PUBLIC LANDS -- Spokane County closed on 280 acres near Nine Mile Falls on Friday, June 5, using funding from the voter-supported Conservation Futures Program. 

• The S-R reported the background on this purchased in April. See story.

The acreage preserves a large block of forest land that provides a link in Riverside State Park, allowing wildlife and the public to enjoy this protected landscape in perpetuity.

To help care, maintain and enhance the property, the former owner and the nominator donated $113,000 to establish a maintenance endowment fund.  In addition, up to $20,000 has been pledged to fun public access improvements on the property.  The Inland Northwest Land Trust help by working with the owners.

Spokane County officials say they plan to enter into an agreement with the Washington State Parks to manage the land as an extension of Riverside State Park. Signage and trails are being planned.

Currently, visitors can access the property by parking at the Carlson Road Trailhead. a Washington State Parks facility at the west end of the 37-mile long Spokane River Centennial Trail.

A Discover Pass is required on vehicles using this parking area.