, cultural, recreational and scenic resources of the 98.15 acre Whitman

Mission National Historic Site. It also discusses the socioeconomic conditions, interpretation, visitor use,

and existing NHS development and programs.

The Cultural Environment

Physical Development and Historical Significance

In 1836, Dr. Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, along with the Reverend Henry and Eliza Spalding, were

sent by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions to minister among the Indians in the

Northwest. After stopping at Fort Vancouver, both parties set-out to establish their missions—the

Spaldings at Lapwai to work among the Nez Perce, the Whitmans at Waiilatpu, or “Place of the Rye

Grass.” Here the Whitmans and their associates planned to work among the Cayuse Indians, some of

whom lived nearby on the upper branches of the Walla Walla River. Other bands lived on the upper

waters of the Umatilla River, less than 50 miles away. Dr Whitman selected a large triangle of flat, fertile

land formed by the Walla Walla River and a tributary, Mill Creek.

Starting with a small cottonwood lean-to and adobe residence completed in 1838, the mission station

grew over the years to include four primary structures—a Mission House, a Blacksmith Shop, William

Gray’s Residence, and a Gristmill, as well as several lesser structures and landscape features, including

corn cribs and granary, a harness house, smoke house, hen house, corral, a Millpond and associated dikes

and millrace, irrigation ditches, bridges, fencing, an orchard, a vegetable garden, and approximately 40

acres of cultivated fields. A sawmill and residence was located about 20 miles east from the mission.

While the Whitmans’ efforts to convert the Cayuse to Christianity met with little success, their mission

became a haven for the increasing number of emigrants traveling over the Oregon Trail. In 1847, a

renegade band of Cayuse, provoked by increasing tensions and misunderstandings, killed the Whitmans

and eleven other people. In the immediate aftermath of the killings, most of the mission buildings were

burned or destroyed. The remaining American Board missions quickly closed, and the Cayuse, fearing

retribution from the settlers in the Willamette Valley, abandoned the area. Eventually the Cayuse

surrendered five of their members who were hung. The killings at Waiilatpu were instrumental in the

decision to create the Oregon Territory in 1848.

In the spring and summer of 1848, the Oregon Volunteers occupied the former mission site and

constructed Fort Waters, using rubble from the old mission structures. In 1852 the site was again

occupied and another building was erected before the site was abandoned in 1855, when the Yakima

War began on the Columbia Plateau. In 1860, Cushing Eells (who later founded what became Whitman

College) filed a claim for 640 acres which included the mission site. He built a frame house on the site

and lived there until 1872 when fire destroyed the house. Two other houses were built on the site. One

stood until 1912, the other was torn down in 1936. The U.S. Congress authorized the site, establishing

Whitman National Monument in 1936.

Over the years the NPS has conducted historical archeology at the site of the mission structures and has

restored the Millpond, a portion of the orchard, the irrigation ditch, a portion of the Oregon National
The Affected Environment

43 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Excavation of Mission House 1941

Historic Trail, fencing, and the old oxbow of the Walla Walla River. In 1963, the monument became a

national historic site and a park master plan was implemented. This plan presented an overall design for

the property that included construction of a visitor center, new access road, parking area, and

improvements to the grounds and infrastructure. With minor changes over the years, this is the landscape

that comprises Whitman Mission National Historic Site today.

The NHS includes 98.15 acres and a number of significant resources. The Great Grave (1897); the

Memorial Shaft (1897); the reconstructed Millpond, Oregon Trail, and irrigation ditch; the old oxbow of

the Walla Walla River; archeological resources associated with the Mission Grounds; and a collection of

over 32,000 museum objects and artifacts are managed as significant resources. The entire national

historic site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Marcus and Narcissa Whitman exemplify the courageous and dedicated character of pioneers that settled

the West in the 19th century. Their zeal was characteristic of so many missionaries who traveled west to

serve God by serving Indians. The Whitmans’ unfortunate, if not inevitable clash with the Cayuse

typified the recurring cultural conflict between native tribes and white settlers as the nation expanded

westward during the middle and late 1800s. Regardless of the changing judgements and interpretation of

westward expansion, the Whitman story continues to be one of courage, commitment, and sacrifice for an

ideal.

Archeological Resources

Two major archeological investigations were

conducted at the NHS, and although completed early

in the history of NPS management, this work

influenced physical development of the Mission

Grounds and interpretation of the site for many years.

The first excavation was conducted by Tom Garth, an

archeologist who worked at the park between 1941

and 1950. Because of the war, most of Garth’s work

occurred between 1947 and 1950. By 1950, the First

House, Mission House, Emigrant House, Gristmill,

and Blacksmith Shop had been examined, although

very little evidence of the Blacksmith Shop was discovered. More than 2,000 artifacts were unearthed

and preserved from these excavations including medical supplies, china shards, and metal fragments.

Garth’s excavations also exposed the mission building foundations revealing the building materials and

methods of construction, and verifying in many cases, the eye-witness descriptions of the site. Garth also

found evidence of the occupation by the Oregon Volunteers in 1848, adding to an understanding of the

Post-mission Period.

The second major excavation was conducted by NPS Regional Archeologist Paul Schumacher between

1960 and 1961. The primary goals of that effort were to discover the Blacksmith Shop and the grave of

Alice Clarissa Whitman. Although Schumacher did find fragments associated with the Blacksmith Shop

in 1961, he failed to find any definite outline of the structure. In spite of this, the excavation did reveal

enough information for the park to replace an earlier circular outline of the building, with a square

outline, which remains today as an approximate location for the building.

Using historical research to guide investigations related to the location of Alice Clarissa Whitman’s

grave, Schumacher concentrated on and around the Great Grave near the old county road. The 1960
The Affected Environment

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 44

1897 dedication of Great Grave

excavation failed to find the grave. The following year another attempt to locate the grave focused along

the base of Memorial Hill. Schumacher found human remains in this location, but they were not the

remains of Alice Clarissa Whitman. In 1968, a marker dedicated to Whitman’s only child was placed

near the location of the 1961 excavation where it remains today.

Schumacher also conducted limited investigations of the Oregon Trail and Whitman’s original irrigation

ditch.

Altogether the archeological investigation and historical research conducted at the site between 1941 and

1961 provided the basis for treatment and interpretation of the mission site and strongly influenced

development of the Mission 66 master plan for the park.

Historic Structures

Today, NPS manages five historic structures as significant resources (as defined in Director’s Order 28)

at Whitman Mission National Historic Site. These structures are on the List of Classified Structures and

recorded in the documentation for the National Register of Historic Places. They are briefly described

below.

The Great Grave

The Great Grave is the site of interment for the individuals

killed at Whitman Mission in November 1847. Efforts to

establish a marker for the grave located near the Mission

Grounds began as early as 1859. At this time the grave was

simply a pile of dirt surrounded with a picket fence. In about

1860 a new picket fence was constructed around the grave. This

fence lasted until 1897 when, on the 50th anniversary of the

killings, a regional committee was formed to generate funds for

a suitable grave marker and memorial shaft. Funds were

secured, and in 1897, the two-ton marble slab was laid. It was

also during this time that the iron fence was constructed around

the grave. At this time there was an access road to the grave site

and a parking area nearby. This road lasted until 1962 when it

was converted to a trail and the parking area was removed altogether, establishing a more peaceful

setting for the grave. In 1984 stabilization of the marble slab was undertaken to correct settling problems.

This work required exhuming the casket containing the remains, and rehabilitation of the interior portion

of the grave itself before resetting the stone on its foundation.

Memorial Shaft

The Memorial Shaft was commissioned to establish a suitable memorial to the Whitmans, and was

erected at the site during the 50th anniversary commemoration, at the same time as the Great Grave. This

occurred primarily through the earlier fund raising efforts of William Gray and the Monument

Association. The monument is located on top of a hill approximately eight acres in extent. It is the

highest landform in the area. The monument is a 27 foot high granite shaft on a granite base. An iron

fence surrounds the shaft. In 1941, water was pumped up the hill in order to irrigate a small lawn within

the fence. In 1952, a road to the monument was converted to a footpath, and a gate installed preventing

cars from driving up the hill.
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45 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Irrigation Ditch

Historically, Marcus Whitman relied on the Walla Walla River to provide the majority of water needed

to run the mission and irrigate crops. Water was diverted to the Millpond and to a ditch which irrigated

the orchard and crops to the west. Today, a reconstructed portion of the irrigation ditch runs along the

north edge of the Mission Grounds. The ditch is approximately 1,000 feet long, four feet wide, and two

and one-half feet deep. The ditch was relocated from the north side of the Oregon Trail in 1961, based on

archeology and oral history. This ditch continues as a viable irrigation system carrying water diverted

from Doan Creek to properties adjacent to the mission site.

Millpond Dike

This landform was created to hold the Millpond which held water for operating the mill. Reconstruction

of the Millpond occurred in 1961, based on physical evidence and used water supplied from Doan Creek,

north of the site. The pond was drained and repaired in 1980 using a clay seal on the bottom to reduce

seepage. The dike surrounding the pond is approximately 600 feet by 175 feet. The landform was rebuilt

in 1981 and again in 1982 to repair damage from geese, ducks, muskrats, moles, and gophers. The

Millpond on the Mission Grounds was historically associated with the operation of the water-wheel

powered Gristmill and was fed from the Walla Walla River. The mill supplied the mission with flour and

milled grain.

Oregon Trail

A segment of the Oregon Trail was reestablished for interpretive purposes on the north side of the

Mission Grounds in 1963, when the old county road running east-west through the park was closed. The

location of the trail is approximate, based on historic drawings, and generally following the old county

road bed.

On November 10, 1978, the Oregon National Historic Trail was established. Whitman Mission was

officially recognized as a “high potential site” along the Oregon Trail. Designation as part of the Oregon

Trail expanded the NHS’s legislated purpose and significance beyond a memorial to the Whitmans as

specified in the 1936 enabling legislation.

Cultural Landscape Resources

Whitman Mission National Historic Site is considered a cultural landscape containing a number of

significant resources. The site contains 98.15 acres, organized into five cultural landscape character areas

of the mission that have distinct landscape character. Each of these is described in the following

paragraphs:

The Mission Grounds

The Mission Grounds cover approximately seven acres, forming the historic core of the cultural

landscape, and extending from the base of Memorial Hill, around the Millpond, to the entrance road and

visitor center. This area comprises the ground upon which the Whitmans built the structural complex of

the mission between 1836 and 1847. Today the grounds include the underground structural remains of

several mission buildings, the reconstructed Millpond and irrigation ditch, fences, the old oxbow of the

Walla Walla River, an interpretative orchard, and a portion of the Oregon Trail. The locations of the

mission structures are outlined with concrete block on irrigated turf. A paved trail routes visitors around

the Mission Grounds and audio waysides help tell the story of the Whitmans’ life at Waiilatpu. The

mowed and manicured character of the Mission Grounds reflects the planning philosophy at the time of

the 1963 master plan for the park, to treat the physical ground where the Whitmans were killed, as

sacred, or “hallowed ground.”
The Affected Environment

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 46

Foundation Treatments

From the earliest administration of the site by the National Park Service, the treatment of the foundations

marking the location of the destroyed mission structures has been the subject of considerable debate.

These discussions have ranged between calls for full reconstruction of the mission structures to less

intrusive treatments that redefine and improve the manner in which foundations are marked on the

ground. All of these concepts have emphasized the need to enhance the interpretative environment of the

Mission Grounds, and all have drawn on the archeological record as the basis for their proposal.

Immediately after the first extensive archeological excavations locating the First House, Mission House,

Emigrant House, and Gristmill were completed in 1950, the sites were backfilled and covered with gravel

to protect them. In 1952 these structure were outlined with timbers at grade. This treatment remained in

place until 1957, when the timbers were replaced with concrete blocks.

In an effort to interpret the foundations in 1954, a portion of the adobe wall of First House was exposed,

and displayed in situ. The wall was housed in a concrete box with glass top for viewing. Two years after

installment, a portion of the wall “slumped” due to extremely cold temperatures (-20 degrees

Fahrenheit). A heat lamp and fan were installed to protect the adobe, but standing water and

condensation inside the glass continued to be a problem. In 1967, a NPS archeologist recommended a

sealant (pencapsula) be applied to the adobe. Unfortunately this technique for stabilization did not work.

After much debate on alternatives, the decision was made in 1978 to dismantle the display and backfill

the pit.

Additional archeology was done in 1961, and based on this information the interior rooms were

delineated within the outlined foundations.

Great Grave and Memorial Hill

The Great Grave and the Memorial Shaft are situated on the hill east of the Mission Grounds. The hill is

part of a geological terrace rising almost 100 feet above the Mission Grounds. Primary cultural landscape

features in this area include the east entrance to the NHS, paved walkways, Doan Creek and irrigation

channel, the Pioneer and Indian cemeteries, the Great Grave and the Memorial Shaft (1897), and the

Alice Clarissa marker along the toe of the hill.

River Oxbow and Pasture Area

This area covers approximately 27 acres of pasture land south of the Mission Grounds. This was an area

where Whitman grazed livestock and where the oxbow of the Walla Walla River provided water for

drinking and irrigation. This oxbow historically ran close to the Mission Grounds providing water for

domestic use and power for the Gristmill. In was in this river oxbow that Alice Clarissa drowned in 1839.

Primary resources in this area include the trace of the oxbow (the river has moved south), and the open

pasture land.

Over the years the park has undertaken a number of maintenance practices aimed at preserving the

landform through vegetation management including mowing and burning. Recently, the area surrounding

the oxbow was planted in tall wheatgrass (Agropyron elongatum) to simulate the historical setting.

Administrative Area

Seven acres in the middle of the NHS are associated with NPS administration and operations. The

administrative area including the visitor center and administrative offices, maintenance complex, and

residence were all constructed as part of the 1963 master plan.
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47 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Northern Fields and Waterways

This area covers approximately 40 acres in the northern portion of the park. This section of the park was

acquired in 1959 as part of the larger (46.7 acre) tract. The primary features in this area include a large

tract of mixed grassland and a small segment of Mill Creek which cuts across the northwest corner of the

park. As the last acquisition of land to Whitman Mission National Historic Site, the absence of

historically significant events or aspects relating directly to the Whitman era is not surprising. Today, this

area principally serves as a physical buffer between U.S. Highway 12, and the historic core of the park.

Museum Objects and Artifacts

There are over 32,000 museum objects and artifacts stored at the NHS in either the artifact room or in the

visitor center on display. Of this total, 30,500 items are archeological (materials from archeological

excavations), 340 are ethnographic (clothing, baskets, tools), 1360 are historical (photographs, historic

maps, period artifacts), 190 are biological (herbarium), and 40 are considered archives (written records).

The NHS also has a reference library.

The Natural Environment

Regional Geology

Whitman Mission NHS is located in the Walla Walla Basin. The bedrock of the Walla Walla Basin is

composed of layered flows of Columbia River Basalt of the Miocene and Pliocene ages and is over 3,000

feet thick. These layers are often separated by sedimentary beds of clay, diatomite, tuff, pumicite, or

sand. The uppermost layer of basalt at Whitman Mission National Historic Site is approximately 524 feet

below the surface. Above this are continental deposits of clay and gravel, probably of Pleistocene age.

Overlying the old gravel is a mantle of Pleistocene silty and clayey loess known as the Palouse

Formation. This constitutes the predominant parent material for the soils of the area.

Climate

The climate at Whitman Mission National Historic Site is dry and moderate. Annual precipitation in the

vicinity of the NHS averages 15.98 inches of rainfall (determined from a 7 year average), including the

melted water content of snow. Approximately 17.8 inches of snow falls during the winter months. The

daily temperature variation can be as much as 40 degrees during the summer. Mean monthly maximum

temperatures range from 40.1 to 97.3 degrees Fahrenheit, while mean minimum temperatures range from

26.6 to 57.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Frequent, strong winds can occur anytime, as well as chinook winds.

Prevailing winds year around come from the southwest.

Weather Station

On the northern edge of the maintenance facility area is a fenced space approximately 15 feet by 15 feet

that is used for weather monitoring. The National Weather Service furnished and presently maintains the

equipment. Whitman Mission National Historic Site staff make observations each day and provide the

National Weather Service staff with the data. This weather observation station is designated as the

official precipitation monitoring station for Walla Walla, Washington. The NHS staff is responsible for

furnishing daily maximum and minimum temperatures, precipitation, and water evaporation data to

agencies and organizations that request it, as well as to the National Weather Service. Evaporation and

wind speed also are recorded during the growing season, which is approximately April through
The Affected Environment

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 48

September. Whitman Mission National Historic Site has been a National Weather Service cooperative

weather observer since 1936.

Air Quality

Whitman Mission has been designated a Class II2 area for purposes of controlling increases in air

pollution under the Clean Air Act. No air quality monitoring presently is conducted at the NHS or in

surrounding areas. The closest air quality monitoring station is at La Grande, Oregon, 70 miles southeast

of the NHS. Other stations are located in North Cascades National Park and Mount Rainier National Park

in Washington. The Washington State Department of Ecology has an air quality office in Kennewick and

another in Spokane. One of the primary concerns of the office is wind blown dust produced from

agricultural operations. The Walla Walla County Burn Control Office now operates a phone line which

relays information concerning burning.

