Kahlotus Ridge named national landmark
PUBLIC LANDS -- Kahlotus Ridgetop, in Washington's Franklin County is among six of the newest national natural landmarks designated by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.
Kahlotus Ridgetop, known for its remnant Palouse prairie, was nominated by the Washington Department of Natural Resources for the National Parks Service status.
The others designated last week are Hanging Lake in western Colorado, Barfoot Park in southern Arizona, Round Top Butte near Medford, Ore., and the Island in Oregon.
Each site was identified through a process that included a scientific evaluation and public-comment period to acknowledge each site's unique biological or geological features. No new land-use restrictions will be imposed.
There are 591 national natural landmarks.
