Conservationists make another last ditch effort to halt transfer of Thorpe Road woodland to developer

Conservationists are making a final attempt to convince the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to reconsider its decision to transfer approximately 200 acres of woodland in Spokane to a developer planning to build around 1,000 homes. Despite previous efforts to delay the transfer, activists have found a clause that could allow them to terminate the agreement by April 6, prompting them to appeal again at the April 1 board meeting. They argue that the decision-making process was rushed and that the ecological value of the land was inadequately reviewed. DNR officials assert that the transfer was conducted in compliance with agency policies and state law, including public outreach. The Thorpe Road property, deemed relatively unproductive, is currently a financial burden for the DNR due to problems like dumping and trespassing.

The city of Spokane had sought to acquire the land for conservation purposes but was unsuccessful, ranking 18th among applicants for a trust land transfer program. Conservationists, including City Councilman Paul Dillon, have raised concerns about the flawed evaluation of the land's natural resources and the lack of tribal input during the process. Their ongoing efforts highlight the tension between development and conservation in urban areas.