U.S. Army Corps Bans Alcohol at Illia Dunes Recreation Area

Citing safety concerns and repeated incidents, the agency implements new restrictions.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 1:03am

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Walla Walla District has announced a ban on alcohol at the Illia Dunes Recreation Area on Lake Bryan, located in Garfield County, Washington. The move is intended to reduce safety hazards, complaints, and disruptive behavior at the popular recreation site, following a similar alcohol ban implemented at Granite Point on Lower Granite Lake in 2022.

Why it matters

The alcohol ban aims to improve overall conditions and create a safer, more family-friendly environment at the Illia Dunes Recreation Area. Similar restrictions have proven effective at other Corps-managed sites in reducing alcohol-related incidents and allowing rangers to better focus resources.

The details

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cited an increase in incidents, litter, and dangerous cliff jumping at the Illia Dunes site as reasons for the new alcohol prohibition. The agency noted that public safety is the top priority, and the ban is expected to help reduce the number of alcohol-related complaints.

  • The alcohol ban at Illia Dunes Recreation Area was announced on March 24, 2026.
  • A similar alcohol ban was implemented at Granite Point on Lower Granite Lake in 2022.

The players

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency responsible for managing the Illia Dunes Recreation Area and other public lands and waterways.

Megan Innes

The natural resources manager for Lower Granite Lock and Dam, who stated that public safety is the top priority in implementing the alcohol ban.

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What they’re saying

“Public safety is our top priority.”

— Megan Innes, Natural Resources Manager, Lower Granite Lock and Dam

What’s next

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said the goal is to maintain a safe and family-friendly environment at its recreation areas, and the agency will continue to monitor conditions at Illia Dunes to ensure the alcohol ban is effective.

The takeaway

This alcohol ban at Illia Dunes is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' broader efforts to prioritize public safety and improve the visitor experience at its recreation sites, following similar measures taken at other locations to address alcohol-related issues and disruptive behavior.