Air quality is important to Whitman Mission National Historic Site in terms of visibility. Generally, wind

conditions maintain clear visibility in the area. Notable exceptions to clear visibility occur in the spring

and fall during agricultural operations. Thick dust is blown from the plowing and planting of adjacent

agricultural fields, and smoke occurs during the burning of agricultural fields. During periods of

atmospheric inversions, smoke and dust can become trapped over the Walla Walla Valley.

Soils

Digital soil maps for Whitman Mission National Historic Site do not exist. Soil maps for Walla Walla

County were published in 1964, by the USDA Soil Conservation Service (now the Natural Resources

Conservation Service). At a scale of 1:31,680, or one inch equaling one-half mile, the 98.15 acre NHS is

covered in less than two square inches on the map. Soil information on file at the NHS was hand-drawn

onto an aerial photograph of the NHS taken about 30 years ago.

Generally, the soils at Whitman Mission vary and include gravel, organic soil, silt loam, loess, hard pan,

and clay. The water table ranges from one to four feet deep through most of the lower elevations of the

NHS. Frost penetration averages eight inches with a maximum of sixteen inches.

Topography

Whitman Mission National Historic Site is located at the southern extreme of the Palouse Prairie region

of southeastern Washington. The township and range reference is Township 7 North, Range 35 East,

Section 32, of the United States Geologic Survey (USGS) Topographic Quadrangle Map, College Place

1966. General elevation within Whitman Mission National Historic Site is level and ranges from 615 feet

above sea level to 724 feet at the top of Memorial Hill (which rises over 100 feet above the surrounding

countryside).

 

2 The 1977 Clean Air Act amendments designated all national parks over 6,000 acres and wilderness

areas over 5,000 acres as Class I. This classification affords the most protection from new major emitting

sources. All other areas that meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards were designated Class II.
The Affected Environment

49 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Doan Creek before restoration

Water Resources

Surface Hydrology

Surface water resources at the NHS include Mill Creek, Doan Creek, the Millpond, and the irrigation

ditch. Mill Creek originates in the Blue Mountains, approximately 30 miles east of Whitman Mission and

flows through the northwestern corner of the NHS. Doan Creek originates three miles east of the NHS

and passes through a private airport, a former dairy, and agricultural land before entering the NHS at the

northeastern boundary. Here, Doan Creek splits into two channels through the NHS; one continuing west

along the northern boundary until joining with Mill Creek (this is the historic channel); and the other

irrigation channel turning south, then west and connecting back to Mill Creek just west of Swegle Road

near the intersection with Whitman Mission Road (the NHS’s entrance road). Further west, Mill Creek

joins the Walla Walla River.

The historic Millpond covers about two and one-half acres and is held by earthen dikes. The Millpond

was restored in 1961, and is located on the eastern end of the Mission Grounds. The Millpond is supplied

by the irrigation channel from Doan Creek.

Marcus Whitman is credited with establishing the first irrigation ditch in this area. In one form or another

at least one irrigation ditch has crossed the Mission Grounds since Whitman’s time. Currently, Whitman

Mission National Historic Site is responsible for maintaining 5,967 feet of irrigation ditch in accordance

with Washington State law. The current irrigation ditch on the NHS land supports water that supplies two

farms west of the NHS.

There have been previous discussions as to which portion of Doan Creek is an irrigation ditch and which

portion is classified a creek under the state hydrological permitting process. The concern raises issues as

to the appropriate maintenance of the channel to allow for water flow. If the channel is an irrigation ditch

then no permits are necessary from the state for ditch maintenance undertaken by the NHS staff. If the

channel is classified as a creek, then permits are necessary for maintaining water flow. Presently, the

state views the irrigation ditch as Doan Creek. During a 1997 meeting with the Water Master

(Washington State Department of Ecology) and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, it

was decided to place a screen at the diversion box where Doan Creek enters the NHS. This screen would

prevent fish from entering the irrigation channel thereby keeping that channel an irrigation ditch. A

permit is then not necessary for maintaining water flow. Doan Creek has been manipulated to the point

that the natural channel is not readily distinguishable. At least portions of the original stream bed could

be reestablished by use of old maps. This would allow for the establishment of a free-flowing Doan

Creek and a defined irrigation ditch.

In addition to the existing surface water resources, evidence exists of former stream channels for both

Doan Creek and the Walla Walla River. A former Doan Creek

channel is an important wetland habitat in the northeastern

quarter of the NHS. The former channel of the Walla Walla

River (the oxbow of the Walla Walla River) is important to the

interpretation of the history of Whitman Mission National

Historic Site.

Restoration of Doan Creek

In 1995, the staff at Whitman Mission NHS contracted with

Inter-Fluve, Inc. located in Hood River, Oregon, to prepare a
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 50

restoration plan for Doan Creek. Historically used for irrigation, Doan Creek had been changed so that

the natural historic stream alignment was unclear. The intent of the study was to restore in part the

natural stream system function of the north channel, and to allow irrigation to continue through the NHS.

The primary goal of restoring Doan Creek was to reduce annual channel maintenance. The suggested

restoration techniques, which are now being implemented, would restore partial functionality by

preserving or modifying vegetation and physically modifying some of the channel segments. In general,

the northern channel would be restored to a natural meandering stream (closer to its original condition)

with wetlands. Native hardwood trees and shrubs would be planted to provide shade and long term

stability, and to increase the potential for wildlife. Since the southern channels have significant cultural

resources, this area would be maintained as an irrigation-type channel. The banks of the irrigation ditch

would be stabilized through the Mission Grounds and the remainder of the irrigation channel would be

assessed for other management options.

Subsurface Hydrology

The park’s potable water well draws water from a gravel aquifer, the shallower of the two aquifers

underlying the Walla Walla Valley. The well is certified by the Washington State Department of

Ecology. During the 1970s, Whitman Mission participated with local government agencies and

landowners to monitor the depth of water in the shallow aquifer. The Walla Walla Regional Water Study

Committee was the umbrella organization that compiled the data. The study confirmed that, in general,

the water level in this aquifer is becoming deeper.

Whitman Mission will not experience a shortage of water in the foreseeable future because the park well

goes into the aquifer for a considerable depth. Most county residents depend upon the aquifer and the

cities of Walla Walla and College Place use the aquifer when demand is highest in the summer. Walla

Walla and the Washington State Department of Ecology have proposed a program to pump water from

the deep basalt aquifer into the shallow aquifer to stop the loss of water from the shallow aquifer.

Whitman Mission would cooperate again with any regional organization to monitor water depth in the

park well.

Water Quality

The chemical analysis of the potable well water has been consistently monitored every three years. In

1992, the national historic site received funding to test the surface waters of Doan Creek and the

Millpond for basic water chemistry such as pH, temperature, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, and other factors.

Water quality is good, although pH and temperature levels are higher than optimum for native fish

habitat. Doan Creek was also tested for potential pesticide pollution. No pesticides were detected. The

NHS staff received funding for subsequent water quality monitoring in 1998, and again, no pesticide

pollution was detected.

The National Park Service’s Water Resources Division in Fort Collins, Colorado, reviewed six national

databases maintained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for water quality monitoring data

within the area of the NHS. Of the 8,307 monitoring observations reported in the databases,

approximately 95% were recorded before 1978. Samples were not collected from 1978 through 1991.

The only recent water quality monitoring is mentioned above. From the limited available data, it appears

sections of the Walla Walla River, Mill Creek, and the Millpond have been influenced by human

activities. Potential human sources of contaminants include upstream, historic wastewater discharges, or

both, along with mining and quarrying operations, agricultural runoff, and urban storm water runoff.

Water Rights

At the time of land acquisition for Whitman Mission National Historic Site, certain water rights also

accompanied the acquired properties. The NHS obtains its water rights certificates through the Water
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51 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Rights Program administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology. The NHS holds water

rights certificates including ground wells and from surface waters. Future use of these water rights and

resources is an obvious management concern at the NHS, while continuing to respect the valid existing

water rights of downstream users.

Irrigation water from Doan Creek is shared among three land owners—the NHS and two neighbors.

Maintenance of a free-flowing irrigation channel is accomplished cooperatively among the three interests

for the portion of the irrigation ditch east of the NHS. The NHS staff is responsible for the maintenance

of the irrigation ditch within the park. A fourth party, over whose land the upper part of Doan Creek runs,

but who has no water rights, is also involved. The National Historic Site is situated between this neighbor

and the other two; therefore, the NHS is the first to be called upon to correct any problem concerning

irrigation water flow, such as water leaks, and weed and moss control. The NHS uses its share of water to

fill the historic Millpond and irrigate 10 acres of lawn at the Mission Grounds. The other two neighbors

with water rights irrigate their respective farms. To assure the other users that the NHS was using no

more than its fair share of water, the staff installed a meter in 1996 to measure the amount of water used

for irrigation.

Wetlands

Approximately 10 acres of the NHS is wetland, but is not formally classified as such in any NPS, U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers, National Wetlands Inventory, or Natural Resource Conservation Service

document. The NHS staff needs to have this area formally evaluated. There are distinct former stream

channels of Doan Creek and the Walla Walla River which hold water in the winter and spring. There is a

wetland enhancement project planned by NHS staff to unchannel Doan Creek along the northern

boundary to allow more water to meander, supporting the wetland habitat mentioned above.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers purchased land that borders the south boundary of the NHS and the

north bank of the Walla Walla River as part of the Snake River Mitigation Plan. This land is now owned

and managed by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife as a riparian habitat.

Management of this land in its natural state is compatible with the historic setting of the NHS.

Floodplains

The Floodway, Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps published by the Federal Emergency Management

Agency (Panel 440 of 500, December 1, 1983, Walla Walla County, Washington, Unincorporated Areas)

show Whitman Mission National Historic Site to have approximately 50% of its land area in either the

100 or 500-year flood boundary of the Walla Walla River or Mill Creek. (Refer to Figure 2, Physical and

Natural Features.) The northern portion of the NHS is situated in the Lower Mill Creek floodplain, with

the 100-year flood boundary at an elevation of about 623 feet, while the 500-year flood boundary is at

approximately 626 feet. No NHS facilities are located within this floodplain, although the maintenance

area is close to the boundary.

In the southern portion of the NHS, the Walla Walla River floodplain, has the greater extent of potential

flooding. The 100-year flood boundary is at an elevation of approximately 618 to 621 feet, and extends

from an east-west line that runs just south of the Millpond. The 500-year flood boundary would cover the

entire Mission Grounds and the Oregon National Historic Trail. However, no NPS buildings would be

affected. The concrete walkway, and a portion of the NHS road at the entrance to the NHS would be the

only NHS improvements to be affected.

Walla Walla County ordinances prohibit development in the floodway and impose limitations and

building in the 100-year floodplain.
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 52

Vegetation

The staff at Whitman Mission National Historic Site has compiled a vascular plant checklist and a

collection of voucher specimens. There are 183 specimens in the herbarium. At this time, there are no

known federally listed threatened or endangered plant species within the NHS. (See Figure 6,

Vegetation)

Whitman Mission is located on the southern extreme of the Palouse Prairie Region. Originally, this

prairie was dominated by perennial grasses, principally bluebunch wheatgrass (Elymus lanceolatus

wawawai) which flourished over the plains. Intermixed with it were smaller patches of sandberg

bluegrass (Poa secunda) and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis). The region is classified as the

Agropyron-Poa habitat type (formerly named Agropyron spicatum, new listing is Pseudoreognaria

spicata). Large native herbivore were generally absent from the Palouse, and because of this, the grasses

evolved with a low resistance to grazing. Subsequent grazing by domestic livestock and extensive

cultivation for wheat are the main reasons why native perennial grasslands are now rare on the Palouse.

The Cayuse Indians inhabited the area around Whitman Mission NHS prior to the 1850s. They practiced

very little crop agriculture, depending instead on a partially nomadic existence which emphasized food

gathering, horse raising, and salmon fisheries. Fire was used periodically by the Cayuse to burn particular

areas to increase the production of wild forage and accessibility of plant foods, to facilitate hunting and

travel by burning away underbrush, and to encircle game. The regularity with which the areas on, or near,

the historic site were burned historically cannot be determined, but frequent cultural burning of any

particular area was probably rare.

It is probable that at the time the mission was established, a mixture of three plant communities occupied

the site. At the time the mission was established in 1836, the Walla Walla River flowed through the site

during times of high water. On the floodplains along the Walla Walla River and nearby Mill Creek, a

narrow plant community consisting of dense tangled thickets of willows (Salix spp.), cottonwoods

(Populus trichocarpa), wild dogwoods (Cornus spp.), blackberries (Rubus spp.), elderberries (Sambucus

spp.), and other species common to riparian areas probably occurred. An association of perennial grasses,

shrubs, and native forbs occupied the hillside area where soil depths and drainage were greater. Perennial

grasses common to the Palouse dominated the rest of Whitman Mission.

Intermixed throughout the site was giant wild ryegrass (Leymus cinereus, formerly named Elymus

cinereus), a species preferring a year-round supply of soil moisture and occurring primarily on clay

bottomlands and seepage areas. It now occurs as scattered large bunches of grass, but historically, it may

have been more extensive. It was this species that gave the Indian name to the location, Waiilatpu,

meaning, place of the people of the rye grass.

It is likely that the Cayuse used the resources at the site at least periodically for centuries before the

mission was established. Archeological evidence of modification to the natural conditions has not been

documented. However, soon after the mission was established, an irrigation system was developed, crops

were planted, and areas were opened to grazing by draft stock and cattle. A considerable number of stock

animals moved through the mission from the Oregon Trail, and there was ample opportunity for the

introduction of exotic plants. The changes that occurred to the plants and landscape during the time the

mission was active—the introduction of domestic livestock, exotic plants and agriculture, and the

removal of riparian vegetation for fuel and lumber—were a portent of things to come for the entire

Palouse Prairie.
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53 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Revegetation Program

In 1985, the NHS staff began a revegetation project with the objective to control non-native weeds that

had invaded the park. Some of these plants were on the state and county noxious weed lists as targeted

weeds for control and are still serious threats to local agriculture. The short term goal of the NHS staff

was to establish healthy stands of grass to successfully compete with these weeds. The non-native grass

species were chosen for the following reasons: the species had a good chance for success against the

noxious weeds and the weed seeds still in the soil, and they would be similar in appearance to grasses

that may have been growing there 150 years ago. Once these grasses were established, the park staff then

would be able to gradually replace the non-native grasses with native species thought to be present during

the Whitmans’ time. This action is in concurrence with the 1984 Landscape Study and Management

Alternatives for Revegetation: Whitman Mission National Historic Site which states that the overall goal

for revegetation is to maintain the visual aspect of the historic period (USDI, 1984).

In 1989, the NHS staff established a native rye grass demonstration plot by the visitor center. It was

planted in a native plant mixture of Magnar Great Basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus) and Sherman big

bluegrass (Poa secunda). The Magnar Great Basin wildrye grows six to eight feet tall and the Sherman

big bluegrass grows two to three feet tall. The bluegrass did not compete well and the entire area is

gradually becoming Magnar Great Basin wildrye.

In 1987 and 1988, the 28 acre river oxbow and pasture area was planted with both native and non-native

species to reproduce the historic scene. The native Magnar Great Basin wildrye was planted along with

two species of non-native grasses, Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and Alkar tall wheatgrass.

The Alkar tall wheatgrass (Elytrigia pontica) is the main grass in this area and grows to four feet tall.

The Reed canary grass grows well on poorly drained soils.

Another native plant that has been discussed for possible use on the Mission Grounds is Sodar

streambank wheatgrass (Elymus lanceolatus). This plant is a native, sod forming grass that grows six to

eighteen inches tall. It grows well on a variety of soils and can handle the dry conditions of summer.

Exotic Plants

By 1985, major emphasis for maintenance within the NHS was being placed on revegetation and the

control of exotic plant species. Vegetation management has converted 65% of the NHS from exotic

grasses and weeds to grasses that grew in the area during Whitman’s era, or to grasses that have the same

appearance as the native grasses. These native-appearing grasses will gradually be replaced with native

species by NHS staff.

A vegetation plan was developed by the NHS staff and implemented for the area surrounding the visitor

center. In 1995, vegetative alternatives were developed for treating exotics on the banks of the irrigation

channel. Some implementation has been initiated.

In 1997, an inventory of exotic pest plant species identified the following six species of concern: field

bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica), poison hemlock, (Conium

maculatum), yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitalis), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), and Scotch

thistle (Onopordum acanthium). Control strategies for these species have been developed, and

incorporate more extensive use of integrated pest management techniques.

