GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
for
Nez Perce National Historical Park
and
Big Hole National Battlefield

DUG BAR

The Dug Bar site is in Hell's Canyon National Recreation Area and on the Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail. The site is accessible via a poorly maintained single lane dirt road 25 miles long or by the Snake River. This is the traditional crossing site where the Chief Joseph band forded immediately before the 1877 Nez Perce War. Although they did not know it at the time, this treacherous crossing was the band's final farewell to their homeland. There are important archeological resources along the river; the Forest Service has conducted extensive archeological surveys.

The flat bench above the river contains historical ranching structures dating from the early 20th century.

A primitive airstrip, hayfields, a boat ramp, primitive campsites, and a cluster of ranch buildings are prominent features in the immediate Dug Bar landscape. In summer an abundance of jetboat traffic passes the site. The distant views are intact except for a powerline with wood pylons, which is visible where it crosses the river downstream from the site.

The winding 25-mile drive into Dug Bar follows the Imnaha River, the traditional route between summer camps in the Wallowa and winter camps along the Imnaha and Snake Rivers. The 5-mile hiking and horse trail offers an opportunity to experience the landscape as the Nez Perce did. Visitors coming to the site by boat also see many riparian areas that were used by the Nez Perce. Recreational activities available at Dug Bar are hiking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, camping, and hunting.

The site is in Hell's Canyon National Recreation Area and thereby is afforded all the protections of federal ownership and management. A memorandum of understanding between the Forest Service and the National Park Service has been completed that allows for comanagement of the Dug Bar site.
Map of site

 MANAGEMENT ISSUES

  • Most visitors to this site are interested in recreation, not cultural resources.

  • The heaviest access is by jetboat.

  • There is potential for upgrading the road to the site, which might increase visitation.

  • The possible development of a through-link of the Snake River Trail could increase use.

 ACTION PLAN

The Park Service will work with and encourage the Forest Service to:

  • Maintain and sign the trail.

  • Keep the road in current condition to keep use at present level and avoid resource damage.

  • Maintain trail integrity.

  • Upgrade signs on the site.

  • Maintain the site (within the national recreation area) as a cultural and natural resource site.

  • Explore the possibility of a job-share seasonal interpretive position or create a Student Conservation Association interpretive position.

  • The Park Service will also work with tour operators and other agencies on interpretation of stories of cultural resources and resource protection, including the Nez Perce perspective.


http://www.nps.gov/nepe/gmp8-33.htm
Last Updated: 12-Nov-1999 ÿ