YAKIMA, Wash. – Starting June 1, Yakima Training Center will suspend most recreational activities due to an expected increase in military training and a shortage of police and security officers.
Only the archery range and juvenile fishing pond will remain open, per a press release.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has been informed of the change and has removed Game Management Unit 371 from hunt permit options. The hiring freeze affecting federal civilian employees has delayed filling vacant officer positions, impacting staffing levels.
The Yakima Training Center Police Department has been handling a high volume of hunter check-ins, with 1,283 processed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025. Officer vacancies have led to shifting resources to prioritize safety and training support.
Native American access rights and the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail remain unaffected. Yakima Training Center is coordinating with community partners to restore recreational access as soon as conditions allow.
