Anglers and outdoor buffs will have to put their plans on hold as the popular West Medical Lake water access area near Spokane gears up for a temporary shutdown. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is rolling up its sleeves for a major clean-up operation following the Gray Fire's devastation last August. According to a recent announcement, the site is scheduled to close from April 29 to May 10, 2024, for wildfire-related maintenance.

Efforts to scrub the fire's scars off the landscape will include the removal of around 1,100 feet of fencing that was damaged, not to mention the concrete posts, as well as the replacement of a battered gangway leading to the boarding float. In an ambitious undertaking, crews are set to extract organic waste from the tanks of four vault toilets, knocking them down for good, and filling up their gaping holes following the cleanout. All this is happening while the boat ramps remain untouched, insisting WDFW.

The closure timing is less than ideal, coinciding with the opening day of fishing season—a high water mark for Spokane's angling community. The WDFW acknowledged the inconvenience but emphasized the need to address safety and usability concerns before the crowd pours in. This move is part of their bigger commitment to land management, habitat restoration, and wildlife conservation across Washington’s natural landscapes.

Amid their vast responsibility for over a million acres and numerous water access areas, Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife remains steadfast in its role as environmental stewards.