Trautman Ranch becomes region’s newest natural preserve

The Inland Northwest Land Trust is hosting a dedication event on Saturday for a 280-acre wildlife preserve adjacent to Riverside State Park.

The nature preserve was purchased earlier this year by the Spokane County Conservation Futures program for $753,000.

The acquisition stitches together two disconnected parts of Riverside State Park near Nine Mile.

The dedication from 10:30 a.m. to noon will be on the ranch, which is located at 10205 W. Hill Ave., a short distance from Charles Road.

Gary Trautman is going to lead a hike across the acreage following the dedication.

The Trautman family agreed to finance back $75,000 of the purchase price for a permanent maintenance fund.

The land trust was instrumental in arranging the county purchase of the property, which holds wildlife habitat and has a variety of terrain. It is expected to become a popular hiking destination.

State parks officials have agreed to do light maintenance and create trail access.

To attend the dedication, RSVP to juddman@inlandnwland.org, although an RSVP is not required.