Club plans Slavin trail work

The 628-acre Slavin conservation area midway between Spokane and Spangle off U.S. Highway 195 is getting a new two-mile recreation trail with the help of the Spokane Mountaineers.

Members of the organization and others are gathering at the former Slavin ranch on June 26 to clear brush from one-time farm roads and to construct a small segment of new trail to improve access for hikers and horse riders.

Until now, it has been difficult for the public to use the property because “access has been so inadequate,” said Patty Houff of the mountaineers group.

Spokane County purchased the farm for $1.2 million in 2000 as part of the voter-approved conservation futures land acquisition program. The former ranch subsequently was selected for wetland reclamation through a grant under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

Houff said the property is ideal habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. A former wheatfield is being returned to a wetland to increase habitat.

Part of the work included planting of native trees and shrubs to increase cover for birds. The land is open to nonmotorized uses.

The conservation area is about a mile west of the intersection of Washington Road and U.S. Highway 195. The driveway to the former farmhouse can be found just south of the intersection of Washington Road and Keeney Road to the west of Keeney Road.