Controversy at Amon Creek

Well, the heavy machinery is hard at work in the Amon Basin area of South Richland but I still managed to maneuver around the trucks to have an enjoyable hike.  There is a big, City of Richland sewer project going on that is disrupting the ideals of the Tapteal Greenway Association’s efforts.  Now, I’m not a tree-hugging, radical environmentalist but I do believe we can minimize our footprints to preserve the natural beauty that surrounds us.  I’m not going to dwell on this controversy but, you can find out more at the Tapteal Greenway Association’s web site.

Amon Basin

I had an enjoyable hike along the west side of Amon Creek.  I did have to dodge the machinery but the views of this area that are missed by many Tri-Citians are beautiful.  I walked on freshly graded dirt to the crossing on the north end of the loop.  There, I spotted several ducks in the small pond.  I also saw quite a bit of evidence of beaver like this dam across the creek. 

Beaver Dam

As I crossed to the east side of Amon Creek, I found a wonderful trail that was untouched by the construction (the construction appears to be all on the west side).  There were several birds enjoying the water way.  This is my first time on this trail and there is so much beautiful, twisted, gnarled old-growth sagebrush that is up to six-feet tall with colorful lichens. 

Old-growth Sagebrush

I stopped at one of the benches and enjoyed the view.  At one point, I hustled up a small ridge for a better view, then continued on around the trail to the south end, back across to my truck.  It was a nice, quiet hike with no one else on the trail on this brisk, January day.

Amon Creek