Natural Resources Conservation Service Programs

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is a federal agency that offers a variety of programs

to aid local landowners in Washington State. The agency works in close cooperation with the Walla
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 54

Walla Conservation District through the NRCS field office in Walla Walla. The following programs are

currently available to landowners in the Walla Walla area:

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary 10 year agreement between NRCS and local

landowners which pays landowners to seed with native grasses, trees and shrubs. The program is

especially profitable to farmers who farm on marginal agricultural soils. Landowners surrounding

Whitman Mission National Historic Site with marginal soils can apply for this program.

The Continuous Buffer Program is part of the CRP and pays 50% of installation and 120% of the CRP

rental rate per year for up to 15 years. It pays for grass filter strips; grass waterways; forest, shrub, and

grass buffers; windbreaks; hedgerows; contour strips; and wildlife watering areas.

WHMI GMP/EIS

FIGURE 6
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55 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Vegetation

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is similar to the federal continuous buffer

CRP, but is a state program requiring a match of funds. It provides money to pay for buffers on
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 56

agricultural or non-agricultural land. This state money is administered by the Walla Walla Conservation

District, and can be tailored to fit the needs of the landowner. It pays 170 % of the CRP rental rate of up

to 15 years. It is likely that this source can be combined with federal continuous buffer CRP.

The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) is primarily for wildlife habitat, but it can also be used

for instream improvements. The minimum time period for participation is five years, with a maximum of

10 years. It pays up to $10,000 for installation of streambank protection, tree and shrub establishment,

pond creation or spring development, hedgerow planting, fish stream improvements, filter strips, fencing

or other wildlife projects.

The federal Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) is a program to help landowners develop a

comprehensive management system for the entire farm to address all environmental concerns. Its goal is

to produce a sustainable system.

Wildlife

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is the only federally listed threatened or endangered wildlife

species that has been observed within the NHS boundaries. There are no proposed or candidate species

identified within the area of the NHS. There are nine species of concern that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service has identified that may occur within the NHS area. Those species include the following:

Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris pretiosa), ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), fringed myotis

(bat) (Myotis thysanodes) , loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicanus), northern sagebrush lizard

(Sceloporus graciosus graciosus), pale Townsend’s big-eared bat (Plecotus townsendii pallescens),

small-footed myotis (bat) (Myotis ciliolabrum), western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugea),

and Yuma myotis (bat) (Myotis yumanensis). Species of concern receive no protection under the

Endangered Species Act. These species could be proposed or listed during this planning process and

come under the scope of the Act.

Information on wildlife is limited because park inventories have not been completed. Quantitative

inventories of mammals, birds, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians are needed.

Mammals

Wildlife at Whitman Mission National Historic Site is represented primarily by a variety of small

rodents. The most common mammals are cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.), meadow mice (microtus

spp.), white-footed mice (Peromyscus spp.), harvest mice (Reithrodontomus fulvenscens), and pocket

gophers (Thamomys bottae). Also seen are beavers (Castor canadensis), whitetail deer (Odocoileus

virginianus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), muskrats (Odontra zibethica), racoons (Procyon lotor),

weasels (Mustela spp.), skunks (Mephitis spp.), badgers (Meles spp.), porcupines (Erethizon spp.), and

feral house cats (Felis catus).

Birds

A variety of common birds, ducks, and geese have been seen within Whitman Mission National Historic

Site. Ninety-three species of birds, ducks, and geese have been observed and recorded. Bird species

commonly observed include mourning doves (Zenaida macroura), woodpeckers (Picoides spp. and

Melanerpes spp.), barn owls (Tyto alba), swallows (Hirundo spp.), house wrens (Troglodytes aedon),

Wilson’s warblers (Wilsonia pusilla), Audobon’s warblers (Dendroica coronata audoboni), sparrows

(Spizella spp., Melospiza spp., and Zonotrichia spp.), juncos (Junco spp.), red-winged blackbirds

(Agelaius phoeniceus), robins (Turdus migratorius), starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), crows (Corvus spp.),

hawks (Accipeter spp. and Buteo spp.), pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos),
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57 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

and Canada geese (Branta canadensis). Other species seen are California quail (Callipepla californica),

bobwhite quail (Colinus spp.) and wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo).

Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), a federally listed species, occasionally pass through the NHS.

There are no known nesting sites within or in close proximity to the NHS.

Fish

The following species of fish have recently been found in Mill Creek: steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss),

carp (Cyprinus carpio), and sunfish (Eupomotis gibbosus). The USFWS has identified bull trout

(Salvelinus confluentus) and the National Marine Fisheries Service has identified steelhead in the area,

both which are federally listed, but there have been no documentated sightings within park waters. No

other information is available concerning fish in the waters running through the NHS. However,

occasionally fish (carp) enter the irrigation channel.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Bullfrogs (Rana spp.) are known to occupy areas around the Millpond, Mill Creek, and along the

irrigation channel. Common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) and gopher or bull snakes (Pituphis

milanoleucus) have been observed at various locations throughout Whitman Mission National Historic

Site. Painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) are found in the Millpond and along Mill Creek.

Invertebrates

No information is available concerning invertebrates in the Whitman Mission area.

Natural Quiet and Night Sky

The natural ambient sound environment of Whitman Mission National Historic Site is generally quiet

due to its rural nature and agricultural setting. Park visitors often comment on the quietness of the NHS

and many visitors say they come to the NHS just because it is quiet. Nonetheless, noise periodically

comes from the operation of agricultural equipment near the NHS, occasional crop dusters and planes,

the passing of freight trains along the northern boundary, and routine grounds maintenance equipment.

The NPS also considers the night sky as an intrinsic resource that needs protection, just like clean air,

clean water and natural quiet. Given its rural location and absence of artificial lights, portions of the NHS

are good places to view the night sky. Park staff have taken various measures to reduce light pollution,

including the use of light shields, and recessed lights. Although park hours are for day use only, the local

colleges have been allowed permits to conduct astronomy observations from the park. This activity

occurs primarily in areas away from exterior lighting, including areas to the south of the visitor center, on

top of Memorial Hill, and around the maintenance area.

Fire

The Whitman Mission National Historic Site Fire Management Plan was updated in May, 2000. Current

fire management activities include fire suppression and the application of prescribed fire. Management of

natural ignitions for resource benefit is not feasible on the NHS because of the small size of the site and

the number of sensitive resources. It would be difficult to contain a natural fire within the boundaries of

the NHS.

All unplanned ignitions, both lightning-caused and human-caused, are suppressed in the site to protect

sensitive park resources, as well as to prevent damage to neighboring private lands. The park has the
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 58

responsibility for fire suppression but carries it out through agreements with the local county fire district

and the U.S. Forest Service.

Prescribed burns are presently conducted at the NHS on an annual basis at different areas of the park to

maintain, to the extent possible, the role of fire in the ecosystem. The purpose of the burns is to promote

the health and vigor of the grasses and to reduce the spread of noxious weeds. Most burns are conducted

in the late fall or early spring. This timing allows the fire to consume previous year’s dead, dried grass

stems and leaves, but not damage the grass plants’ roots.

The chief of interpretation and resource management and other qualified staff coordinate with the

Umatilla National Forest and local fire departments to plan and implement all prescribed burns.

Prescribed burning activities usually last only a few days a year. Between 10 and 20 acres are burned

each year, and most areas of the park are burned every 3 to 5 years. The park only burns on county “Burn

Days” to facilitate smoke dispersal.

There are no future management changes anticipated. However, if more land area within the park is

planted with native grasses, fire will probably play a part in its maintenance.

Interpretation

The visitor’s experience has changed drastically at Whitman Mission NHS since the park was formally

established in 1936. While the historic events that occurred from 1836 to1847 do not change with time,

interpretation of those events changes as perspectives change. With a broader interpretation of the park’s

legislation, since 1982, the interpretive story at Whitman Mission has revolved around the “Clash of

Cultures.” The pioneer movement west brought vast changes in tribal relations, disease, change in land

use, loss of land, attempts to shift tribes from a nomadic to sedentary lifestyle as a way of facilitating

conversion and control, and eventual enforced reservation. Both the Whitmans and the Cayuse people are

integral elements of one story.

Primary Interpretive Themes

All interpretive efforts (both personal and non-personal services) should relate to one or more of the

interpretive themes that have been established based upon the purpose, significance, and mission goals

(formerly referred to as management objectives) of the NHS. Each theme should be addressed by some

part of the overall interpretive program. The seven primary interpretive themes, and one proposed

interpretive theme for Whitman Mission, are listed below:

I. Marcus and Narcissa Prentiss Whitman are memorialized for their courage, adventure, and high

idealism, as shaped by their personalities, values, beliefs, and labor while missionaries among the

Cayuse Indians in Old Oregon.

Interpretive Objectives:

• The visitor would know who the Whitmans were, and understand their values and the time period in

which they lived.

• The visitor would be able to discuss the 19th century missionary effort among the native peoples of

the West.

• The visitor would be able to describe the history of the memorials to the Whitmans and identify who

established each of the memorials.
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59 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

II. The mission, established by Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, was operated as a self-sufficient

Protestant Indian mission and school between 1836 and 1847.

Interpretive Objectives:

• The visitor would be able to describe the physical setting and the operation of the mission.

 Visitors would be able to describe the use of land by the Cayuse before the mission was established

and how the Whitmans obtained the land.

• Visitors would be able to explain the relationship between the mission and the Hudson’s Bay

Company.

III. Cultural differences between the Columbia Plateau Indians and the missionaries, and subsequent

American emigrants provide the context for the Whitmans’ deaths.

Interpretive Objectives:

• The visitor would be able to describe how Columbia Plateau Indians and the Euro-American

missionaries and emigrants differed in how they provided themselves with food, clothing, and

shelter.

• The visitor would be able to identify some of the significant language, religion, and customs

differences of the two groups.

• The visitor would be able to understand some of the consequences, both positive and negative, of the

Whitmans’ arrival, such as competition for available resources, and introduction of European

diseases.

• The visitor would be able to contrast the land use values of each of the two groups.

 Visitors would be able to list some of the other missions in the region.

IV. The Whitmans’ association with the Oregon Trail and the development and operation of the mission

at Waiilatpu, resulted in the mission becoming a way station along the trail.

Interpretive Objectives:

• The visitor would be able to discuss the Whitmans’ travels along the route which became the

Oregon Trail and the influence those travels had on subsequent Oregon Trail travelers.

• The visitor would be able to explain why the mission was an important way station along the trail.

V. The killing of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and eleven other people by members of the Waiilatpu

Band of the Cayuse Tribe at Whitman Mission was an important catalyst in the establishment of the

Oregon Territory by the U.S. Congress.

Interpretive Objectives:

• The visitor would be able to identify several events which led to the establishment of the Oregon

Territory, including the role of the Whitmans’ deaths as a catalyst in its establishment.

• The visitor would be able to describe the impact on the Waiilatpu Band of the Cayuse Tribe as a

result of the killings at Waiilatpu Mission and subsequent events.

VI. The natural environment of Waiilatpu affected the development and life at Whitman Mission.

Interpretive Objectives:

• The visitor would be able to describe the general environment and ecology of the area today.

• The visitor would be able to relate how the natural setting affected mission life.

• The visitor would be able to understand how the Whitmans and pioneers affected the ecosystem,

such as depleting available natural resources.

VII. Whitman Mission NHS is part of the National Park System and a component of the Oregon National

Historic Trail.

Interpretive Objective:
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 60

Visitor Center lobby showing exhibits and model

• The visitor would be able to relate that Whitman Mission NHS is part of the National Park System

and on the Oregon National Historic Trail.

VIII. The National park Service continues the preservation of the site begun soon after the Whitmans’

deaths (proposed theme).

• The visitor would understand the stewardship role that the NPS performs at Whitman Mission NHS

and other NPS sites around the country.

• The visitor would be aware that memorial efforts began at Whitman Mission as early as 1859.

• The visitor would be aware of actions the NPS is taking to study and preserve the historic landscape,

including native plant revegetation, artifact preservation, and grounds maintenance.

Visitor Experience Goals

The intent of NPS management in offering interpretive programs and services at Whitman Mission NHS

is to provide opportunities for visitors that would allow them to experience the NHS which would affect

them in thought, feelings, or actions.

• Visitors would have opportunities to experience quiet contemplation while at the memorials.

• Visitors would be able to obtain interpretive information in a variety of ways and to the level of

complexity and detail they desire.

• Visitors would be able to visualize the layout of the mission at Waiilatpu—the buildings and other

elements of the physical environment.

• Visitors would have the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of mission life and the

Oregon Trail.

• Visitors would be able to appreciate the size of the original Mission Grounds, which are much larger

than what is included in the NHS.

• Visitors would understand the need for the preservation of the rural agricultural setting surrounding

the NHS.

• Visitors would understand how the Cayuse people used the land before the Whitmans arrived and

built the mission at Waiilatpu.

Whitman Mission National Historic

Site Visitor Center

Visitor Center Lobby

The visitor center is opened to the public every day

except January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25.

Upon arriving at Whitman Mission National Historic

Site, visitors enter the visitor center from the parking

area. Inside the lobby of the visitor center, visitors

are first oriented to the site. Rangers staff an

information desk in the lobby and provide vital

information to the visitor. Entrance fees are also

collected at this desk. A book sales area is operated

by the Northwest Interpretive Association (NWIA), a

nonprofit organization established for the purpose of assisting the NPS in promotion of educational

activities at Northwest parks, including Whitman Mission NHS. Approximately sixty book titles are

carried in addition to Columbia Plateau bead work. The NWIA prints the NHS’s newspaper, Waiilatpu
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61 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Press, which is published once a year and offered free to the public. Feature articles, in addition to a

schedule of NHS interpretive programs, are found in the newspaper. Sales of NWIA materials are

handled at the visitor center desk by park personnel. The park brochure is also available to the public at

the desk. The NPS handbook, Whitman Mission, is now out of print. Published by the Government

Printing Office in 1964, it needs revision and reprinting to meet visitors’ needs for a moderately priced

book on the Whitmans.

In addition to the information desk, the lobby also contains a model of the Mission Grounds which is

important to the visitor’s orientation of the site. The model, based upon a sketch by William Gray, helps

the visitor visualize the spatial relationships between the mission buildings, which is currently difficult

to achieve when on the Mission Grounds. This model is not presently accessible to people in wheelchairs

due to the plexiglass cover used to protect the delicate components of the model. Lobby displays of

missionary household items and a Cayuse Indian tule lodge are backdrops for indoor cultural

demonstrations targeted mainly to school groups during the fall and spring. A temporary exhibit in a

corner of the lobby on the archeology of the NHS provides interesting information to the visitor. Three

unmarked doors off the lobby lead out to the national historic site grounds or back out to the parking lot.

Visitor Center Exhibits, Slide Show, and Movie

The public’s understanding of the story told at Whitman Mission is dependent not only on the lobby

displays, personal services, and educational materials for sale, but the museum exhibits, slide show and

movie, and wayside exhibits on the NHS’s grounds. Each form of media tell a piece of the story. The

overall goal is to create an interpretive program that acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of both

the Whitmans and Cayuse and treats both the Whitmans and Cayuse as integral parts of, as the museum

states, “One Great Story.” The current museum exhibits were installed in 1987, and revised in 1989, and

meet this goal. The exhibits present a visual treatment of the five interpretive themes, and incorporate

artifacts to give the visitor an overview of the story under the headings: “Cayuse People and Tradition,”

“Westward Expansion,” “The Mission,” and “The Tragic End.” A diorama in the center of the museum

depicts the symbolic meeting of the Whitmans and the Cayuse people.

The audio-visual auditorium is an all-purpose room, and is used to present orientation programs for

groups of up to 75 people. There are two automated programs currently in use. A 10 minute slide/sound

show, entitled “The Whitman Saga,” focuses on the Whitman story. Minor changes, in addition to closed

captioning, are necessary to bring this program up to date. The 16 minute film, “The Whitmans and the

Waiilatpus,” focuses on cultural differences. Completed in 1976, this film, critical to the interpretive

story at Whitman Mission, is dated and needs to be modernized. The delivery systems of the film and

sound/slide program are also antiquated and difficult to operate.

Trails and Outdoor Exhibits

From the visitor center, the visitor has the option of taking the .86 miles of self-guiding loop trails that

lead between the visitor center, the Great Grave, the Memorial Shaft, Alice Clarissa Whitman’s

memorial, the historic mission building sites, and the Oregon National Historic Trail. Along the

intertwining loop trails, 12 wayside exhibits, effective 1978, provide outmoded interpretation for the

public. Seven of these exhibits include an audio station which provides additional interpretation, that on a

quiet day, pierce the silence of this serene setting.

Upon leaving the visitor center for the mission building sites, the visitor follows a paved path that

unknown to the visitor, crosses the Oregon National Historic Trail, and then a restored portion of

Whitman’s irrigation ditch. The lack of an orientation wayside before crossing the irrigation ditch onto
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 62

the Mission Grounds leaves some visitors unprepared for the tranquil, park-like setting of the mission

site. Only eight wayside exhibits and three park benches mark this landscape. The historic building

foundations are outlined with concrete blocks and are flush with the grass. This treatment of the resource

makes it difficult for some visitors to visualize the locations and relationships of the structures, and also

get a feel for what life at the mission was really like. Therefore, interpretation here is critical for visitors

to understand the resource.

