Chamna Natural Preserve

Chamna Natural Preserve lies entirely within the City of Richland, on the north shore of the Yakima River just before it joins the Columbia. The preserve covers a total of 276 acres (112 hectares, 0.43 sq mile). About 1/3 of the area is on the US National Register of Wetlands.

In Richland, as in many US cities, there is active tension between the forces of development and preservation. Periodic flooding spared Chamna from development, but until a few years ago it was essentially an uncontrolled area that suffered from illegal dumping and other mischief. Now that the area is closed to vehicles, the mess has been cleaned up and the area has mostly recovered to its natural state.

In December, there is not much moving besides the water and dead grass, but in summer the preserve is full of birds and other animals. It is an excellent sanctuary for both wildlife and humans -- a welcome refuge from the active construction equipment visible on the skyline across the river (fullscreen, at left).

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USA-Canada / USA-Washington

Lat: 46° 15' 15" N
Long: 120° 18' 9" W

Elevation: 380 ft

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Precision is: High. Pinpoints the exact spot.

Canon Digital Rebel, Sigma 8mm fisheye, trekking pole monopod, PTGui & Panorama Tools, Photoshop, PanoCUBE.