For Immediate Release, April 9, 2013

Contact:         

Jeff Juel, The Lands Council  (509) 209-2406              

Chris Bachman,  Sierra Club  (509) 280-8159

Hearing Examiner voids permit to log old-growth forest at Mt. Spokane Park

SPOKANE, Washington - Today Mike Dempsey, the Hearing Examiner for the Spokane County Department of Building and Planning, withdrew the department's January, 2013 permit which authorized logging on the west slope of Mt. Spokane, within Mount Spokane State Park. The logging would fragment the largest remaining old-growth forest in Spokane County. The Hearing Examiner cited violations of the Spokane Critical Areas Ordinance, the purpose of which is:

To recognize wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas …as important natural resources which provide significant environmental functions and values including: vital importance to critical fish and wildlife habitat, surface and ground water quality, aquifer recharge, flood control, …scientific research and education, open space, aesthetic values, historic and cultural preservation, passive recreation and contribute to quality of life currently enjoyed by citizens of Spokane County.

(http://www.spokanecounty.org/data/buildingandplanning/lud/criticalareasordinance/CAO%20March%202011.pdf)

"This is an important victory for the people of Spokane County, and to those everywhere who enjoy the system of state parks in the State of Washington," stated Jeff Juel, Forest Policy Director of The Lands Council, which had appealed the permit. "The destruction of old growth providing habitat for rare species such as northern goshawk, Canada lynx and wolverine would be permanent and should not be allowed within a State Park," he added.

According to a Washington Parks and Recreation Commission's Staff Report, the forests at issue in this case "represent the highest level of significance of natural resources in the State Parks system."  Parks staff "determined that the proposed ski area expansion is likely to have a significant adverse impact on the environment." 

"The Critical Areas Ordinance requires that Spokane County consult closely with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine how impacts to "Priority Habitats" such as old-growth forests can be avoided. Unfortunately, WDFW's concerns were mostly ignored," stated Juel.

The Lands Council is a part of the Save Mt Spokane Coalition, formed to protect the wildlife and natural habitat on the mountain. The Coalition agrees with improving the existing the ski area, already impacting 2/3 of the mountain's alpine habitat, and has even prepared an alternative vision, Mt. Spokane 2020, for the park that includes upgrades to lifts, lodge and new runs within the existing ski area on the north, east and south sides of the mountain. (http://savemtspokane.org/Mt_Spokane_2020_files/mt.spokane_brochure-1.pdf)

"We are committed to working with Mount Spokane 2000, the operators of the ski area, to enhance their infrastructure and the quality of the skiing experience in ways that won't harm wildlife and water quality on this Eastern Washington landmark," stated Steve Llewellyn, President of The Lands Council.

"Mt Spokane is a key part of the natural heritage of our region and must be protected," said Chris Bachman of the Sierra Club. "If this magnificent old-growth forest is cut down, future generations will lose out, and rare wildlife species on the mountain may never return."

It should be noted that in a separate action, in February the Washington State Court of Appeals enjoined all ski area expansion activities until it could rule on propriety of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission's action to reclassify the western slope of Mt. Spokane, allowing a new ski lift and runs. A hearing before that Court is set for April 9.

ACTION ALERT - Comments needed!

Appellate Court puts hold on logging Mt. Spokane Park