Save Mt Spokane, stop the proposed ski area expansion

We the undersigned believe that the preservation of the pristine and intact ecosystems that exist on Mt Spokane are more important to local culture and economy than the proposed expansion of Mt Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park

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 unfragmented, un-roaded habitat, and disturb Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Species.  Development will have a negative effect on the breeding habits of some species that value exclusion, cannot tolerate large openings or noise and 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 fragmented 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 for improvement of the facilities at Mt Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park

-       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.