Expand ski park

Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park should be expanded with the proposed new lift and runs on the backside of Mount Spokane. After environmental studies and feedback sessions with the public and public agencies, the proposed expansion area has been reduced to a 279-acre portion of the 850 acres originally designated for potential alpine expansion to address environmental concerns.

This proposed expansion would benefit the greater Spokane community, including mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, snowshoers, back-country skiers and snowmobilers. It would also address the need for additional intermediate skiing runs at Mt. Spokane.

We need to keep our Spokane skiers skiing in Washington, rather than taking their skiing business to Idaho. The proposed expansion would add 80 acres of groomed trails and seven new runs. The opponents want all 850 acres classified as Natural Forest Area.

The current proposal is a win-win for both sides. It leaves 570 acres in its natural state and designates 279 acres for summer and winter recreation activities to be enjoyed by the many of us who love Mt. Spokane. Most of the area is already being used for winter and summer activities anyway!

Cole McClellan

Spokane