A walk around the Mission Grounds trail loop passes the Millpond. The pond is not handicapped

accessible for viewing, due to a berm, and no interpretation is presently available at this site. At the base

of the berm is the Gristmill site, which has a wayside exhibit and audio station.

After completing the mission trail loop, a sign indicates the Oregon Trail at what appears to be an old

road. From Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon, the Oregon Trail was a crude network of

rutted traces that was used by nearly 400,000 people. It still evokes an instant image, a ready recollection

of the settlement of this continent, of the differences between American Indians and white settlers, and of

new horizons. Although the main trail bypassed the mission after 1844, those who were sick and destitute

turned to the mission for shelter and comfort until the 1847 killings. The location of this section of the

Oregon Trail at Whitman Mission is documented by sketches of the mission made by eye-witnesses

confirming the location. This section of the trail in the park was reconstructed in 1963 when the county

road was relocated from the location traditionally recognized as the Oregon Trail.

The entrance to the Mission Grounds off the Oregon National Historic Trail is not accurately reflected in

the current visitor circulation pattern. One wayside exhibit exists midway along the trail and tells the

story of the Sager children. During the summer, a covered wagon is located on the trail or in a nearby

grove of trees. Whitman Mission National Historic Site and this section of Oregon Trail reconstructed

ruts are components of the Oregon National Historic Trail. The National Park Service recently finished a

comprehensive management and use plan for the Oregon National Historic Trail through the Long

Distance Trails Office in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Intertwining loops lead the visitor either past the memorial marker commemorating Alice Clarissa

Whitman or up the hill to the Whitman Memorial. Written accounts indicate that this hill was frequently

used as a vantage point for mission residents awaiting the return or arrival of travelers. Current

interpretation at this marble shaft is limited to a wayside panel overlooking the Mission Grounds entitled

“Waiilatpu,” and a small plaque giving statistical information about the Memorial Shaft. This site, along

with the Great Grave, are maintained as quiet and reflective areas as a memorial to the Whitmans.

The trail from Memorial Hill leads the visitor past the Great Grave. Inside the Great Grave enclosure is

the mass grave of those killed in 1847 and the tombstone of William and Mary Augusta Gray.

Interpretation at this site is limited to an audio/wayside exhibit that displays the 14 names written on the

gravestone. There is no interpretation on the Grays, nor interpretation on the discrepancy of the 14 names

on the gravestone versus the “Whitmans plus eleven others” interpreted in the visitor center.

On the trail from the Great Grave to the visitor center, several silver poplar trees circle an area south of

the Great Grave, and provide a shaded area which has been used in recent years for several purposes. In

the summer, weekend cultural demonstrations are normally conducted in this area. These pioneer and

Cayuse Indian demonstrations illustrate some of the crafts and skills needed by the Oregon Trail

emigrants, Cayuse tribal members, or Whitman Mission residents in order to be a productive member of

their society. These demonstrations, and others such as American Indian bead work, have brought a

special focus on the people and culture for whom the mission was established in 1836.
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63 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Sawmill Site

The sawmill, built by Marcus Whitman in early 1845, was approximately 20 miles east of Waiilatpu.

Located on what is now private land on Mill Creek (the creek was named after the mill), 12 miles

upstream from present-day city of Walla Walla, the site contained the sawmill itself, a cabin, and a low

dam that formed a millpond. A sign marking the spot was erected and dedicated by local historical

groups on October 16,1966. By the time of the dedication of this sign, the ground surface and the course

of Mill Creek had been so altered that all traces of the millpond dam for the sawmill had disappeared as

well as all other surface features from the Whitman era. Since the exact location of the sawmill has not

been validated, the NPS does not have any plans for interpreting the sawmill site outside the NHS.

Other Programs

School Programs

The NHS provides an opportunity for school teachers to prepare their students for a field trip to Whitman

Mission National Historic Site. Two Teachers’ Guides and a Field Trip Guide are now available on the

Internet. During the months of April, May, and October, the NHS has over 6,000 students visiting the

NHS.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site has expanded its basic NPS Internet Web page to include

information about the NHS, historical topics related to the NHS themes, and two Teachers’ Guides, one

on the Oregon Trail and one on Whitman Mission. In June 1998, a career seasonal position

(approximately 10 months of work each year) was filled at the NHS. The position’s primary duty is

educational outreach to area schools and to segments of the area population that are under represented in

the NHS’s annual visitation. This position gives Whitman Mission the capability to offer more outreach

and community programs.

Volunteers In Parks Program

The main focus of the Volunteers in Parks program at Whitman Mission is the use of volunteers for the

annual Cayuse Cultural Day. The NHS’s Volunteers in Parks $1,500 budget is used to offset the cost of

the volunteers’ transportation to the NHS for this event. In fiscal year 1996, 99 volunteers donated 1,176

hours to the NHS. In fiscal year 1997, 48 volunteers donated 930 hours. In fiscal year 1998, 23

volunteers donated 1,086 hours.

Regional Cooperation

Tamastslikt Cultural Institute

In close proximity to Whitman Mission National Historic Site is the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute,

located four miles east of Pendleton, Oregon on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. This facility, opened in

1998, presents the visitor with an opportunity to share and participate in the dramatic chronicle of the

meetings of two vastly different cultures. The institute provides a brief overview of the Oregon Trail but

concentrates on the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes and their traditional culture. Whitman

Mission National Historic Site staff are cooperating with the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute staff in

support of this major interpretive project.

Oregon Historic Trails Program

Whitman Mission National Historic Site has a natural thematic interpretive tie-in to the Oregon Historic

Trails Program recognized by the State of Oregon. This program is coordinated by the Oregon Historic

Trails Advisory Council (formerly the Oregon Trail Coordinating Council), whose objective is to

“establish Oregon as the nation’s leader in developing historic trails for their educational, recreational,
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 64

and economic values. The Oregon Historic Trails Program, when fully implemented, will help preserve

and leverage existing heritage resources while promoting rural economic development and growth

through heritage tourism” (Executive Order No. EO-98-16, Office of the Governor, State of Oregon).

Two of these trails are especially pertinent to Whitman Mission: the Whitman Mission Route from the

Umatilla River to the Whitman Mission and Fort Walla Walla, and the Upper Columbia River Route

from Fort Walla Walla to the Dalles. Preliminary program plans envision the creation of a loop tour route

linking the Whitman Mission with the Oregon Trail interpretive facilities in Oregon including the

Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, and wayside exhibits located at Pendleton, Echo, Stanfield, and Arlington,

Oregon.

Fort Walla Walla Park and Museum

Fort Walla Walla Park is the largest park in the city of Walla Walla. It is 208 acres and is listed on the

National Register of Historic Places as a locally significant historic site. The park is comprised of picnic

areas, the Fort Walla Walla Museum complex (which covers 15 acres that were part of a military

reservation in the mid to late 1800s), a historic cavalry and Native American cemetery, an amphitheater,

a bicycle trail system, and a 70 acre nature preserve. The Capital Facilities Plan (a component of the

1997 Walla Walla Urban Area Comprehensive Plan, October 1997) mentions that a new demand for

facilities include, among other things, growth of the museum.

National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located in Baker City, Oregon. It was among

the first centers to open on the Oregon Trail and interprets the experience of pioneer families who

traveled the 2,000 mile Oregon Trail. There are several displays of realistic dioramas and historical

exhibits. Visitors can also visit nearby wagon ruts still visible from the pioneers’ wagons. In addition to

this center, there are four others along the Oregon Trail in Oregon: Four Rivers Cultural Center in

Ontario, the End of the Trail Interpretive Center in Oregon City, the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

and Wasco County Historical Museum in The Dalles, and the most recent, Tamastslikt Cultural Institute.

Whitman College

On December 20, 1859, the Territorial Legislature at Olympia granted a charter to “an Institution of

Learning in Walla Walla County to be known as Whitman Seminary.” By 1882, this institution had

become Whitman College. Located just seven miles east of Whitman Mission National Historic Site, the

college staff, students, and facilities have supported the historic site. The “museum and archives” at

Whitman College became the natural collection point for artifacts associated with the Whitman era prior

to the development of Whitman Mission National Historic Site. The college’s collection, and the scholars

at the college, are both important components of the knowledge base associated with the Whitmans and

the times in which they lived. The park and college have collaborated on many projects ranging from the

items on display in the park’s museum to programs relating to local Indian tribes.

Visitor Use

Visitor Use Patterns

In 1999, the annual visitation to Whitman Mission National Historic Site was approximately 80,000.

Visitation peaked between 1983 and 1987 when it ranged between 104,000 and 116,000 each of those

years. It gradually declined to a low in 1994 of 71,500 visitors. Major declines occurred in late 1988 and

the following year due to the initiation of an entrance fee. Park visitation fell 14% in 1989. Visitation fell

13% due to the closure and reconstruction of the park entrance road in 1992. Two years later, visitation
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65 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

hit a low when U.S. Highway 12, the main highway west from Walla Walla was re-paved, a project that

occupied most of the summer of 1994. Since then, visitation has rebounded, and is expected to average

80,000 to 85,000 in the foreseeable future.

The first table on the following page shows the yearly visitation numbers during 1980 through 1999 at

Whitman Mission National Historic Site. The second table shows visitation numbers monthly for 1997

and 1998.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Yearly Visitation 1980 - 1997

Year Total Visitation

1980 98,977

1981 97,948

1982 98,736

1983 109,002

1984 106,060

1985 104,938

1986 110,743

1987 116,383

1988 98,572 (fees begin)

1989 84,772

1990 86,175

1991 84,764

1992 74,086 (road work)

1993 77,788

1994 71,523 (highway work)

1995 79,947

1996 78,226

1997 78,489

1998 78,855

1999 75,842
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 66

Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Monthly Visitation 1997 - 1998

Month (1997) Visitation Month (1998) Visitation

January 2,535 January 2,278

February 2,719 February 2,699

March 4,429 March 3,882

April 5,321 April 7,671

May 11,201 May 14,873

June 13,451 June 12,840

July 11,842 July 9,519

August 8,551 August 7,198

September 6,115 September 6,141

October 6,340 October 6,911

November 3,287 November 2,360

December 2,698 December 2,483

Whitman Mission NHS participated in the 1998 National Park Service visitor survey. The survey was

developed to measure each park’s performance related to NPS Government Performance and Results Act

goals for visitor satisfaction, understanding, and appreciation of the park facilities and resources. The

data reflect visitor opinions during July 1998 and do not necessarily apply to visitors during other times

of the year.

At the NHS, 96% of park visitors rated the park facilities, services, and recreational opportunities as

either “good” or “very good.” At the same time, 70% of park visitors understood and appreciated the park

significance. The 30% response rate for Whitman Mission’s survey was very good. Typical response

rates for similar mail-back customer service cards in the private sector range from 10% to 30%.

Visitor Trends
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67 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

The Cooperative Park Studies Unit at the University of Washington used Whitman Mission National

Historic Site to test the Interpretive Activity Inventory System in the summer of 1977. The 1977 study

concentrated upon visitor demographics and use of the interpretive facilities. Conducted from April to

September, the inventory provided the following information on the NHS’s visitors for 1977 as shown on

the following page.

In 1993, the Cooperative Park Studies Unit at the University of Idaho conducted a visitor services survey

at the NHS. Interviews were conducted and questionnaires distributed from June 27 to July 3, 1993.

Visitors completed the questionnaire during and after their trip and then returned it by mail. While not all

of the questions were the same as the 1977 survey, some results were comparable, as the chart shows.

April 1977 - September 1977 June 1993 - July 1993

New Visitors 77% New Visitors 70%

Repeat Visitors 23% Repeat Visitors 30%

Local (100 mile radius) 28% Washington 53%

Non-local 72% Oregon 24% (Other 23%)

Seniors 16% Seniors 20%

Adults 59% Adults 60%

Children under 12 years 25% Children under 10 years 20%

The average length of stay was two hours in 1993. The NHS’s visitors are predominately white, family

groups comprising two to four people. The most common adult visitor to the NHS lives within a 50 mile

radius and brings a visiting relative to the NHS. The exception is school group visits, where minority

children, primarily Hispanic, comprise approximately 25% of those groups. With annual visitation

averaging almost 80,000, school group visitors constitute almost 10% of the visitation.

The NHS usually records more visitors during the “shoulder season” of April and May than any two of

the summer months, due to the heavy school group visitation from within a 150 mile radius. Visitation

during the September and October shoulder season is growing as a result of commercial tours and some

school groups that are shifting their visits from spring to fall. Daily visitation can be heavily influenced

by the day of the week and the weather. During spring and fall, a warm and sunny weekend day will

encourage three times as many visitors as a weekday with the same weather. During the summer vacation

season, rainy, or exceptionally hot weather decreases daily visitation.

Carrying Capacity

Carrying capacity is the type and level of visitor use that can be accommodated while sustaining the

desired resource and social conditions that compliment the purposes of the NHS and its management

objectives. It is affected by both physical constraints and the more subjective perceptions of what

constitutes a quality visitor experience. Physical limitations at the NHS are evident in the maximum

seating capacity of the auditorium (present capacity is 76 persons), number of parking spaces (present

capacity is 43 car spaces, including 4 spaces for persons with disabilities, and 3 bus/RV spaces), number

of picnic tables (present capacity is 10) in the picnic area, and by the size of the public restrooms. The
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 68

visitor center lobby and museum exhibit room also have a finite space, but the number of people that

these rooms can hold is governed more by what visitors and the NHS staff regard as crowding, and by the

possibility of damage to the exhibits that could occur from excessive numbers of people. The visitor

center can accommodate approximately 90 school children including the auditorium.

No visitor use management plan currently exists at the NHS. A visitor use management plan needs to be

prepared to define the desired resource and social conditions within the visitor center during the school

group visitation season of April and May, and set the level of acceptable use that will maintain those

conditions. With the paved walks that lead in three different directions from the visitor center, resource

damage and excessive concentrations of visitors outside the visitor center does not seem to be a problem.

Relationship to Regional Tourism

One question in the 1993 Visitor Services Project survey asked visitors what sites they visited or planned

to visit during their trip to Whitman Mission. The sites most often visited were Fort Walla Walla

Museum (34%), Whitman College (24%), and Pioneer Park in Walla Walla (23%). None of the other

history-oriented sites or museums were listed by more than 6% of those surveyed with the exception of

Lewis and Clark Trail State Park, 25 miles east near Dayton, Washington.

The NHS does not host a major tourist event, but the park benefits from other events occurring in the

region. The Ciy of Walla Walla hosts a hot air balloon festival the second weekend in May, the Walla

Walla Frontier Days and Fair is Labor Day weekend, the Pendleton Roundup is the third week of

September, and Wings over Walla Walla air show occurs the first weekend in October. Visitation

increases during the weeks of these events.

The Oregon National Historic Trail Act identified the park as an important aid station along the Oregon

Trail. A few visitors who are following at least a portion of the Oregon National Historic Trail in Oregon

and Washington make Whitman Mission one of their stops. The NHS provides an opportunity for a day

or a half-day excursion for people who are already visiting the region.

Recreation Fee Demonstration Program

The NPS is participating in a three year program called the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program

(Public Law 104-134 and amended by Public Law 104-208). The program allows 100 parks to retain

generated income from fees and to use them for their own park operation and maintenance. This is a pilot

program which may become permanent in the future. The NHS is not currently participating in this

program. However, the NHS could apply to participate in this program in the future.

Socioeconomic Factors

Regional Setting

Whitman Mission National Historic Site is located in southeastern Washington, 158 miles south of

Spokane and 262 miles to the east of Seattle. The NHS is approximately five miles north of the Oregon

border and approximately 15 miles west of the foot of the Blue Mountains. This mountain range lies in a

northeast and southwest direction with some peak elevations exceeding 7,000 feet in height. Streams
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69 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

originating on the Blue Mountains flow either westerly toward the Columbia River, or northerly and

eastward to the Snake River. The Walla Walla River originates in the Blue Mountains and flows west

into the Columbia River. Whitman Mission National Historic Site is situated in a valley near the

confluence of the Walla Walla River and Mill Creek, seven miles west of the City of Walla Walla. The

NHS is within Washington’s Fifth Congressional District.

A large portion of the Blue Mountains is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as the Umatilla National

Forest. This is a 1.4 million acre forest of mountainous terrain, deep canyons, and plateaus. Two

wilderness areas, Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness Area to the east and the Umatilla Wilderness to the

southeast, are located within the Umatilla National Forest. A small wilderness area, Juniper Dunes

Wilderness, is near the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers, northwest of Walla Walla. These

areas provide numerous recreation opportunities along with many non-federal park and recreation

facilities managed by state, local, and private entities throughout the region.

The Umatilla Indian Reservation is located near Pendleton, Oregon. In addition to the resident Indians,

there are approximately 1,700 non-Indians. Attractions include the Wildhorse Gaming Resort and Hotel.

Other projects completed in 1998 included the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, RV park, and an 18-hole

golf course. Other projects in the future will include an entertainment park, convenience store and gas

station.

