October 9, 2024

Re: Upcoming Forest Management Work – Dishman Hills Natural Area

Dear Dishman Hills Natural Area Neighbor,

As you may be well-aware, Spokane County through its Parks, Recreation & Golf Department owns property located near you and works to oversee and manage this property in partnership with the Dishman Hills Conservancy (DHC) and the Department of Natural Resources. The Dishman Hills Natural Area has and will continue to be managed for forest health, wildlife habitat, environmental education and passive recreational use (e.g. hiking). We hope you’ve been able to enjoy this nearby natural resource!

Upcoming Forest Management / Fuels Reduction Work

With a history of past wildfires in this part of Spokane County, we’re working proactively to reduce the risk of catastrophic fire to the Dishman Hills and surrounding area. With support from the DHC, we have partnered with the Department of Natural Resources and the City of Spokane Fire Department to perform some necessary Forest Management to improve forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire from spreading inside the park.

We will be utilizing hand crews and tracked masticators to reduce the overall forest density and manage encroaching ladder fuels. Woody debris created from the thinning will be chipped on-site and spread to less than a 4-inch depth. This keeps the nutrients from the trees local to where they have developed. These actions will enhance forest health and reduce the potential for future bark beetle infestations. This project is designed to leave a significant percentage of existing trees to retain habitat, wildlife cover, and aesthetics of Dishman Hills Natural Area. These types of fuel reduction projects have been proven to lessen the risk of catastrophic fire and its threat to public and firefighter safety.

The project is anticipated to run from late October through April (weather dependent) with a projected investment of $380,000 funded by the Department of Natural Resources to complete this work. Crews will typically work Monday through Friday. To reduce the risk of injury, signs will be posted at all entrances of the park communicating any public use closure of the area while the project is active.

Questions and comments related to this project should be directed to me at dmaus@spokanecounty.org .

Thank you!

Best Regards,

Dan Maus
Natural Resource Specialist

Spokane County Park Operations