Court temporarily halts Mt. Spokane expansion project

The Washington state Court of Appeals has issued a preliminary injunction to halt logging for a new chairlift and 80 acres of groomed runs at Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park.

The injunction was issued in Tacoma Friday, the same day the ski resort received permits from Spokane County for trail clearing, grading and chairlift construction.

The injunction was requested by opponents of the ski resort’s expansion, who are trying to overturn the state Parks and Recreation Commission’s approval for the expansion. Opponents, which include the Lands Council and former Spokane County Commissioner John Roskelley, say the expansion would fragment valuable alpine habitat.

Brad McQuarrie, Mt. Spokane’s manager, said he anticipates that the injunction will be temporary. Opponents must file a court brief supporting the injunction by Wednesday, with a response from the ski resort due by next week.

Mt. Spokane officials hope to begin the work shortly, with the goal of opening the new runs for next ski season.