Two cities within Washington are located within the Walla Walla Valley, College Place and Walla

Walla, the county seat. The most populated is Walla Walla with 29,440 population (Port of Walla Walla

1998). Walla Walla was built on a Nez Perce trail which led to the Columbia River. Lewis and Clark

traveled through here in 1805 and 1806 on their expedition across the continent. Fur traders explored the

area in the early 1800s creating early settlements, trading posts, and forts, before the Whitmans arrived

and settled as missionaries. Lands immediately surrounding Whitman Mission are used for cultivating

wheat, asparagus, onion, alfalfa, canola, garbanzo, and pasture.

Walla Walla County

Walla Walla County has a population of 54,600 (Port of Walla Walla 1998). The economy has been

influenced heavily by agriculture in the past due to the rich loess and sedimentary soil. The County has

approximately 600,000 acres of cultivated farmland making up about 73% of the County’s land base.

Agricultural production is valued at approximately 197 million dollars annually. Wheat, barley, peas,

alfalfa hay, strawberries, grapes, sweet corn, and onions are important crops to the area. The County

ranks first in the state of Washington in production of alfalfa seed, second in the production of green

peas, and third in production of wheat. The area is growing in production of grapes and wineries. The

world’s largest grower of Concord grapes for juice is in the County. Recently, farmers have begun to

grow canola for oil, garbanzo beans, and hybrid poplar trees for pulp. (American Farmland Trust 1997:

p.292)

In the last few years, the County’s economy has been diversified by increased roles in the manufacturing,

government, and education fields. Since the grain market is presently “depressed”, agriculture is

gradually changing from grain crops to vegetables (asparagus, onions), legumes, canola, orchard, and

vineyards. Alfalfa seed acreage has also dropped significantly in recent years (Walla Walla County

Regional Planning Department 1999).

Location and Access
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 70

Whitman Mission National Historic Site is located seven miles west of the City of Walla Walla. The

National Park Service entrance road connects to U.S. Highway 12, the primary route between Pasco and

Walla Walla, Washington, and east to Lewiston, Idaho. Other approach routes arrive north from

Interstate 84, which follows the Oregon Trail route through Oregon and parts of Idaho.

The east and west approaches to Whitman Mission are well marked along U.S. Highway 12. During the

re-paving of U.S. Highway 12 in 1994, the state widened the road to create a left turn lane, striped the

lanes as a no-passing zone, and installed a street light at the intersection to improve safety. Neither the

NHS, nor the state, plan additional improvements at the intersection. There are no directional signs to aid

travelers coming from the north or south to the NHS. At present, no highway signs exist within Walla

Walla that provide directions toward Whitman Mission.

The Washington State Department of Transportation is seeking federal funds to improve Highway 12

from Pasco to Walla Walla. A local state senator and the Walla Walla County Commissioners are asking

Congressman George Nethercutt to consider Walla Walla for a federal demonstration project for traffic

safety improvements. Washington State has already made commitments to improving safely along the

highway, including roadway resurfacing, enhancement markings and rumble strips. (Walla Walla Valley

Chamber of Commerce 1997: p.5)

Land Use and Ownership Patterns

Land north, east, and west of Whitman Mission National Historic Site is privately owned. These

surrounding lands are primarily in agricultural use. Immediately adjacent to the northern NHS boundary

is a Union Pacific Railroad line, a single track that connects Walla Walla with the rail junctions near

Pasco, Washington. The trains run an average of once a day and is usually no longer than five cars. The

railroad line is not visible from most of the NHS. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife

owns the land that borders the south side of the NHS and manages it as a riparian habitat. Allowable

public uses of the land include fishing and hunting (restricted to bow and arrow and shotgun during the

hunting season).

Hunting occurs around the NHS, with pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), duck (Anas spp.), and goose

(Branta canadensis) the main attraction. Fishing, primarily for steelhead, occurs on Mill Creek and the

Walla Walla River.

A bicycle and pedestrian entrance along the NHS’s eastern boundary receives use from local residents.

This entrance has no parking facility and is not marked with directional signs along any of the county

roads. Whitman Drive, which originates three miles east in College Place, Washington, ends at this

entrance to the NHS. Between College Place and the NHS, Whitman Drive is a standard, two lane county

road with light traffic. Bicycling route maps show Whitman Drive as the recommended route to the NHS.

Land Use Documents and Related Plans

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Master Plan

Whitman Mission National Historic Site and Fort Vancouver National Historic Site share the same

period in history. Travelers stopped at the Mission on their way to Fort Vancouver. The Whitmans and

Spaldings spent their first winter in the Northwest at Fort Vancouver. Several park themes are shared as

well, such as the expansion of the nation’s boundaries to the Pacific, and the agricultural developments

on the northwest corner of the country.
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71 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

The last general management plan (master plan) for Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, in

Vancouver, Washington, was prepared in August 1975 by the Pacific Northwest Region of the NPS. A

new general management plan is scheduled to begin in the fall of 1999. The national historic site was

established to preserve the site of the original Hudson’s Bay stockade and the historic parade ground of

the later U.S. Army Post. It was at Fort Vancouver that the Hudson’s Bay Company directed its western

activities from 1829 until its relocation to Fort Victoria in 1860. It served as the center of all Hudson’s

Bay Company activities west of the Rocky Mountains, as the “cradle of civilization” in the Pacific

Northwest, as the first western terminus of the Oregon Trail, and finally as the location of the U.S.

Army’s Pacific Northwest headquarters, Fort Vancouver.

General Management Plan Nez Perce National Historical Park and Big Hole National Battlefield

An updated general management plan for Nez Perce National Historical Park was completed in

September 1997, by the Denver Service Center, NPS. Nez Perce National Historical Park is closely

linked with Whitman Mission National Historic Site. Both Whitman and Spalding arrived together in the

Northwest to begin their missionary work among the Indians. Their missions were approximately 100

miles apart or two to three days by horseback. Nez Perce National Historical Park was created to

“facilitate protection and provide interpretation of sites in the Nez Perce Country of Idaho that have

exceptional value in commemorating the history of the Nation.” The two sites in the park that are

associated with the missionary period are Lapwai Mission, where the first Spalding mission was located,

and Spalding where Henry Spalding had his second mission (Spalding is 11 miles east of Lewiston,

Idaho).

Comprehensive Management and Use Plan Update, Oregon and Mormon Pioneer National Historic

Trails

This 1999 plan serves as an update to the 1981 Comprehensive Management and Use Plan for Oregon

Trail (CMP) prepared by the Denver Service Center, National Park Service, August 1999. Whitman

Mission is mentioned in the document in several places.

Whitman Mission is identified as a high-potential site in the CMP. The description of Whitman Mission

is stated as follows:

The Oregon Trail led through the mission in the early years, when it served as a vital way station and

supply point. The mission was bypassed after 1844, when a shorter route was developed thirty miles

to the south (page 215).

The plan identified high-potential sites and segments as required by the National Trails System Act.

High-potential historic sites are identified as follows:

Criteria for consideration as high potential sites include historic significance, presence of visible

historic remnants, scenic quality, and relative freedom from intrusion. High potential segments are

those segments of a trail that afford high quality recreation experience on a portion of the route

having greater than average scenic values or affording an opportunity to vicariously share the

experience of the original users of a historic route. Each site or segment must have the potential to

interpret the trail’s historic significance and to provide opportunities for high-quality recreation (page

40).

Interpretive themes are identified for the Oregon, California, Morman Pioneer, and Pony Express Trails.

These themes and subthemes provide the framework and guidance for interpreting the four trails in an

integrated and systematic way. Whitman Mission was included as a Trail-Specific Subtheme under

Oregon National Historic Trail:
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 72

In 1836 when Presbyterian missionaries Marcus Whitman and Henry Spalding took their wives over

the Oregon Trail to establish Indian missions in the Oregon country, they proved the feasibility of

moving families and wheeled vehicles across an area previously perceived as impassible (page 33).

A portion of the Oregon Trail bisects Whitman Mission National Historic Site. Alternative 2, Enhanced

Conditions and a Historic Trails Partnership (the Proposal) mentions initiatives at the local level that

could enhance trail resource protection:

Counties and cities would be encouraged to support resource protection by integrating nearby

national historic trail designations in local land management plans. For example, farmland at certain

points along the routes of the trails might meet the requirements for agricultural preservation zones

established under state or county regulations. These preservation zones have been set up to keep

prime farmland assessed at a low valuation or in active agricultural production or to keep grazing

land in continued use. Efforts by local governments and private parties to acquire land would be

essential tools for preserving trail resources (page 62).

In the Proposal for the CMP, the Long Distance Trails Office, NPS, would take the lead in developing a

protection plan that would focus on high potential sites and segments, closely coordinated with all

affected parties. In placing the Oregon Trail in relationship to the larger landscape the document states:

Adequate protection of national historic trails would require more than the protection of ruts and

sites. Maintaining the physical integrity of the trail landscape would be essential to preserving the

overall context of the trails’ history and ensuring a rich and evocative visitor experience (page 66).

To address the physical integrity of the trail, the Proposal would establish appropriate widths for

protection corridors along the designated high-potential segments. In addition, the plan recommended

that a study be undertaken for the California and Oregon National Historic Trails, including a separate

study to focus on landscapes.

In 1995, the Oregon legislature recognized five Oregon Trail branches as additional routes of the Oregon

Trail. Oregon House Bill 2966 recognized the significance of several routes including the Whitman

Mission Route. The Proposal for the draft CMP lists seven branches in the states of Oregon and

Washington to be considered “for further study and possible inclusion as part of the Oregon National

Historic Trail. One of these branches included Whitman Mission and is described as follows:

Whitman Mission Route (1841-1847), which stretches from the Umatilla near Cayuse, Oregon, to the

Whitman Mission and then to Fort Walla Walla (Wallula) (page 69).

Walla Walla County Zoning

Walla Walla County established a comprehensive zoning ordinance (Title 17) in October 1967. All land

surrounding the National Historic Site is classified as “agricultural general.” The minimum parcel size is

10 acres and requires a 30 foot front yard setback and a 10 foot side setback. The maximum height

limitation is 35 feet, but there is no maximum for barns or other agricultural structures.

The zoning ordinance defines the Agricultural General District as the following:

This district is primarily a district to regulate the use of land in generally undeveloped areas not

subject to, nor adjacent to land subjected to intensive urban use. Land in this category could be

cultivated acreage or land less suitable for cultivation yet suitable for various agricultural enterprises

under the broadest scope of the agricultural classification. Land within the classification may be

located adjacent to major highways and arterials, however, not within areas that would indicate a

general commercial classification. It is intended to control the scattered intrusion of business and

industrial uses not compatible with an agricultural environment.
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73 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Permitted uses in the Agricultural General District include the following uses: accessory structure (such

as workshops, garages, or greenhouses), airports and landing fields, aircraft charter and rental, assembly

halls, coliseums, stadiums, auction houses (livestock only), certain types of automobile parking,

billboards, boarding houses, booster stations or conversion plants of public utilities, churches and

accessory buildings, colleges or universities, condominiums, day nurseries, farm tenant dwellings,

multifamily attached row dwellings, fuel oil tank bulk storage (cannot exceed 15,000 gallons), fur farms,

group home care, hatcheries, heliports, hog farms, commercial nurseries and greenhouses, accessory

retail uses, kennels, livestock feedyards, fraternal and social lodges, meat processing, mobile home,

orphanages, poultry and small animal killing and dressing for wholesale or retail, retirement homes, rock

crushers, schools, public and private stables, riding academies, and veterinary hospitals.

Conditional uses (by permit only) in this district include such uses as all-terrain vehicle parks, fuel

alcohol plants, gun and archery ranges, hospitals, labor camps, landfills, microwave relay stations,

sewage or water pumping stations, temporary placement of mobile home or travel trailer, and radio and tv

broadcasting stations and towers.

Only a small buffer, less than 55 feet, exists between historic structure foundations and private land.

Over the last decade, several parcels of working farms have been divided and sold, and owners have built

houses or set up manufactured homes.

Walla Walla County Right to Farm Ordinance

In December 1995, “Ordinance Number 232: An Ordinance Amending Walla Walla County Code - Title

18 - To Include a New Chapter 8.40 Regarding a Right to Farm in Walla Walla County” was signed. It

was supported by the public and the Walla Walla County Resource Lands Technical Advisory

Committee as a way to further the Resource Lands goals of the Growth Management Act in Washington.

This ordinance recognizes the fact that farming is a major economic contributor to the County and that

farmers have a right to operate their business within generally accepted agricultural practices. In general,

the ordinance states that a farmer may not be liable to nuisance suits if the farm conforms to generally

accepted agricultural and management practices, even if a “change in the land use or occupancy of

adjacent land or other land in the general area” occurs.

In addition, according to the ordinance, all plats, short plats, development permits and building permits

issued for development within one-fourth mile of lands zoned as Agricultural General (among other

agricultural categories) in the Comprehensive Plan would “contain a notice that the subject property is

within or near designated agricultural lands on which a variety of activities may occur that are not

compatible with residential development.”

Walla Walla County Comprehensive Plan

A comprehensive plan for the entire Walla Walla County is expected to be adopted by the end of 1999.

No information is available at this time. Presently, the only areas of the County covered by a

comprehensive plan are the urban areas of Walla Walla and College Place, and western Walla Walla

County (Touchet westward). The urban area plan is entitled, The Urban Area Comprehensive Plan,

Walla Walla County, produced by the Walla Walla Regional Planning Department and adopted by the

Board of County Commissioners in October 1987. The County amended the Walla Walla Urban Area

portion of the comprehensive plan under the Growth Management Act in 1998.

Walla Walla Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was produced by David Evans and Associates, Inc. for the City of Walla

Walla. It is a 20 year plan describing a comprehensive bikeway and walkway system for the Walla Walla

region. The geographic area addressed by the plan borders Whitman Mission National Historic Site on
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 74

the west, Rooks Park on the east, the Penitentiary on the north and the Oregon-Washington border on the

south—an area of 100 square miles. The Walla Walla Regional Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee

was established by the cities of Walla Walla and College Place and the County to develop and implement

the plan.

Coming west from the city of Walla Walla, the bicycle route would terminate at Whitman Mission

National Historic Site. Bicyclists would enter the NHS from the east on Whitman Drive which ends at

the Oregon National Historic Trail in the park. The road is closed and gated from vehicular traffic

approximately 1500 feet east from the border of the national historic site. The nearest intersection is Last

Chance Road and Whitman Drive which is another 500 feet east of the gate. Whitman Drive from Last

Chance Road to Hussy Street has been listed as a corridor project to improve shoulders for safer bicycle

use. It was given a medium priority rating which is defined as important, but less critical than higher

priority projects. The plan suggests that the improvements be scheduled in coordination with other future

road work.

Tribal Interests

Whitman Mission National Historic Site is located within the aboriginal territory of the Cayuse Indians

and is in close proximity to the territories of closely associated Plateau culture area tribes such as the Nez

Perce, Palouse, Umatilla and Walla Walla. Members of a Cayuse band lived and worked at the mission

site during the tenure of the Whitmans, and certain Cayuse individuals were responsible for bringing the

missionary presence to a close with the killing of the Whitmans and their associates in 1847. Descendants

of the Cayuse and other native people (see “Contemporary Tribal Communities” section) maintain

interests in how the roles of their ancestors in the history of Whitman Mission are interpreted and

presented to the public, as well as in the cultural resources at or from this national park system site.

An administrative history of the park completed in 1988 documents the fact that archeological

excavations conducted in 1960 and 1961 resulted in the identification of archeological material at an area

within the NHS. Whether or not this area should be marked in any way was revisited following passage

of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) in 1978 and discussions with elders of the

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) resulted in a decision to leave the area

unmarked (Crabtree 1988: p. 121).

At present, and in response to legislation known as the Native American Graves Protection and

Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) passed by Congress on November 16, 1990, the park is engaged in

consultations with representatives of the CTUIR concerning objects of American Indian material culture

located at the park in both exhibits and storage. An initial meeting with a group of eleven tribal elders

and three tribal staff members on August 19, 1998 provided an opportunity for the group to look at all

American Indian materials cared for in the park’s museum storage facility. Subsequent meetings and

discussions will take place to consider whether or not knowledgeable tribal members regard individual

objects in the possession of the NPS to be in certain categories of objects defined in the NAGPRA

legislation and its implementing regulations. The four categories include sacred objects, ceremonial

objects, objects of cultural patrimony, and unassociated funerary objects. Under the law, representatives

of the CTUIR could request the repatriation or return of any such object.

In addition to the four categories of material objects just mentioned, the NAGPRA also addresses the

issue of protecting and repatriating human skeletal and other remains, and associated funerary objects

that might either be in existing collections or that might be encountered through intentional excavations

or inadvertent discoveries. Prior to the passage of NAGPRA in 1990, discussions were already underway
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75 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

among the park superintendent, officials of the CTUIR, and knowledgeable tribal elders concerning the

only human remains in the possession of the park. Those remains were successfully repatriated and a

reburial ceremony took place.

