Spokane7
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May 5, 2011 in City, Idaho
Commission counters ski expansion proposal
Areas of Mt. Spokane would get special protection
Public hearings
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will take public comment on Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park’s proposed expansion.
May 18: 7-9 p.m., at the student center lounges A, B and C, Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W. Fort George Wright Drive.
May 19: 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., during commission meeting at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place. After the public testimony ends, commission members are expected to discuss the proposed expansion and make a decision.
More info: www.parks.wa.gov/plans/mtspokane2/
A proposal to expand Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park could end up as a compromise that allows a new chairlift and runs but protects areas of old growth forest from development.
Operators of the nonprofit ski area want to expand into the undeveloped northwest side of Mount Spokane State Park, saying the expansion would extend Mt. Spokane’s season by giving skiers access to deeper snow on north-facing slopes.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s staff suggested allowing the new lift and runs on 279 acres. But they recommended designating some portions of an 850-acre study area as “natural forest” to help preserve wildlife habitat.
Deb Wallace, a commission planner, didn’t have the exact acreage but said the area recommended for “natural forest” includes the downhill terrain from Chair 4 Road.
In addition to the alpine skiing expansion, trails for snowmobiles, mountain bikes and equestrians could be allowed in the 850 acres. The proposal would permit low-intensity development, such as vault toilets and snow huts, but not lodge facilities.
The Parks and Recreation Commission is expected to make a final decision May 19 in Spokane.
“It’s not our preferred alternative,” Brad McQuarrie, Mt. Spokane’s general manager, said of the staff’s recommendation.
The ski area’s expansion would be allowed under a “resource recreation” designation; less land clearing and other natural disturbance would be allowed compared to other designations.
McQuarrie said he was still digesting the staff’s recommendation Wednesday but had questions about how the proposed designation would affect ski terrain maintenance.
Mt. Spokane’s proposed expansion has drawn opposition from the Save Mount Spokane Coalition, an alliance of environmental groups. Opponents say the new ski runs would destroy old-growth stands, wetlands and meadows that provide critical wildlife habitat.
Allowing the ski area expansion is likely to diminish the habitat, according to a report prepared by the commission’s staff. But the report also said that impacts to habitat are an inevitable tradeoff of encouraging more people to participate in outdoor recreation.
The ski area is operated by Mt. Spokane 2000, which would be required to pay for any improvements. The nonprofit board is headed by Jim Meyer, husband of Betsy Cowles, the chairwoman of Cowles Co., which owns The Spokesman-Review.
Miners to return to Lucky Friday 
kennyhuston on May 05 at 10:53 a.m.
There’s a good idea finally - a compromise! You give some, and you take some - everybody somewhat wins!!! IMHO Mt. Spokane’s increased terrain will do TONS more for our economy than saving “old growth” forest. Additionally, it will increase the available park resources so ALL THE PUBLIC will be able to use it for recreational purposes. After all, it is PUBLIC land - right?
pinkbutter on May 05 at 11:36 a.m.
Dear Mr Huston,
I must disagree with you, although I do think of course that compromise is sometimes a good thing.
If we are to have a healthy natural world of any sort out there for our grandchildren and their children, we must truly stick up for natural areas that are being “compromised”. That may mean not reaping short term economic harvests.
DickAdams on May 05 at 11:55 a.m.
The federal government is broke, the State is broke, the County is broke, the city of Spokane is broke. Nuf said.
greenlibertarian on May 05 at 9:07 p.m.
Dick’s logic is broke.
Ed Byrnes on May 07 at 4:52 p.m.
As someone who skis that backcountry and also enjoys a lift assist sometimes I can say that there is plenty of room for everyone to get their needs met, provided we all are able to differentiate our wants from our needs.