The battlefield site occupies a vast open ground accentuated by the monumental proportions of Horse Cache Butte and adjacent rim-rock landforms that form the entrance and sides of Canyon Creek Canyon. There is no way for visitors to understand the events that took place here. The message on the plaque does not reflect NPS or Nez Perce views. The importance of this site needs to be scaled relative to the entire story. The land, in checkerboard private and state ownership, is now in agricultural use, but there is potential for quick conversion to subdivisions.
Vandalism is a concern.
There is much local interest in the site. The Park Service will help the Friends of Canyon Creek with development of accurate, appropriate interpretation at the current location. The Park Service will formally consult with the Crow Tribe about interpretation. The viewshed and resources will be inventoried and strategies will be developed to protect viewsheds. National Historic Trail portal will be developed in Laurel with Friends of Canyon Creek, Laurel Chamber of Commerce, and other partners.