As the result of initial work by staff at the State Museum of Anthropology, University of Oregon and

NPS staff in association with preparing an inventory of human remains and associated objects required to

be produced by November 16, 1995 under NAGPRA, one set of American Indian human skeletal remains

that were excavated from Whitman Mission in 1961 were identified as being at the University of Oregon.

Subsequent collaborative work on the part of both the University of Oregon and the NPS in 1996 has

confirmed the existence of a second set of American Indian human skeletal remains in the university’s

collection that were excavated from Whitman Mission in 1960. Tribal officials of the CTUIR and the

designated NAGPRA coordinator were informed about the two sets of human skeletal remains and

consultations have taken place for over two years. The NPS is committed to meeting the requirements of

the NAGPRA and repatriating the human remains to the culturally affiliated CTUIR as soon as their

representatives would like us to do so.

Contemporary Tribal Communities

Currently, there are no contemporary federally recognized tribes with reservation lands in Walla Walla

County, Washington in spite of the fact that Dr. Marcus Whitman selected the site for his mission

because of the presence of a Cayuse band of Indians, additional Cayuse bands in the surrounding area,

closely associated Nez Perce bands, and other Indians who lived in the region. Descendants of the

Cayuse bands of Indians and some Nez Perce individuals, families, or bands with whom they were

closely associated prior to the establishment of Whitman Mission and subsequently are members of the

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) in nearby Pendleton, Oregon. That

reservation, located in one part of Cayuse territory, was established by treaty in 1855, and with the

ratification of that treaty in 1860 the Cayuse and their closest allies, including the Umatilla and Walla

Walla, as well as a few Palouse and Nez Perce Indians, were removed to the Umatilla Reservation.

In accordance with the Treaty of Walla Walla on June 9, 1855, the ancestors of the CTUIR ceded or

surrendered over 2,150,000 acres in Oregon Territory and over 1,860,000 acres in Washington Territory

in exchange for just over 245,000 acres exclusively located in Oregon Territory. The reservation has been

diminished further to its present size of just over 95,000 acres in Oregon. The contemporary population

of the CTUIR is about 2,500 individuals. Although approximately 1,500 individuals are enrolled as tribal

members, not all tribal members reside on the reservation.

According to anthropologist Deward E. Walker, Jr., the CTUIR exerts:

...major economic and political influence in northeastern Oregon. They are members of the Umatilla

Basin Project, the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, the Basalt Waste Isolation Project,

the Hanford Environmental Dose Reconstruction Project, the Columbia Gorge Commission, and

other planning efforts involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service

(Walker 1995: p.140).

Tribal Government is involved in many economic development activities and has been recently

developing expertise in cultural resources management, tourism, and recreation, including the Wild

Horse Gaming Resort and a nearby world class cultural heritage center, called the Tamastslikt Cultural

Institute.

Socially or Economically Disadvantaged Populations
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 76

Population Trends

In the last 25 years, Walla Walla County’s population has increased 25%. The state’s population, by

comparison, rose 59%. The most recent period, 1990-95, Walla Walla County added an average of 852

residents per year. Growing 9% (from 48,439 to 52,900), the County’s population came close to

matching the overall state average (11.6%).

From 1980-94, Walla Walla County has gained 5,165 residents. Of that number, 2,734 were the result of

natural population increase (9,490 births and 6,756 deaths) and 2,431 resulted from net in-migration.

This migratory element has changed drastically over the years. During the 1980s, out-migration

dominated, decreasing the population by 911 residents.

Demographics

The gender makeup of Walla Walla County’s population did not change appreciably between 1980 and

1990. In 1980, males and females both accounted for 50% of the population. Over the next 10 years,

males became a slight statistical majority in the County as their share size increased by 0.5%. Racial

characteristics have shifted over the years. The white population constituted 93% of the total population

in 1980. Over the next fourteen years, the estimated share size of whites decreased to 85%.

While whites increased by 2% in actual numbers, from 1980-94, the nonwhite population grew 121%.

The figure shows all racial classes had positive growth during this time except for Native Americans.

People of Hispanic origin can be of any race and are tallied separately.

Since 1994, almost 10% of the park’s 80,000 annual visitation has come from school groups.

Approximately 25% of these children appear to be from either an ethnic or racial minority. However,

during a typical visitation week in the summer, 93% of visitors identified themselves as white. People of

Hispanic origin in Walla Walla County constituted at least 10% of the population in 1994 according to

the U.S. Census. Hispanic visitation to the NHS, other than in school groups, is 1% of the visitors during

the summer. Whites are significantly over-represented while people of Hispanic origin are significantly

under-represented in Whitman Mission NHS’s visitation.

Economically Disadvantaged Demographics

The most recent, readily available source for unemployment data characterized by race and gender is the

1990 Census. While the Census data are valuable because they are one of the few sources for that type

information, it should be noted that the information is a “snapshot” of one moment in time. The

unemployment rates and other labor force data were gathered during one month in the spring of 1990 so

should not be construed as annual averages—the data only apply to that particular moment.

According to the Census, there was only a small unemployment difference between men (7.6%) and

women (6.8%). Portraying unemployment by race or Hispanic origin shows sharper differences. Those of

Hispanic origin, who can be of any race, and whose numbers are quite large (10% of the labor force),

suffered a very high 23% unemployment rate.

No survey or interview data exist for the percentage of NHS visitors whose income is below the poverty

line. Casual observations and the impressions of park rangers who contact most of the visitors lead to the

conclusion that a very small percentage—1% or 2%—of economically disadvantaged people visit the

NHS, even though nearly 22% of Walla Walla County families are below the federal poverty line. The

two dollar per person or four dollar per family park entrance fee may be one factor. (Obenland 1996: p.1)
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77 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

The City of Walla Walla has an excellent system of neighborhood parks that are used and supported by

many residents. In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates Rooks Park on Walla Walla’s

east edge and many other recreation sites along the Snake and Columbia Rivers. All of these sites have

free admission. When the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began boat launching fees at area sites, it found

that boat launching at fee sites decreased. People tended to go to a free boat launching facility if one

existed within five miles. In addition, the NHS is not served by public transportation, so all visitors, other

than those in tour groups or school field trips, must have their own transportation.
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 78

Population by Race & Hispanic Origin 

Walla Walla County, 1994

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

45000

50000

Black Other Races Asian Pacific

Islander

Native American Non White White Hispanic Origin

Race

Population

732

5,590

1,015

430

7,767

44,839

7,606
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79 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Population % Change by Race/Hispanic Origin, Walla Walla County, 1980-1994

-50.00%

0.00%

50.00%

100.00%

150.00%

200.00%

250.00%

Black Other Races Asian Pacific

Islander

Native American White Hispanic Origin

Race

Population % Change

Source: Bureau of the Census

1.90%

212.10%

90.40%

-9.70% 2.10%

191.80%
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 80

Recreational Resources

There are many recreational activities in the area for both summer and winter use. Trails entering the

Umatilla National Forest are used for hiking, skiing, and biking. During the spring, summer and fall,

there is trout fishing in the Touchet and Tucannon rivers in Washington, the South Fork of the Walla

Walla River, and the Umatilla River in northeast Oregon. Hunting occurs in the Blue Mountains for

upland game birds, deer, and elk. Camping is available at nearby Fort Walla Walla Park, Lewis and Clark

Trail State Park, and Camp Wooten Environmental Learning Center ,and there are more than 30

campgrounds located in the Umatilla National Forest. McNary National Wildlife Refuge offers hunting,

fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation and study, and photography.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site is approximately 100 miles from several of the Nez Perce

National Historical Park sites near Lewiston, Idaho. There are 24 separate sites that make up the national

park along a 400 mile drive. One of these sites includes the mission established by Henry and Eliza

Spalding, friends of the Whitmans. There is also a national natural landmark at Wallula Gap, formed by

glacial-outburst waters that crossed the Channeled Scablands during the Spokane floods.

Golf, tennis, and other sports are offered at facilities in the Walla Walla Valley. The U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers has a variety of parks and recreation areas created adjacent to its hydroelectric and flood

control projects. Rooks Park and Bennington Lake along Mill Creek on the east edge of Walla Walla is

the nearest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers area, and offers picnicking, fishing, and hiking. Parks are also

available for activities in the City of College Place and Walla Walla. Pioneer Park is Walla Walla’s

largest park and offers a duck pond, aviary, tennis, baseball and soccer facilities, and a turn-of-thecentury bandstand. The City of Walla Walla has over 350 acres of park land, and over 15 community and

neighborhood parks.

There are a number of historic attractions within 30 miles of Whitman Mission. Most of these date from

the late 19th century. In Walla Walla, the Fort Walla Walla Museum complex covers 15 acres that were

part of the military reservation in the middle to late 1800s. Highlights include 16 vintage buildings in the

Pioneer Village, an 1867 one-room school, and a cavalry/Native American cemetery. A commercial

campground is located near Fort Walla Walla Museum complex. Kirkman House, built in 1880 by

prominent civic leader William Kirkman, is a Victorian home built in the Italianate style. It is located

near the Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce in downtown Walla Walla.

Dayton, Washington, 30 miles northeast of Walla Walla contains many buildings on the National

Register of Historic Places. The Dayton Depot built in 1881 and used until 1971 is the oldest railroad

depot in the state. It has been restored with turn-of-the-century furnishings. The Columbia County

Courthouse, built in 1886, is the oldest in the state still in use for county government. The Bruce

Memorial Museum in Waitsburg, Washington, is another restored home of early pioneers. The Frazier

Farmstead Museum is located in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, 12 miles south of Walla Walla. This

National Register site includes a 100 year old home with original furnishings, six outbuildings, two

barns, and gardens that feature heirloom flower, shrub and tree species.

Scenic Resources

The scenery immediately surrounding Whitman Mission is composed primarily of cropland and pastures.

The open character of rural landscape is occasionally broken by trees along water courses, and

shelterbelts between farms and around residences. From the NHS, visitors can see the rolling farmland of
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81 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

the Palouse to the north. To the east, the Blue Mountains create a backdrop to the agricultural setting.

The smaller and rounder hills, named the Horseheaven Hills, can be seen to the south and west. Visually,

the changing of the seasons are marked by the agricultural operations, and variety and color of crop

currently grown. The agricultural setting is scenic and compatible with the historic setting and

interpretation of the national historic site.

Approximately 93% of the land in Walla Walla County is considered farmland (Clements 1989: p.170).

The importance of the agricultural setting to residents of Walla Walla County is specifically mentioned

in the Walla Walla County, Urban Area Comprehensive Plan. During public meetings for the plan’s

development, the public ranked the issue of agricultural land preservation as the top priority. The

document states the following:

This support cut across all neighborhoods both rural and urban in character. Even people from

leapfrogging subdivisions supported it.

Though the document states that agriculture will continue to be the “heart of the Walla Walla economy,”

it also mentions the threat of the spread of residential uses into agricultural areas. However, the document

also stated the overwhelming public support in favor of compact growth.

Over 90% of attendees appreciated the need and efficiencies associated with developing vacant land

closest to the cities before it occurs elsewhere.

The primary route between Walla Walla and Pasco, Kennewick and Richland, Washington is U.S.

Highway 12. It passes one-half mile north of Whitman Mission, and at that point there is an interpretive

pull-off. The sign, entitled “Wai-i-lat-pu,” contains a brief summary of the Whitman Mission story and

has a view of the Memorial Shaft a half-mile away in the NHS. The sign was a cooperative effort of the

National Park Service, Washington State Parks and Recreation Department and the Walla Walla Kiwanis

Club. A Heritage Corridor Management Plan for U.S. Highway 12 from the Snake River Bridge to Walla

Walla was completed in 1998. Designation as a national scenic byway has not been pursued.

Visual Analysis

During the public scoping period, the potential for incompatible land uses surrounding the national

historic site was defined by the public as an issue to be addressed by the GMP planning team. The

historic scene is important to both the character and interpretive mission of the NHS. Adjacent

agricultural lands are compatible with this setting. However, as mentioned earlier in the “Regional

Context” section, current zoning allows a wide variety of permitted land uses, including subdivision of

agricultural land into 10 acre single family lots, which is already occurring around the NHS.

A visual analysis was begun by the planning team in the spring of 1998. The purpose of this analysis was

to define and document the views most important to visitor experience. It provides the NHS with a

planning tool to help identify sensitive areas. Information produced by this analysis presents an

opportunity for further dialogue between staff at NPS, Walla Walla County Planning Department, and

park neighbors, to help to protect the historic scene at Whitman Mission. While the viewshed analysis

component has been eliminated from the final plan, the protection of the historic setting of Whitman

Mission remains an important issue for park staff and management.
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 82
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83 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Existing Park Development and Programs

Roads and Parking

The NHS has approximately one and seven-tenths miles of paved surfaces, including roads and parking

lot. The roads include the park entrance road which provides public access to the west side of the NHS

from U.S. Highway 12. One service road leads to the park residence and maintenance shop.

There is one parking lot. It can hold a total of 43 cars, and 3 buses, recreation vehicles or both. Of the 43

total car spaces, 4 spaces are accessible for persons with disabilities. Sidewalks follow the outer edges of

the parking lot, with ramps for wheelchairs. There are 207 signs for safety and interpretation located

throughout the NHS on roads, trails, and boundaries.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site Entrance Road

A portion of Swegle Road from U.S. Highway 12 to the junction of Whitman Mission Road

(approximately one-half mile in length), and the entire length of the Whitman Mission Road (the old

county road) from the boundary of the Whitman Mission NHS west to Swegle Road (approximately onequarter mile in length), is owned by the United States in fee simple title. These two road sections together

create the entrance road for the NHS and are managed and maintained by the National Park Service as

part of Whitman Mission National Historic Site. The total road ownership, conveyed by Walla Walla

County to United States in 1961, includes five and six-tenths acres of land involving a road corridor 60

feet wide. South of the intersection with Whitman Mission Road, Swegle Road is owned and maintained

by Walla Walla County.

On each side of the park entrance road, privately owned lands abut United States property (right-of-way).

When the county ownership of the road corridor was conveyed to the United States in 1961, landowners

owning adjacent lands along the road were allowed access to their properties. Today, these access points

are utilized for agricultural and residential purposes.

The County transferred the road to the NPS in 1961 and zoned the land along Swegle Road as a

“parkway.” This designation prevented any commercial activity as defined by county regulations at the

time for a distance of 100 feet on each side of the road. The parkway zoning designation was dropped

when the current zoning code was adopted in 1967.

With the expiration of the special use agreement concerning county road maintenance, the Federal

Government is now responsible for road and bridge maintenance on this entrance road. A 1992

agreement with Washington Department of Transportation called for improvements to be made at the

intersection of the park entrance road and U.S. Highway 12. This was accomplished during 1994.

Trails

There are approximately one and four-tenths miles of concrete trails within the NHS. Several trails lead

to interpretive sites. These include a loop trail of approximately 2,500 feet that leads from the visitor

center to the mission sites, and Millpond. The trail continues approximately 4,800 feet from the visitor

center to the Great Grave, Pioneer and Indian Cemetery, Memorial Shaft, and Alice Clarissa’s memorial,

along the base of the Memorial Hill.

An unpaved trail currently crosses the southern portion of the NHS to the land owned and managed by

the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife along the Walla Walla River.

An unpaved administrative road track is located along the diversion ditch in the north section of park.
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Whitman Mission NHS GMP 84
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85 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Buildings and Facilities

The NHS has three major structures: the visitor center, a maintenance shop, and one residence. The

“Mission 66” visitor center, built in 1962, was completely rehabilitated and enlarged in 1988. The

building now encompasses approximately 6,900 square feet. Approximately 6,300 square feet is public

use space, comprising a museum, multi-purpose room/theater with 76 moveable chairs, public restrooms,

and a lobby with an integral cooperating association sales area. The remaining 600 square feet areas

contain staff offices, a library, kitchen, restroom, computer network room, and storage and utility areas.

In the spring of 1998, the curatorial/archive room was redesigned to make more efficient use of space and

to provide work space for NHS staff.

The original NHS maintenance shop was built in the early 1960s. In 1997, the “Mission 66” maintenance

shop was completely rehabilitated and enlarged. The building now encompasses approximately 3,500

square feet of interior usable space. The building is divided into four sections including equipment

storage, office, warehouse, multi-purpose work areas, and restroom. Staff parking areas are located next

to the maintenance shop, as well as staff use of the main parking lot adjacent to the visitor center.

The NHS residence is located by the NHS maintenance shop, north of the visitor center. It was built in

1963 to provide an on-site residence. Presently, it is a Category I, Required Occupancy residence, though

use may change in the future. The house has three bedrooms, a single car garage, and is 1250 square feet.

Three other small structures are located in the NHS, including a 12 foot by 16 foot (metal) hazardous

waste storage shed, and two wooden storage sheds 10 feet by 16 feet; one at the NHS residence, and the

other at the maintenance shop.

In addition to these facilities, the park staff also maintains an irrigation ditch through the NHS, including

associated pumping stations and valve boxes.

