By Claude Kistler
Last month I mentioned two activities that may provide work and volunteer opportunities for our club. To date, both activities (Amber Lake Gravel and Waikiki Springs Preserve ) are moving slowly as COVID continues to restrict volunteer activities. After additional input, the Amber Lake gravel activity appears to be a project that will improve the access road and fill in the potholes rather than work on the ramp access area. Also, this will be a project that will involve our friends from the Inland Empire Fly Fishing Club when COVID allows. The Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve is another activity that is moving slowly due to COVID. For our club, it’s important to understand that this activity is more of a true conservation project as opposed to “will these improvements increase my ability to fish that area.” In general, there will be volunteer opportunities such as being trained to lead trail hikes, be involved in habitat restoration such as thinning brush and small trees and tree planting. The club may also help fund/build and construct signage. The Waikiki Springs Restoration Project is a “many hands” project involving the Inland NW Lands Conservancy, WDFW, the Spokane Tribe of Indians and our local Trout Unlimited Chapter. In a recent email to members, the TU folks indicated their work (with the property owner) to “explore whether or not this private 44-acre property (former dairy farm) is a candidate for restoration and reconnection for native Redband trout.
As soon as I find out more regarding this exciting project, I’ll let you know.
Claude