By Claude Kistler
Recently I made queries to both the WDFW regarding providing and distributing gravel at the ramp area of Amber Lake and the Inland Northwest
Lands Council regarding the Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve. While most of you are probably familiar with Amber Lake and previous club efforts to fund and provide manpower for gravel spreading, perhaps fewer are familiar with the Waikiki Nature Preserve.
The preserve is in northern Spokane, just 1.5 miles north of Whitworth University. Recently, the Conservancy purchased a 95-acre property on the
Little Spokane River. It adjoins a 116-acre Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife property which already has miles of walking trails. In the near future the Conservancy will open the new preserve to the public and start restoring some of the diverse habitat. In a background article the Inland NW Council says, “Our goals for the nature preserve include improved fish habitat, open-space preservation, youth education, wildlife habitat, and, most of all, public access for hiking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, bird watching, fishing, and dog walking (on
a leash).” Sounds like a marvelous Spokane area resource. I’ll let you know when I hear back from both the WDFW and Lands Council, share that with the board and seek their direction. At their last meeting, the board authorized a donation of $200 to the Swanson Lake Wildlife Preserve to help with re-seeding after that area was devastated by wildfires. Their manager, Juli Anderson, indicated they have appropriate resources and
supplies for re-seeding and then directed the club to two organizations that we might support.
Thanks,
Claude