Sierra Club Upper Columbia River Group Northern Rockies Chapter P. O. Box 413 Spokane WA 99210 May 1, 2008 Mr. Chris Regan Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission PO Box 42650 Olympia, WA 98504-2650 E-mail: mtspokane.planning@parks.wa.gov Dear Mr. Regan and Parks Commission, The Upper Columbia River Group of the Sierra Club opposes further study and development of the Proposed Alpine Ski Expansion (PASEA) at Mt. Spokane Ski Area. The Upper Columbia River Group of Sierra Club has over 2,000 members and is the largest environmental group in the region. The mission of the Sierra Club and its over one million members is to explore, enjoy and protect the wild places of the earth. The area proposed for development by Mt. Spokane PASEA, contained within the boundaries of Mt. Spokane State Park, is recommended as Natural Forest Area by the Parks Department and is a Heritage Forest as designated by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. It is our strong belief that the unique and increasingly rare native old growth forest habitat and its accompanying biodiversity should remain intact and not be lost as will occur with the addition of a ski chair lift and additional ski runs to the existing ski area at Mt. Spokane. Ski Area Expansion Effects on Habitat: The set of proposals put forth by Mt. Spokane 2000 for further development of the northwest slope of Mt. Spokane call for both ski runs and glade skiing. The ski run areas would mean clear-cuts to existing forest while the remainder of the adjoining slope would lose at least half of its trees to facilitate glade skiing off groomed trails. Removal of trees on this portion of the mountain would have dire damaging consequences for both wildlife and the integrity of the remaining stand of forest on Mt. Spokane. The excavation, grading and tree removal required for development would devastate if not eradicate the indigenous plant community that now exists in near-pristine condition. The 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. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife stated in written testimony of February 29 to the commission that, “The linkage to Mt. Spokane and its habitats is a major part of what makes the area so rare, unique and significant.” The ski area expansion would add at least one new chair lift and several runs. The slope would require access roads in order to access the new lodge that would serve the proposed chair lift. It is the strong belief of the Sierra Club that such actions would have a negative impact on the unique old growth forest habitat and its’ accompanying biodiversity on the slope. Effects on Community: Protection of the unique habitat offered by Mt. Spokane needs to be a priority. Currently Mt. Spokane State Park offers a diverse, and locally unequalled, opportunity for outdoor recreation. The mountain is accessible during the winter months by community members wishing to don snowshoes and explore the pristine mountain habitat, by cross country and back-country skiing enthusiasts that enjoy the opportunity to ski away from the ski area crowds. Expansion of the ski area will negatively impact the areas in which these activities take place. Summer activities on the mountain include hiking, mountain biking, birding, wildlife viewing and berry picking, all of which will be negatively impacted by the expansion. Conclusion: The Upper Columbia River Group of the Sierra Club opposes further study and development of the Proposed Alpine Ski Expansion (PASEA) at Mt Spokane Ski Area. We oppose the Mt Spokane Ski Area expansion into the Heritage Forest and proposed Natural Forest Area on Mt Spokane. The value of the forested slope is of greater benefit to its wildlife inhabitants, to the water shed and water quality protection it provides, and to the Spokane area community for aesthetic purposes if left in its current state. Respectfully, Chris Bachman. Executive Committee Representative Upper Columbia River Group Sierra Club mailto:mtspokane.planning@parks.wa.govshapeimage_2_link_0