Washington Supreme Court grants injunction blocking controversial logging on Mount Spokane

The Washington State Supreme Court on Friday issued an order preventing logging that would clear new ski runs on Mount Spokane until after a legal challenge brought by conservationists is decided.

The order follows court rulings in Thurston County Superior Court and the Washington Court of Appeals, District 2, upholding an expansion of the ski area authorized by the Washington State Park and Recreation Commission. The Spokane Audubon Society and the Lands Council filed a legal challenge seeking to protect 279 acres of a proposed 800-acre expansion of the ski runs, arguing the areas contained old-growth forest and logging would disrupt wildlife habitats.

The expansion has also been opposed by the Spokane Tribe of Indians, which sought intervention from Gov. Jay Inslee to block expansion plans. The resort argues the proposed expansion will minimize the disturbance to surrounding plants and wildlife.

Mount Spokane has received all permits to begin logging on the site as early as Aug. 1. The groups sought an injunction earlier this month to delay any work until the Supreme Court decides whether it will hear the case. The court is also scheduled to make that decision Aug. 1.

“Since this temporary injunction may last no more than one day, no security is required at this time,” wrote Walter Burton, acting commissioner for the Washington Supreme Court.