The NHS has a picnic area with 10 picnic tables, but no shelters or grills. The picnic area is surrounded

by black locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia), Norway maple (Acer platanoides), sumac (Rhus spp.),

American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and apple trees (Malus spp.) in an area approximately 21,780

square feet and is accessible by the parking lot and sidewalks/trail system.

Utility Systems

The NHS is served by power from Pacific Power and Light Company (an investor owned utility). The

Centrex telephone system serving the NHS is through the General Services Administration (Federal

Government). Approximately 98% of the utility lines run underground through the NHS. The remaining

2% will stay above ground. The maintenance shop and visitor center are connected to a fiber optics

system installed in 1997-1998, which provides network capabilities between the two distant buildings.

Although not presently connected, fiber optics conduiting has been installed and terminated outside of

the NHS residence, allowing a future tie to the NHS’s computer network. Fire hydrants are located above

ground in three locations, one at the maintenance area, and two around the visitor center. All of the NHS

buildings (except for a hazardous materials shed and two woodsheds) are on NHS-maintained potable

water system, septic/drainfield systems. These systems are adequate to meet both present and future

anticipated needs of both visitors and park staff. If visitation increases substantially, frequency of septic

system maintenance would need to increase.
The Affected Environment

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 86

Summary of Public Involvement

For a complete summary of public involvement, please refer to the “Public Involvement” chapter in the

final Whitman Mission National Historic Site General Management Plan and Final Environmental

Impact Statement, May 2000. Information includes information on scoping meetings, the distribution and

notice of availability of the draft general management plan and environmental impact statement, public

workshops held on the draft general management plan and environmental impact statement, and finally,

written comments and responses by the National Park Service.
Summary of Public Involvement

87 Whitman Mission NHS GMP

List of Preparers and Cooperating Entities

Planning Team Composition and Functions

Mr. Francis T. (Terry) Darby

Superintendent, Whitman Mission National Historic Site, NPS, Walla Walla, Washington, Park

Management and Policy Issues

Mr. Keith Dunbar

Project Manager, Planning and Partnerships, Columbia Cascades Support Office (CCSO), NPS,

Seattle, Washington, Planning Team Leader/Overall Project Coordination

Mr. Jere Krakow

Superintendent, Long Distance Trails Office, Salt Lake City, Utah, Oregon Trail Issues and

Coordination

Mr. Roger Trick

Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management, Whitman Mission National Historic Site, NPS,

Walla Walla, Washington, Interpretation, Visitation and Natural Resource Issues

Mr. Bruce Hancock

Chief of Maintenance, Whitman Mission National Historic Site, NPS, Walla Walla, Washington,

Maintenance and Safety Issues

Ms. Gloria La France

Administrative Officer, Whitman Mission National Historic Site, NPS, Walla Walla, Washington,

Administrative Issues

Ms. Linda Baker

NEPA Compliance Program Leader, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington, Environmental Impact

Statement and NEPA Compliance Coordinator

Ms. Cathy Gilbert

Historical Landscape Architect, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington, Cultural Resources Compliance

Coordinator and Cultural Resource Issues

Ms. Peggy Dolinich

Interpretive Specialist, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington, Interpretation Issues

Ms. Arlene Yamada

Administrative Support Assistant, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington

Mr. Erv Gasser

Natural Resource Specialist, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington, Natural Resources Compliance

Coordinator and Natural Resource Issues
List of Preparers

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 88

Mr. Rick Wagner

Chief, Land Resources Program Center, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington, Analysis of Lands Issues

and Boundary Modification Issues

Ms. Cheryl Teague

Landscape Architect, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington, Visual Analysis Issues, Scenic Resources

and Public Involvement; Draft GMP/EIS Layout, Design, and Production; Newsletter Editor and

Production

Mr. Armand Minthorn

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Pendleton, Oregon

Consultants

Mr. Don Kodak

Interpretive Planner, Harpers Ferry Center, NPS, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, Interpretive Issues

Mr. Craig Dalby

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington, Spatial

Analysis and Cartography

Ms. Emily McLuen

GIS Specialist, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington, Spatial Analysis and Cartography

Mr. Wayne Hill

Realty Specialist, Land Resources Program Center, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington, Analysis of

Lands Issues and Boundary Modification Issues

Dr. Fred York

Anthropologist, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington, Information on Tribal Groups

Mr. Jim Thomson

Archeologist, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington, Archeology Issues

Mr. Kent Bush

Curator, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington, Curatorial Issues

Mr. Laurin Huffman

Regional Historical Architect, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington, Cultural Resource Issues

Mr. Ronald Long

Soil Conservation Technician, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA, Walla Walla,

Washington.
List of Preparers

Whitman Mission NHS GMP 89

Ms. Karen Andres

Intern, Geographer, CCSO, NPS, Seattle, Washington, Review of Draft Document.

Mr. Rocky Ross,

Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Pasco, Washington

Other Cooperating Entities

Ms. Darcey Fugman-Small

Director, Walla Walla County Regional Planning Department, Walla Walla, Washington

Mr. Dick R. Williams

Administrative Assistant, Department of Public Works, Walla Walla County, Washington

Mr. Robert C. Martin

Manager, Development Services, City of Walla Walla Planning Department, Walla Walla,

Washington

Mr. Pete Reid

Assistant to the President, Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington
Appendices

Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Appendices

Appendix A: Whitman Mission National Historic Site Legislation

Appendix B: Analysis of Boundary Adjustment and Land Protection Criteria

Appendix C: Supplemental Bibliography

Appendix D: Acronyms

Appendix E: Record of Decision
Appendices

Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Appendix A: Whitman Mission National Historic Site Legislation
Appendices

Whitman Mission NHS GMP
Appendices

Whitman Mission NHS GMP
Appendices

Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Appendix B: Analysis of Boundary Adjustment and Land Protection

Criteria

As one of the provisions of Public Law 95-625, the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978, Congress

directed that the National Park Service consider, as part of a planning process, what modifications of

external boundaries might be necessary to carry out park purposes. Subsequent to this act, Congress also

passed Public Law 101-628, the Arizona Desert Wilderness Act. Section 1216 of this act directs the

Secretary of the Interior to develop criteria to evaluate any proposed changes to the existing boundaries

of individual park units. Section 1217 of the act calls for the NPS to consult with affected agencies and

others regarding a proposed boundary change, and to provide a cost estimate of acquisition cost, if any,

related to the boundary adjustment.

These legislative provisions are implemented through NPS Management Policies which state that the

NPS will conduct studies of potential boundary adjustments and may make boundary revisions:

• To include significant resources or opportunities for public enjoyment related to the purposes of the

park

• To address operational and management issues

• To identify by topographic or other natural features

• To protect park resources critical to fulfilling park purposes

National Park Service policies instruct that any recommendation to expand park boundaries be preceded

by determinations that the added lands will be feasible to administer considering size, configuration,

ownership, cost and other factors, and that other alternatives for management and resource protection

have been considered and are not adequate.

The following is a review of the criteria for boundary adjustments as applied to Whitman Mission

National Historic Site (NHS):

1) Significant Resources or Opportunities for Public Enjoyment Related to the Purpose of

Whitman Mission National Historic Site

The farmland protection approach outlined in the general management plan could greatly assist in

preserving the open character of the surrounding agricultural lands and enable park visitors to appreciate

fully the overall setting of the park and historic landscapes related to Whitman Mission.

2) Operational and Management Issues Related to Access and Boundary Identification by

Topographic or other Natural Features

The current park boundary is mainly rectangular in shape and does not provide the optimal boundary

configuration to protect cultural, natural and scenic resources. Portions of the historic Whitman Mission

are located on private land to the west of the park boundary. Riparian areas along the Walla Walla River

immediately to the south of the park are not within the boundary. Finally, views to the Whitman

Memorial atop Memorial Hill as seen from the U.S. Highway 12 interpretive panel and along the main

park entrance road are not now protected. Neither is the surrounding agricultural setting as viewed from

the top of Memorial Hill.

However, it is not necessary to expand the park boundary to provide the desired protection of these

resources. The general management plan calls for a private land trust to work cooperatively with area

landowners on a voluntary basis to acquire conservation easements on adjacent farmland to keep the land
Appendices

Whitman Mission NHS GMP

in farm use and to retain the open character of the land. Protection of these lands through conservation

easements will be compatible with the public purpose of Whitman Mission National Historic Site.

Lands to the south of Whitman Mission along the Walla Walla River are owned and managed by the

State of Washington and are managed by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for

wildlife habitat and conservation purposes. This existing management is compatible with park purposes

and mission.

3) Protection of National Historic Site Resources and Fulfillment of Park Purposes

The general management plan calls for the voluntary acquisition of conservation easements on adjacent

properties by willing sellers by a nonprofit land trust or other entity. The acquisition of conservation

easements would acquire the development rights to land, thus retaining the land in its current open

character, promoting the retention of traditional agricultural uses, and precluding the subdivision of land

into small lot residential subdivisions and other uses. These actions will assist in protecting the rural

scene and the open character of lands surrounding Whitman Mission National Historic Site, while

retaining private ownership and traditional agricultural use of the land.

Thus, National Historic Site resources can be protected through this proposal without expanding the park

boundary to do so. However, the realization of these goals is contingent upon the support of area

landowners and their willingness to sell or convey a conservation easement on their land and the

identification of a private land trust to step forward and assist Whitman Mission NHS in the protection of

surrounding farmland.

4) Feasibility to Administer the Land Added through Boundary Adjustment

No boundary change is proposed under the general management plan. Conservation easements would be

administered by a private nonprofit land trust. The National Park Service has the full capability to

provide technical assistance to the land trust in the development of conservation easement language, and

to assist in facilitating and coordinating discussions between the trust and area landowners as requested.

5) Protection Alternatives Considered

In addition to the proposed action, which became the general management plan, other protection

alternatives were considered in the draft environmental impact statement (see the Draft Whitman Mission

National Historic Site General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement, July 1999). The

land protection options considered ranged from providing additional protection through more stringent

land use controls through Walla Walla County government, to adding approximately 450 acres to the

park boundary and applying a similar approach as the proposed action, including the voluntary

acquisition of conservation easements or development rights from willing sellers. While the National

Park Service certainly will have the full capability to work cooperatively with area landowners

concerning the voluntary willing seller acquisition of conservation easements, the proposal to enlist the

support of private land trusts, or other qualified entities, to assist in land protection adequately provides

the necessary protection of farmland surrounding Whitman Mission without having to modify the park

boundary to do so.

6) Proposed Additions to the National Historic Site Boundary and other Adjustments

No boundary changes are included in the general management plan. Regarding other adjustments, the

general management plan will grant an easement to Walla Walla County on Swegle Road for the

purposes of conveying the administration of the road to the county. While fee title ownership of the road

will remain with the United States, the transfer of road administration to the county via an easement will

allow the county to grant legal access to private property owners adjacent to the road for farm use,

residential and other purposes.
Appendices

Whitman Mission NHS GMP
Appendices

Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Appendix C: Supplemental Bibliography

1. Orientation meeting notes with WHMI and CCSO, May 13-16, 1996.

2. National Historic Trails, California, Mormon Pioneer, Oregon, and Pony Express Newsletter 2,

National Historic Trails, National Park Service.

3. Two page history of why marble shaft was built on Memorial Hill.

4. Waiilatpu Press, Whitman Mission National Historic Site newsletter, Volume 17, Number 2,

Summer 1996 (Articles on the history of the marble shaft, VIP request, and possible park closure).

5. Undated old property / ownership map showing WHMI and water courses. Scale at 1"=400'.

6. Memorandum to: Chief, Water Resources Division, from: Deputy Field Director, Pacific West Area,

subject: technical assistance request for ORCA and WHMI, September 9, 1996.

7. Memorandum to: John Coates, WASO-Planning, from: Mark Flora, WASO-AQ, subject: WRD

review of WHMI GMP/EIS Project Agreement.

8. WHMI Primary Interpretive Themes, meeting notes from Interpretive Workshop facilitated by Don

Kodak of Harper’s Ferry, NPS, October 22-23, 1996.

9. Whitman Mission National Historic Site, General Management Plan Scoping Newsletter, Special

Edition, Fall 1996, CCSO, NPS.

10. WHMI Background Information Alternatives for Mission Grounds, July 6, 1992 Meeting.

11. Legislative History for Whitman Mission National Historic Site, 74th Congress through 96th

Congress, Compiled by Cogswell, Frank and Rhines, National Park Service, Pacific Northwest

Regional Library, Seattle, Washington, November 1985.

12. My Journal, by Narcissa Whitman, 1836.

13. Whitman Mission, by Erwin N. Thompson, 1964.

14. Lorinda Bewley and the Whitman Massacre, Myra Sager Helm, 1984.

15. Walla Walla Visitor’s Guide, published by the Walla Walla Area Chamber of Commerce.

16. Building on a Legacy, a brochure, by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation,

Pendleton, Oregon.

17. Legislative History for Whitman Mission National Historic Site Washington, Volume II, 97th through

101st Congress, compiled and edited by Mary Ellen Bartholomew, Pacific Northwest Regional

Office, National Park Service, Seattle, Washington, 1990.

18. Whitman Mission National Historic Site, Annual Statement for Interpretation, 1993, National Park

Service.

19. Whitman Mission Alternatives Development Session, April 1-3, 1997, (meeting notes), Whitman

Mission National Historic Site, Walla Walla, Washington.

20. Walla Walla County Ordinance No. 232, An Ordinance Amending Walla Walla County Code, Title

18, to Include a New Chapter 8.40 Regarding a Right to Farm in Walla Walla County, December 27,

1995, Walla Walla, Washington.

21. Zoning Ordinance for Walla Walla County, Walla Walla Regional Planning Department,

Washington, January 1990.

22. Subdivision Regulations for Walla Walla County, Walla Walla Regional Planning Department,

Washington 1990.

23. Waiilatpu Press, Whitman Mission National Historic Site newspaper, Volume 18, Number 1, Winter

1996 (Articles on the GMP planning process).

24. Doan Creek Restoration Plan, prepared for Whitman Mission National Historic Site, by Inter-Fluve,

Inc., Hood River, Oregon, January 30, 1995.

25. Urban Area Comprehensive Plan, Walla Walla County Regional Planning Department, January

1988. 
Appendices

Whitman Mission NHS GMP

26. Floodway Flood Boundary and Floodway Map, Walla Walla County, Washington (unincorporated

areas) Panel 440 of 500, December 1, 1983, National Flood Insurance Program, Federal Emergency

Management Agency.

27. Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce, Visitor’s Guide, Website (Microsoft Internet Explorer)

Internet @ http://www.brni.net/wwchamb/, copyright 1997 by Blue Mountain Internet.

28 1989 Washington Facts, a Comprehensive Look at Washington Today County by County, by John

Clements, published by Clements Research II, Inc., Dallas Texas.

29 1997 Walla Walla Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, prepared for Walla Walla County, City of

College Place and the City of Walla Walla, by David Evans and Associates, Inc July 1997, Spokane,

Washington.

30 1994 Visitor Services Project, Whitman Mission National Historic Site, Visitor Services Project

Report 56, USDI National Park Service Cooperative Park Studies Unit, University of Idaho,

Moscow.

31 1997 City of Walla Walla Transportation Plan, a component of the Walla Walla Urban Area

Comprehensive Plan, Walla Walla Development Services, October 1997, Walla Walla, Washington.

32 1997 City of Walla Walla Capital Facilities Plan, a component of the Walla Walla Urban Area.

Comprehensive Plan, Walla Walla Development Services, October 1997, Walla Walla, Washington.

33 Walla Walla County Zoning Map, Suburban Area, Scale: 1"=2000', December 1992.

34 Draft Management and Use Plan Update, Oregon and Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trails,

Denver Service Center, National Park Service, February 1998 (in-house review).

35 Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Master Plan, Pacific Northwest Region, National Park

Service, Vancouver, Washington, August 1975.

36 General Management Plan Nez Perce National Historical Park and Big Hole National Battlefield,

Denver Service Center, National Park Service, Denver, Colorado, September 1997.

37 “Whitman Massacre, It’s Not Just about Indians, but an American Story of Well-Meaning Men,

Women Activists in the West”, The Seattle Times, Sunday, December 21, 1997.

38 The Cayuse Indians, Imperial Tribesmen of Old Oregon, by Robert H. Ruby and John A. Brown,

University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 1972.

39 Whitman Mission National Historic Site Alternatives Development meeting notes December 2-4,

1997, CCSO, NPS.

40 Technical Assistance to Restore Wetland Project Statement, July 23, 1997, Proposal from Whitman

Mission National Historic Site to request technical assistance for wetland restoration.

41 Administrative History Whitman Mission National Historic Site, by Jennifer Crabtree, 1988, U.S.

Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Pacific Northwest Region.

42 Landscape Study and Management Alternatives for Revegetation, compiled by Cathy Gilbert, CCSO,

Cultural Resources Division, Seattle, Washington, Summer 1984.

43 A Feasibility Study on Historical Reconstruction Whitman Mission National Historic Site,

Washington, by Erwin N. Thompson, Denver Service Center, NPS, May 1973.

