Support The Hills

Dishman Hills Natural Area

A call for financial help to make a payment on its Tower Mountain land acquisition was issued this month by the Dishman Hills Natural Area Association.

Organized in 1966, the association has worked to protect 520 acres in a priceless public nature preserve in the Spokane Valley south of Interstate 90.

The association has prepared an excellent new map of the hiking trails within the natural area.

In 1994, the group signed a contract to purchased 170 acres in the area known as the Rocks of Sharon. The conservation group put down $50,000 and agreed to make quarterly payments of $6,467 for 10 years in order to complete the new purchase.

“I’m confident people will support the cause with continued personal donations,” said Tom Rogers, group spokesman at the time.

Indeed, the group has paid more than half of the contract in only four years, greatly reducing the total interest paid for the purchase, said association president Mike Hamilton.

“Summertime is the slow time for donations, leaving us behind and a little short,” he said, noting that the association wants to avoid penalties it would incur if the full payment isn’t made by Sept. 1.

Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to DHNAA, 10820 E. Maxwell, Spokane, 99206. For information call 747-8147.