High Drive Park project receives $50,000 funding boost
The City of Spokane Urban Forestry program has received a $50,000 boost to its forest health project at High Drive Park. Hikers, mountain bikers, and home owners who value the High Drive bluff area will benefit from the project’s impact on fire risk reduction.
The City’s partnership with the local volunteer stewardship group, Friends of the Bluff, enabled the Urban Forestry department to access funding from a state jobs bill through the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
“The money will be used for contract work on thinning and pruning the Bluff’s forest. This will reduce the risk of intense, uncontrollable fires that would threaten adjacent homes and neighborhoods as well as the trees themselves,” said Guy Gifford, a forester with DNR. “The thinning and pruning will also improve the forest health as the remaining trees will have more space, light, and moisture so they will be less susceptible to damage from pine bark beetles. We will start work this September, and will be able to treat up to 50 acres of the park.”
“Obviously there will be plenty of work still to complete,” said John Schram, Friends of the Bluff board member. “We’ll let the professionals work in the high risk areas that would be challenging for volunteers. Our group will work along High Drive as it is easily accessible.”
“Our goal is to retain, as far as possible, the look and feel of the forest that hikers and mountain bikers enjoy,” explained Diana Roberts, WSU Extension Educator, “All trail users and neighbors stand to benefit from the forest being more resilient to fire.”
“The Friends of the Bluff is looking for more volunteers!” Roberts added.
Anyone who has questions about the project is welcome to join the group for an educational hike on either Wednesday August the 22nd or the 29th. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at 57th Ave and Hatch Rd. Come prepared for a 1- hour hike on the trails. The hikes are free and open to anyone who is interested.
Some history on the Friends Of The Bluff: They are a volunteer, community-driven group that stewards Spokane’s High Drive Bluff. The mission of the Friends of the Bluff is to steward the High Drive Bluff through volunteer efforts, community partnerships, and education. Members conserve the area in a natural, sustainable state for multiple users who respect the resource, each other, and wildlife. The group consists of bikers, hikers, runners, walkers, homeowners, nature lovers, and anyone concerned about the health and sustainability of the Bluffs area.
