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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Dishman Hills Conservancy kick-started Kopczynski’s life as climber, conservationist

Meeting near Big Rock Natural Area to discuss logistics of gaining public access from Stevens Creek Road are, from left, Michael Hamilton of the Dishman Hills Natural Area Association, climber and Avista engineer Aaron Henson, Chris Kopczynski of Kop Construction and Jeff Lambert of the Spokane Mountaineers. (Rich Landers)
Meeting near Big Rock Natural Area to discuss logistics of gaining public access from Stevens Creek Road are, from left, Michael Hamilton of the Dishman Hills Natural Area Association, climber and Avista engineer Aaron Henson, Chris Kopczynski of Kop Construction and Jeff Lambert of the Spokane Mountaineers. (Rich Landers)

CONSERVATION -- In this video, Spokane climber Chris Kopczynski explains how he drew inspiration from the Dishman Hills more than 50 years ago, marking the beginning of a journey that would lead him to the world's highest summits. 

He learned that the Rocks of Sharon are three times older than the summit of Mount Everest, where Kop became the ninth American to reach the summit.

"Over the years, I feel the time and money I give to the Dishman Hills Conservancy will leave the greatest impact on my children's and grandchildren's physical well-being. 

"I also feel if you want to make an impact with your life, start here in your own backyard with a gift to  Dishman Hills Conservancy to preserve and protect what we have left."



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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