The Save Mt Spokane Coalition is founded by local citizen and environmental groups to focus energy and resources on preventing destruction of the intact ecosystem and watershed on the north and west slopes of Mt Spokane by the proposed ski area expansiion by Mt Spokane 2000. The coalition will employ legal, scientific and regional resources to educate citizens and state agencies to its conservation purpose to preserve natural areas, protect unique wildlife habitat and species, and enhance opportunities for non-motorized recreation. Our aim is to balance our desire for an improved and thriving ski area with our desire to protect this unique and ecologically important landscape in our community.
 
The Save Mt Spokane Coalition wants to see Mt Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park be successful and financially viable. We do not think this fiscal viability should be at the expense of fragmenting the last remaining large intact natural forests near Spokane.
 
 
Save Mt Spokane Coalition
Photo Ron Dexter
A Fragmented Forest
Current ski runs on Mt Spokane, part of Mt Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, demonstrating the fragmentation of the forest caused by cutting in ski runs.
The Mt Spokane 2000 Proposed Alpine Ski Area Expansion or PASEA is connected to an important wildlife corridor that connects the Spokane Valley Antoine Peak Natural Area to Mt. Spokane State Park and on north through the Selkirk Mountain range into the Salmo-Priest Wilderness.  Disruption of such a wildlife corridor will negatively impact native fauna and disrupt migration routes.
Mt. Spokane Park's dark forest contrast with surrounding fragmented landscape.
The proposed expansion would develop the remaining top of the mountain, permanently impacting a rare sub-alpine ecosystem. The forests on the north and west slopes of Mt Spokane provide a significant linkage corridor for a number of migrating mammal and bird species.  Ski area expansion will displace rare forest carnivores, the lynx and the wolverine, and other species needing intact forests and unfragmented, un-roaded habitat, and disturb Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Species.
Protect the Wildlife Corridor
Photo:  Chris Bachman
Photo:  Chris Bachman
Photo:  Chris Bachman
Photo:  Chris Bachman
 
Let’s balance our desire for an improved and thriving ski area with our need to protect this unique and ecologically important landscape in our community.