Notes from the Inland Northwest Trails Coalition Meeting January 2007
Trail Updates :

People are dedicated to completing the trail. It will connect to Centennial Trail via Sandifur Memorial Bridge, and Columbia Plateau Trail – and eventually the John Wayne Trail as a cross-state system. Dan described the location of the trail. A major part of getting the trail done will be the crossing of live railroad tracks by Fish Lake. Engineering study has been completed by David Evans and Associates. Study has not been done from Sunset to Sandifur. Funding sources being pursued: $2M in governor’s budget did not make it; however the request is being presented to the state legislature. Other funding sources will be pursued as well, including private sources.
Action: Write letters of support
REI public cleanup May 13, 2007.
Report by Dan Schaffer – Fish Lake Trail Action Group Email Dan at traildan@comcast.net.
For more information: Fish Lake Trail Action Group

The neighborhood would like trails to connect Palisades with Riverside State Park. Project is led by horseback riders. Would like to close the Palisades Road because of the trash left by drug & alcohol parties, and dumping. Parking area would remain open. Would still be able to drive up and park near Rimrock, but not drive through.
Report by Barbee Scheibner
For more information: http://www.palisadesnw.com/

Five Mile Trail - to Little Spokane River Area would be a nine mile long loop hiking trail. The trail is on the steep upper slopes, not developed at the present time. There are segments of trails all around 5 mile prairie. They could tie into existing system for Little Spokane River near St. Georges School – Some land with water system. However 80% is part of private property, parts of long lots. The big hurdle is to write easements and contact land owners. Julie Wetzle, realitor, has contacted some attorneys to help. Map was shown.
Five Mile Prairie Neighborhood Association report by Robert Strong
More information

Dishman Hills Dream Trail Project would connect the Dishman Hills area to the area to the south known as Rocks of Sharon or Iller Creek. A wildlife trail exists. Fairly good relationship with landowners. One wants to develop his land: we are working on an easement through the land. Gradually must gain the trust and help people who own the land understand how the trail will be used. Iller Creek area was done by land swap, some purchased from DNR. It is a long term process. More information.
Report by Barbee Scheibner - Inland Empire Backcountry Horsemen of Washington http://www.iebch.com/

Two years ago a group drew up a Mt. Spokane Park Plan and it was presented to State Parks. It was put in with the General Facilities Plan. It included an alpine area on the north side of Mt Spokane referred to as the PSEA.. There are 3 proposed plans. Ski Area wants to develop that area adding more lifts or possibly a new road and lodge.
Some bridges and trails will be reconstructed. Easy bike trail (now #130, chair lift 4 road) is desired around Mt. Spokane. As it exists, it is too hard for a family to use. A trail could be constructed stating at Bald Knob at the 5,000 ft level, come out by CCC cabin & Kit Carson Road, about 5 miles long. Also 2 other trails, downhill from 130, and another from Vista House for a nice view are being considered. Possibility of a snowshoe hut on Kit Carson fireroad near switchback parking area. Some controversy about keeping snowmobilers and cross country skiers/snowshoers separate.
Lifts at Mt. Spokane are not compatible for use with mountain bikes.
Report by Barbee Scheibner - Inland Empire Backcountry Horsemen of Washington
http://www.iebch.com/

Need four more members for the Bicycle Advisory Board.. The group wants to draft a Master Bike Plan specific to the City. Some such plans exist nationally. There should be a dedicated Bike-Ped Plan within the City to go for funding of projects. We now have City Council support for one, but no resources exist for creating one (eg, planner or Bike Ped Coordinator). http://www.bikespokane.org website now for BAB. Conversation pending with SRTC and their rewrite of the Regional Bike-Ped Plan.
Action: Volunteer for City of Spokane Bike Advisory Board
Report by Bob Lutz - Spokane Bicycle Advisory Board contact: teamab@msn.com
Visit website: http://www.bikespokane.org

Mission is now advocating for maintenance, amenities for the Centennial Trail. Many exciting ideas for projects now in concept stages. Most of the 37 miles are class one, with some along the roadside.
Projects: NW Corner at Sontag Park. Extension 1 1/2 mile long of class one trail to Long Lake with Avista & State Parks.
Kendall Yards area, includes class one trail along the north side.
East of downtown a trestle bridge will be used for a new section of trail toward a private development north of Trent. It may connect with the Ben Burr Trail in the future.
Mission Street Project to address the most dangerous crossing of the Trail. A tunnel is envisioned; a grant is in place to plan this.
East toward Maringo Drive, there is an opportunity for a better route under the Argonne Bridge.
State Line area needs a new crossing because of traffic.
State Trails Conference in Yakima was attended by Jon, Loren Dudley from Spokane. 2008 State Trails Conference will be in Spokane)
Action: Volunteer to help with Trails Conference
April 14 Unveil the Trail
May 19 Tails on the Trail
July 22 TrailFest
Report by Jon Rascoff – Friends of the Centennial Trail Chair
For more information: http://www.spokanecentennialtrail.org/

Project to retain and improve Beacon Hill Camp Sekani Trail system for hiking and biking. Pete Raynor called FTTRC wanting to save the trail as he developed his land. Ridge is about 50% private, plus City and utility land. Issues of trash, poor trail building. FTTRC is working with City Parks building trails in the area. Urban Planning grad student got them involved with Urban Trails assistance program – for technical assistance.
FTTRC also has done trail maintenance at Riverside State Park and Mt. Spokane Trial 115.
Report by Dan Webber and Penny Schwynn –
For more information visit the website Fat Tire Trail Riders http://www.fttrc.org/

a. Reactivated planning southern end of Columbia Plateau Trail (north side of Snake River) . Finalizing plans and trail permits. State Parks is reactivating this area after funds were diverted to complete the Sandifur Memorial Bridge.
b. Centennial Trail NW Extension - Sontag Park area Centennial Trail: Two miles of trails flagged, money to do the plans. Looking for money to complete the project work.
c. John Wayne Pioneer Trail (Lind to Tekoa): Took over ownership in July 2006: 103 miles of Chicago-Milwaukee line. There are areas where major bridges and detours are not owned. Lind-Ralston 15 mile stretch should be able to be opened, crushed rock. Can’t say it’s opened for use, but won’t keep you off of it. More information
Report by Washington State Parks Regional Park Planner Bill Fraser

.Extended hiking is available with a permit from Liberty Lake County Park on Mica Peak Inland Empire Paper Co. Land. The IEP land in Washington and Idaho is available for public use through the purchase of an annual family permit for $45, or an individual $5 day permit. The IEP permits are available, locally, at White’s Outdoors in Spokane Valley and the Hauser Market Smoke Shop in Idaho. These permits are available for purchase at the Trail’s End Golf Course in Liberty Lake. When logging is occurring, Inland Empire Paper asks that stay out of area.
Beth Cocchiarella - Liberty Lake Green Space Committee

.Ferry County Rail Trail .Very early stages, Republic to Danville 29 mile Railroad line. Curlew, Kettle River, to BC & back. Tracks and ties to come up, but ballast cannot. Commissions are in favor of trails. February 20 is public meeting. Some are asking about security & access issues. Website http://www.ferrycountyrailtrail.com/ Report by Bob Whittaker

Sandifur Memorial Bridge to Nine Mile. Little Spokane, St. Georges School to take out point. Nine Mile Resort soon to be run by State Parks, so will be accessible. Length of Long Lake will be designated as a Water Trail.
Report by Ken Carmichael (Back Country Horsemen)