Kamiak Butte rises from the rolling hills of the Palouse as a silent testament the artistry of time. Recognized as a National Natural Landmark (NNL), it joins a distinguished roster of places across the country deemed essential to understanding America’s natural heritage.
But unlike a national park, Kamiak Butte’s status as a landmark isn’t built on federal protections. The NNL program—born under the Historic Sites Act of 1935 and launched in 1962—relies on one crucial ingredient: voluntary stewardship. In plain terms, Whitman County holds the keys to its preservation.
There’s no enforcement arm here, no regulatory hand reaching in from D.C. The National Park Service, which oversees the program, doesn’t impose restrictions or snatch up private lands. Instead, it works on trust and recognition, an agreement that those responsible for these landmarks—public or private—understand their importance.
At Kamiak Butte, that responsibility belongs to Whitman County. It’s a weighty one. The Butte’s rare ecosystem, basalt outcroppings, and sweeping views have earned it NNL recognition, but they’re not invincible. National Natural Landmark status comes with a spotlight, not a safety net. The county is free to manage, develop, or neglect the Butte as it sees fit—though poor decisions can stain its legacy.
It’s worth asking whether Whitman County’s stewardship reflects the honor bestowed on Kamiak Butte. The NNL program, like all good things, depends on care rather than coercion. And while the designation can’t stop bulldozers or industrial encroachment, it does hold a mirror up to those responsible. Commissioners Tom Handy and Art Swannack: What does it reflect?
In the case of Kamiak Butte, the answer will come not from federal law, but from local actions. Whitman County has the rare opportunity to lead by example, safeguarding not just a landmark, but the character of the Palouse itself.
The National Natural Landmark designation is less a shield than a signal—proof that Kamiak Butte matters. But signals can be ignored, and honors can fade. The future of Kamiak Butte won’t be decided in distant offices or federal statutes. It will be decided here, by Whitman County.
Preservation is a choice. Let’s hope they make the right one.
No industrial development on protected lands. This area is protected Prarie lands that are in the process of being restored less than 1% of these lands exists at this time and is one of the kist endangered ecosystems in the U.S. The restoration and saving of these lands is vital to long term sustainability.
The palouse Prarie foundation is a key stakeholder in this area.
Many local organizations that are supposed to protect the area are refusing to comment or take a position on the matter. Of those, many are receiving “grants” from the developers of Harvest Hills.