The Save Mt Spokane Coalition is opposing Mt Spokane 2000’s proposal (phase 1 and 2) to expand alpine skiing and snowboarding into the Proposed Alpine Ski Expansion Area (PASEA).  We are in support of the preliminary Facilitates Renovation Alternative.

The Save Mt Spokane Coalition is opposing the ski area expansion at Mt Spokane State Park for the following reasons:

Mt Spokane State Park is more than a ski area, it provides year around recreational opportunities, scenic vistas, and a large intact forest habitat.  The natural forests in the park are unique and provide important habitat for a diversity of wildlife species.   The existing ski area already covers roughly two thirds of the top of the mountain with lifts and runs.

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 un-fragmented, un-roaded habitat, and disturb Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Species. Development in the PASEA will have a negative effect on the breeding habits of some species that value exclusion, cannot tolerate large openings or noise.  Development in the PASEA will fragment a “core area”, which is considered road-less, high quality habitat, and regionally important. Maintaining wild forests, continuous forest canopy and wildlife corridors is becoming ever more important in the Selkirk mountain range.

The proposed ski area expansion will fragment one of

the last intact forests near the City of Spokane. 

The cultural significance and view is very important

to some residents of Spokane. The natural beauty

of the west and northwest side of the mountain is

a backdrop for our community, one that would be

forever altered by the expansion.

         

The north and west slopes of Mt Spokane are natural forests, and natural  forest processes are at work.  The forests have recovered from past impact and are on their way to becoming a mature and eventually old growth forest.   Lands around the State Park have become very fragment since the State Park was created.  It is critical that these forests remain intact. 

The natural forests on the north and west slopes of Mt Spokane are a very important conservation resource that provide wildlife habitat, recreational hiking, snowshoeing, back country skiing, birding and other activities 365 days a year.  The impacts are too great to trade off fragmenting this unique forest habitat for winter recreation lasting only 90-120 days. 

The Save Mt Spokane Coalition supports the following recommendations

in the Facilitates Renovation Alternative:

-A new lodge #2 and remodeling lodge #1.

-New, faster front side lifts

-More efficient lighting on front side lifts

-Summer trails improvement

-Upgrading the parking storm water, and wastewater

         facilities and at Lodge #1 and #2.

We understand Mt Spokane 2000’s need for snow making capacity, storage and distribution to help ensure an earlier opening, but it is very important that the potential environmental impacts of this proposal be fully addressed in the EIS to look at the impacts of snowmaking on the Spirit Lake drainage and other potentially effected water bodies or streams in the area.  In addition, the impacts of water storage need to be analyzed.

Mt Spokane has excellent glades that they do not advertise.  On clear days there is a 360-degree view that is just incredible, and back-country quality skiing that is lift accessible.  We encourage skiers to come to enjoy their local mountain. We believe that the existing terrain offers an incredible ski experience that should enable it to thrive over the coming decades – with appropriate upgrades to the existing facility and marketing.

For more information on how you can help save your mountain:

Call:   (509) 209-2406

Email:  savemtspokane@comcast.net