Spokane County chooses six new conservation sites

For those who like to watch wildlife to those who like to hunt or just hike a new trail, Spokane County is working to protect prime animal habitat and popular recreational locations.

The county will seek appraisals and try to buy six new sites for its Conservation Futures program, including forested and mountain areas used as a breeding ground by both elk and moose and a highly used piece of property on the High Drive bluff that was once slated for development.

Though county commissioners unanimously approved the Spokane County Parks Advisory Committee’s recommendations on which properties to pursue, they also expressed some apprehensions.

“I’m concerned that if we first go after the 1,100-acre property, we may deplete our fund and have nothing left for the rest,” said Commissioner Todd Mielke.

The 1,100-acre Antoine Peak, located north of Spokane Valley, includes 360-degree views, wetlands and moose and elk breeding grounds.

Commissioners asked the Parks Department to pursue smaller pieces linked to already protected open space first.

Conservation Futures gets most of its money to protect open space from a countywide, voter-approved property tax. Parks employees work to use that money to win additional state grants.

The current five-year tax period has two years remaining before it will have to go back to the voters. Projected upcoming collections, coupled with the money in the account now, gives the county $3.2 million for purchases through 2007.

Property owners are taxed 6 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation for the program – $12 per year on a $200,000 home.

In addition to Antoine Peak, properties on the approved list include two parts of the highly used trails along the High Drive bluff on Spokane’s South Hill. Until just recently, the owners of the property intended to build homes on it, sparking protests from nearby walkers and mountain bikers.

The three remaining sites all border portions of Riverside State Park. The 754-acre White Bluff area is home to cougar, deer, elk and wetland wildlife.

The 70-acre Seven Mile property includes ponds and wetlands and would open a landlocked portion of the state park to the public.

And the 17-acre Palisades Park area piece, coupled with a Conservation Futures purchase now under way, would connect the city of Spokane’s Palisades Park to Riverside State Park, providing an unbroken corridor for both wildlife and people.

Commissioner Phil Harris expressed some distaste for the idea of buying property to connect to Riverside State Park when the state is selling off pieces of that same park.

“That doesn’t pass the feel test. It doesn’t feel right,” Harris said, although he voted to accept the committee’s list.

He pointed out that the three commissioners must ultimately approve any purchase and can decide against one if the price is too high.

The county can’t force property owners to sell, and it can’t pay more than the appraised value of a site.

Property owners of all six chosen properties have indicated their willingness to participate in the Conservation Futures process, but aren’t required to follow through if they change their minds or don’t like the appraisal price.