44 “Whitman Mission NHS 1998 Visitor Survey Card Data Report,” prepared by the University of

Idaho Cooperative Park Studies Unit for the National Park Service, Department of the Interior (CI

CPSU Report #WHMI298).

45 “Whitman Mission expansion eyed,” Walla Walla Union Bulletin, September 27, 1999.
Appendices

Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Appendix D: Acronyms

American Indian Religious Freedom Act AIRFA

Audio-visual A/V

Comprehensive Management and Use Plan CMP

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation CTUIR

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program CREP

Conservation Reserve Program CRP

Development Concept Plan DCP

Environmental Impact Statement EIS

Environmental Quality Incentive Program EQIP

Full Time Equivalent FTE

General Management Plan GMP

Geographic Information System GIS

Memorandum of Understanding MOU

National Environmental Policy Act NEPA

National Park Service NPS

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act NAGPRA

Natural Resource Conservation Service NRCS

 (former Soil Conservation Service)

Recreational Vehicle RV

State Historic Preservation Office SHPO

Statement of Findings SOF

United States Fish and Wildlife Service USFW

United States Geological Society USGS

Whitman Mission National Historic Site NHS

Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program WHIP
Appendices

Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Appendix E: Record of Decision

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

RECORD OF DECISION

FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Washington

The Department of the Interior, national Park Service (NPS), has prepared this Record of Decision

(ROD) on the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the General Management Plan (GMP) for

Whitman Mission National Historic Site, Washington. This ROD is a statement of the decision made,

other alternatives considered, public involvement in the decision making process, the basis for the

decision,

the environmentally preferable alternative, and measures to minimize environmental harm.

DECISION (SELECTED ACTION)

Whitman Mission National Historic Site (NHS) will implement Alternative C, identified as the action

that best satisfies the Site and NPS missions, as well as the Site’s long-term management objectives.

Some actions remain consistent with those presented in the draft EIS. Others were modified in the final

EIS to respond to public comments and concerns. The selected action recognizes both the need to protect

natural and cultural resources and to provide appropriate opportunities for visitors and area residents.

Specific actions to be implemented under the selected action are summarized below:

The foundations of the original structures on the Mission Grounds will be delineated three-dimensionally

to enhance visitor experience and education. Also on the Mission Grounds, the existing lawn will be

removed and substituted with native grasses. The overall setting for the visitor experience of Memorial

Hill and the Great Grave will be preserved as memorial and contemplative. Reconstructed wagon ruts

and the placement of the pioneer wagon on the Oregon Trail will be maintained. In addition, NPS will

take measures to formally sign the trail within the NHS with the official Oregon National Historic Trail

logo, and will encourage congressional action to designate the Whitman Mission Route as an officially

recognized branch of the Oregon Trail.

Native vegetation will be planted and sustained along Doan Creek, the oxbow of the Walla Walla River,

and irrigation ditch. An integrated pest management plan will be prepared and implemented to address

the plant, animal and insect pests within the NHS. The asphalt riprap lining along the bank at Mill Creek

within the NHS will be removed and the bank will be revegetated.

The overall interpretation of the Mission Grounds will be enhanced, including the connection between

the Mission Grounds and the former location of the Walla Walla River (river oxbow area). Existing

audio sound box exhibits located on the Mission Grounds, Memorial Hill and the Great Grave will be

removed to address problems of noise distractions to visitors and will be replaced with other interpretive

media. A new interpretive audio-visual program will be developed for use in the auditorium to replace
Bibliography

Whitman Mission NHS GMP

both the 1976 movie and the 1978 slide program. Public access will be provided to the research library

and archives for research work, projects, and inquiry about the Whitmans, mission life, the Cayuse

people, and other topics related to Whitman Mission.

A new unpaved nature loop trail will be developed south of the Mission Grounds. This unpaved

pedestrian trail will provide opportunities for self-guided nature walks the corresponding interpretive

wayside exhibits and education materials about the flora and fauna of this riparian area and the natural

forces of the changing Walla Walla River.

A range of general improvements will be made to the visitor center building. The visitor center and

museum will be named and signed “Waiilatpu Visitor Center” to reflect its Cayuse name. Various

remodeling projects will provide needed space for the public. Additional restroom space will be

constructed adjacent to the existing public restroom. Additional exhibit and administrative space will be

constructed. The selected action also includes a development concept plan that includes reconfiguring

the main parking lot, adding a group shelter to the picnic area, adding several improvements to the visitor

center entry, and construction of additional administrative space on the existing administrative wing.

Reconfiguring the pedestrian access to the Oregon Trail and the Mission Grounds is also included.

Acquisition of conservation easements on properties adjacent to the national historic site will be

encouraged on a voluntary basis by a non-profit land trust or other entity.

OTHER ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

Alternative A – The no-action alternative represents the continuation of existing conditions, including

addressing any effects of activities impacting cultural resources through the Section 106 compliance

process, in accordance with federal law. The overall scene of the NHS for the visitor would continue to

be preserved as contemplative and reflective, in part due to the “park-like” treatment of the Mission

Grounds. The NHS would be managed to promote the historic scene and to continue to allow natural

processes to occur on land and river environs as long as they do not adversely affect the cultural

resources and existing public facilities. No change to the current administrative facilities would be

forthcoming.

Alternative B – This alternative represents a minimum level of improvements regarding visitor facilities

and interpretation in order to make the visitor experience more rewarding and informative. Included in

Alternative B would be the establishment of native grasses within the Mission Grounds to be more

historically accurate and to help delineate the outline of the original building foundations, removing

audio sound boxes and enhancing overall interpretation, moving two building walls within the visitor

center to maximize exhibit space, enlarging restrooms, reconfiguring existing administrative space,

improving access to Memorial Hill for the mobility impaired, expanding multi-lingual opportunities,

reconfiguring parking space, and encouraging protection of the surrounding historic scene by Walla

Walla County.

Alternative D – This alternative has many of the same general actions as Alternative C. In addition, at

the Mission Grounds dirt paths would be established, the historic fence alignment would be reestablished, and the orchard would be enlarge to be closer to historic size. Archeological research would

be conducted to try to determine the exact location of the Whitman sawmill site. Cattle would again be

grazed in the pasture and oxbow area to approximate the historic scene. A replicated Cayuse village

would be located on the Walla Walla River floodplain. Adjacent to the maintenance area, a new

administrative building would be constructed and administrative functions moved out of the visitor center

creating additional space for interpretive functions, association sales area and exhibit space. Finally, to
Bibliography

Whitman Mission NHS GMP

protect the foreground viewshed and enable the NPS to acquire and hold conservation easements, a

boundary adjustment of approximately 450 acres would be recommended for congressional

authorization.

Actions common to all alternatives include keeping the required occupancy in the existing park

residence, providing a photographic panoramic of the view from Memorial Hill for mobility-impaired

visitors, coordinating with the staff of other Oregon Trail sites, completing a baseline inventory for the

NHS, developing a Whitman Mission NHS Friends group, re-establishing Doan Creek, and planting

native plants at the NHS when non-historic ornamental trees and shrubs die.

BASIS FOR DECISION

After careful consideration of public comments throughout the planning process, including comments on

the draft EIS, the selected action best accomplishes the legislated purpose of the Monument and balances

the statutory mission of the NPS to provide long-term protection of the Monument's resources and

significance, while allowing for appropriate levels of visitor use and appropriate means of visitor

enjoyment. The selected action also best accomplishes identified management goals and desired future

conditions, with the fewest environmental impacts.

ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE ALTERNATIVE

The alternative which causes the least damage to the cultural and natural environment, and that best

protects, preserves, and enhances resources is Alternative C.

MEASURES TO MINIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL HARM

All practicable measures to avoid or minimize environmental impacts that could result from

implementation of the selected action have been identified and incorporated into the selected action.

Implementation of the selected action would avoid any adverse impacts on wetlands and any endangered

or threatened species, or that would result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat of

such species.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

Public comment has been requested, considered, and incorporated throughout the planning process in

numerous ways. A Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS was published in the Federal Register on

September 20, 1996 (vol. 61, no. 184, page 49481). In early August 1996, NPS produced a one-page

newsletter that was made available to visitors at the NHS. The purpose of the letter was to inform visitors

about the upcoming planning process and to provide an opportunity for the visitors to get on the NHS's

mailing list. In October a comprehensive four-page newsletter was produced and distributed to 510

individuals on the NHS's mailing list. Additional copies were distributed throughout Walla Walla at

public buildings including colleges, universities, clubs, libraries, and civic buildings. The purpose of that

newsletter was to explain the planning process and encourage public participation in the process.

In addition, advertisements were published on October 20 and October 22 in both the daily Walla Walla

Union Bulletin newspaper and the weekly Buyline newspaper, informing readers about the planning

process including the dates, times, and location of the public meetings.

Two public scoping meetings were held in October 1996 in Walla Walla, WA, to assist in identifying

issues to be addressed in the GMP/EIS. A total of 9 people attended the two meetings. In December
Bibliography

Whitman Mission NHS GMP

1996, a third meeting was held in Mission, OR. This meeting was with members of the Cultural

Resources Committee of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). Another

meeting with the CTUIR was held in April 1998, in Mission, OR, for the purpose of briefing the

committee on a preliminary range of alternatives. The NPS received 6 written comments during the

scoping period.

More than 250 copies of the draft GMP/EIS were mailed to government agencies, organizations and

interested individuals in August 1999. In addition, the document was posted on the Internet and mailed to

local libraries in the Walla Walla area. The EPA Notice of Availability was published in the Federal

Register on September 3, 1999 (vol. 64, no. 17 1, pg. 48394). A Notice of Availability was also published

by NPS on September 3 (vol. 64, no. 171, pg. 48419). In addition, advertisements in the Buyline and

Union Bulletin in Walla Walla, and in the Confederated Umatilla Journal in Mission, OR, announced the

release of the draft GMP/EIS stating times, location, and dates of the September 1999 public workshops.

A total of 3,000 newsletters were printed that included a summary of the draft plan and information on

the scheduled public workshops. Each newsletter included a postage-paid response form for people to use

in submitting comments concerning the plan. Newsletters were also made available at the NHS visitor

center and the Chamber of Commerce in Walla Walla.

Two public workshops were held in Walla Walla, WA, on September 29, and in Mission, OR, on

September 30, 1999. In addition, a meeting with adjacent landowners was held on September 28, in

Walla Walla. The purpose of the workshops was to offer the public an opportunity to meet with the NPS

planning staff and discuss the draft GMP/EIS. More than 70 people attended the workshops.

The final GMP/EIS was released to the public on May 30, 2000. The EPA Notice of Availability of the

final GMP/EIS was published in the Federal Register on June 16, 2000 (vol. 65, no. 117, pg. 37780); the

NPS also published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register on June 20, 2000 (vol. 65, no. 119,

pg. 38300) and placed the document on the park website.

Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Washington

State Historic Preservation Office, and the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation was conducted as

part of the planning process.

The public comment period closed on November 12, 1999, but any comments received at the park by

November 26 were included. A total of 28 pieces of written correspondence were received from

government agencies, businesses, special interest groups and individuals. Of these, 16 were letters from

individuals and agencies, 7 e-mail responses through the Internet, and 5 response forms from the

newsletter. The final GMP/EIS included a summary of the comments received at the public workshops

and a summary of the comments received from written responses. All 28 pieces of written

correspondence were included in the final document.

Recommended: /s/ Francis T. Darby Date: 08/21/2000

Superintendent Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Concurred: /s/ William C. Walters Date: 08/25/2000

Deputy Regional Director

Pacific West Region

Approved: /s/ Patricia L. Newbacher for John J. Reynolds Date: 08/25/2000

John J. Reynolds, Regional Director

Pacific West Region
Bibliography

Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Bibliography

Chapter 1

Bureau of Outdoor Recreation

1975 Oregon Trail Study Report Map Supplement, prepared by Northwest Region, Bureau of

Outdoor Recreation, June 1975, Seattle, Washington (used to prepare Figure 1).

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

American Farmland Trust

1997 Saving American Farmland: What Works, Publications Division, Northampton, Massachusetts.

Clements, John

1989 Washington Facts, a Comprehensive Look at Washington Today County by County, published

by Clements Research II, Inc., Dallas Texas.

David Evans and Associates, Inc

1997 Walla Walla Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, prepared for Walla Walla County, City of

College Place and the City of Walla Walla, July 1997, Spokane, Washington.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

1983 Floodway, Flood Boundary and Floodway Map, Walla Walla County Washington

(Unincorporated Areas), Panel 440 of 500, Community-Panel Number 530194 0440, National Flood

Insurance Program, December 1, 1983, Washington, D.C.

Garcia, Maria Teresa

1996 “Hispanic Perspectives and Values,” Nature and the Human Spirit, Toward an Expanded Land

Management Ethic, edited by B.L. Driver, Daniel Dustin, Tony Baltic, Gary Elsner, and George

Peterson, Venture Publishing, Inc. State College, Pennsylvania.

Obenland, Kathleen

1996 “Well-being of WW youth declines,” Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, December 5, 1996.

Port of Walla Walla

1998 Walla Walla County Quick Facts by the Port of Walla Walla, March 1, 1999 [Online].

Available HTTP: http://www.portwallawalla.com/walla_walla_quick_facts.htm.
Bibliography

Whitman Mission NHS GMP

Stern, Theodore

1998 “Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla,” Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 12, The

Plateau, 1998, Smithsonian Institution, pp. 395-419, Washington, D.C.

University of Idaho

1998 “Whitman Mission NHS 1998 Visitor Survey Card Data Report,” prepared by the University of

Idaho Cooperative Park Studies Unit for the National Park Service, Department of the Interior

(CI CPSU Report #WHMI298), Moscow, Idaho.

USDI National Park Service

1975 Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Master Plan, Pacific Northwest Region, National Park

Service, August 1975, Vancouver, Washington.

USDI National Park Service

1984 Landscape Study and Management Alternatives for Revegetation: Whitman Mission National

Historic Site, compiled by Cathy A. Gilbert, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service

Interdisciplinary Study, Cultural Resources Division, Pacific Northwest Region, Seattle, Washington.

USDI National Park Service

1988 Administrative History of Whitman Mission National Historic Site, U.S. Department of the

Interior, National Park Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Cultural Resources Division, Seattle,

Washington.

USDI National Park Service

1994 Visitor Services Project, Whitman Mission National Historic Site, Visitor Services Project

Report 56, Cooperative Park Studies Unit, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho.

USDI National Park Service

1997 General Management Plan Nez Perce National Historical Park and Big Hole National

Battlefield, Denver Service Center, NPS, September 1997, Denver, Colorado.

USDI National Park Service

1998 Draft Management and Use Plan Update, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Oregon

National Historic Trail and Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Denver Service Center, NPS,

August 1998, Denver, Colorado.

Walker, Deward E., Jr.

1994 “Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation”, An Encyclopedia on Native

Americans, Edited by Mary B. Davis, Garland Publishers, pp. 139-140, published in New York and

London.

Walker, Deward E., Jr.

1998 “Introduction”, Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 12, The Plateau, Smithsonian

Institution, pp. 1-7, Washington, D.C.

Walla Walla Area Chamber of Commerce
Bibliography

Whitman Mission NHS GMP

1995 Walla Walla Area Visitor’s Guide, published by the Walla Walla Area Chamber of Commerce,

Walla Walla, Washington.

Walla Walla County Regional Planning Department

1987 Urban Area Comprehensive Plan, October 1987, Walla Walla, Washington.

Walla Walla County Regional Planning Department

1990 Subdivision Regulations, Title 16, January 1990, Walla Walla, Washington.

Walla Walla County Regional Planning Department

1990 Walla Walla County Zoning Map, December 1992, Walla Walla, Washington.

Walla Walla County Regional Planning Department

1990 Zoning, January 1990, Walla Walla, Washington.

 Walla Walla County Regional Planning Department

1995 Ordinance Number 232, Amending Walla Walla County Code, Title 18, to Include a New

Chapter 8.40 Regarding a Right to Farm in Walla Walla County, December 1995, Walla Walla,

Washington.

Walla Walla County Regional Planning Department

1997 City of Walla Walla Capital Facilities Plan, a component of the Walla Walla Urban Area

Comprehensive Plan, October 1997, Walla Walla, Washington.

Walla Walla County Regional Planning Department

1997 City of Walla Walla Transportation Plan, a component of the Walla Walla Urban Area

Comprehensive Plan, October 1997, Walla Walla, Washington.

Walla Walla County Regional Planning Department

1999 Letter from Darcy Fugman-Small, Director, Walla Walla County Regional Planning

Department, to Keith Dunbar, National Park Service, February 24, 1999, Seattle, Washington.

Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce

1997 Visitor’s Guide, Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce, Internet by Blue Mountain

Internet (http://www.brni.net/wwchamb/), Walla Walla, Washington.

Washington State Employment Security Department

1995 Walla Walla County Profile, Labor Market and Economic Analysis Branch, Washington State

Employment Security Department, Olympia, Washington.