Mt. Spokane Challenge

NEWS RELEASE

                                                                                                                                Contact Information:

June 17, 2010                                                                                                    Mike Petersen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             Phone: (509)209-2406

                                                                                                                                Email: mpetersen@landscouncil.org

LAWSUIT CHALLENGES STATE PARKS COMMISSION ON MOUNT SPOKANE SKI AREA EXPANSION

The Lands Council announced today it has filed a complaint in Superior Court of Thurston County, challenging the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission's May 19 decision to re-classify a portion of Mount Spokane State Park as suitable for ski area expansion. The Commission's decision could result in the destruction of about 279 acres of old-growth forest and wetlands through construction of new ski facilities up to and below the northwest summit of Mount Spokane, with a new ski lift and seven new ski runs.

"The Parks Commission decision ignored the recommendations and concerns of other State agencies, who believe that the loss and fragmentation of pristine, native forest habitat may irreparably harm rare wildlife that depend upon such habitat," stated the Lands Council's Jeff Juel, Forest Policy Director. "The Parks Commission classified the area as suitable for commercial skiing, without preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement as required by the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). An EIS would have fully and fairly compared the risks of the ski area expansion with the benefits of the previous management of the area as natural forest," Juel added.

Along with the likely damage to old growth, wildlife, and wetlands, The Lands Council is also concerned that the decision prioritizes one form of recreation-alpine skiing in a developed setting-over a wide variety of four season recreational experiences now enjoyed by Park visitors. "Our members and the general public use and enjoy the Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park as it now stands, but also highly value many other uses that would be lost or displaced from the expansion of the development, such as cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, birdwatching, viewing wildlife, huckleberry picking-and simply enjoying a natural alpine setting so close to the city Spokane," stated Mike Petersen, the Lands Council's executive director.  "We value the ski area for the opportunity it provides for Spokane residents and want it to succeed, but we believe that the ski area can thrive within its present footprint," he added.

Based in Spokane, WA, The Lands Council is one of the leading non-profit conservation organizations in the Inland Northwest. Since its establishment in 1983, The Lands Council has protected thousands of acres of public land, and has worked to preserve the forests, water, and wildlife we all depend on for life.

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