Project Manager

Short-Term Contract Position: Project Manager for Merger Due Diligence

Inland Northwest Land Conservancy (INLC) and Dishman Hills Conservancy (DHC) are seeking a highly organized individual to proactively facilitate, coordinate, and support the due diligence process for a potential merger between our two organizations. This role is central to ensuring a timely, inclusive, and well-documented process that results in clear, accountable decisions. The Facilitator will work closely with the Merger Management Committee (MMC), organizational leadership, staff, board representatives, and external partners (such as legal counsel) as necessary. Copy and paste for the job description on INLC website. https://inlandnwland.org/job-openings/

During the week of December 7-13, heavy rainfall has caused muddy trails. Watch for slick conditions and warning signs. Hiking poles and/or traction devices are recommended if you choose to proceed.

Explore the Pacific Northwest’s Community Forests, including the Dishman Hills, and learn how they provide meaningful environmental, economic, and social benefits to local communities.

https://www.nwcommunityforests.org/forests-for-communities?mc_cid=59ad2f6a64&mc_eid=20ba2ab49d

https://walandtrusts.org/news-resources/groundswell/

You'll get to read Groundswell and the numerous organizations within Washington State that do amazing work to protect lands, water and wildlife for this generation and generations to come. 

DRAFT Washington's State Wildlife Action Plan: 2025 Update

Find the link at wdfw.wa.gov/publications/02665 DRAFT SWAP publication page

Category: Wildlife Research and Management

Published: October 2025

Pages: 277

Author(s): Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

WDFW develops the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) to identify conservation needs for the state's species and habitats, and the plan is revised at a minimum every ten years. For humans, species and their habitats provide food and forage, cultural and spiritual touchstones, creative inspiration and well-being, clean air and water, recreation and livelihoods. Conserving biodiversity– the full range of life in all its forms, including habitats and systems – is important to all of us. Conservation ensures that plants, fish, wildlife, and the habitats on which they depend can continue to support and inspire humans and be enjoyed by future generations, in whatever way they may legally interact with those resources. The Washington State Wildlife Action Plan’s (SWAP) purposes are to provide well-supported information to improve biodiversity conservation, guide limited conservation funds, support the WDFW 25-Year Strategic Plan, and improve conservation communication.

State Wildlife Action Plan Revision 2025 - Draft Review Survey

Washington State Wildlife Action Plan Revision 2025 Public Survey, October 17 - November 17, 2025

This survey is for the DRAFT Washington State Wildlife Action Plan 2025 review. Comments received here until November 17, 2025, will inform the revision edits and future topics to consider during implementation and mid-stream plan adjustments.  All plan documents and supporting materials are here on the WDFW website during the open comment period.  For more information please also see State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Spokane County wants to hear from you! To Spokane County is gathering input to better understand how changing weather and environmental challenges affect daily life and how to better prepare for the future. 

Take the survey at bit.ly/spokane-county-resilience-survey

Work has officially started on a new connecting trail that
will provide safe access across the Keystone Connection Property. 

“This trail enhances public access, preserves crucial wildlife corridors, and strengthens the ecological integrity of the Dishman Hills,” said Ruth Gifford, Executive Director of DHC. “We Are deeply grateful to all our supporters and Spokane Mountaineers for making this possible.Until the trail is complete, the public is asked to respect private property boundaries.”

READ MORe By Clicking the Link Below

Dishman Hills Conservancy - Press Release - Keystone Trail Work.pdf

A new outdoor equipment and clothing consignment store is opening in Spokane. Evergreen Gear Exchange, located at 1007 E. Trent Ave, is near No-Li Brewhouse. 

EGE specializes in pre-loved, high-quality outdoor equipment at prices to help you explore new activities.  Their collections is curated for adventures at all levels. Take them clean, functional gear you are no longer using. They will sell it and share the proceeds with you or donate the money to Dishman Hills Conservancy. 

Location: 1007 E. Trent Ave, Spokane WA 99202

Website: The Evergreen Gear Exchange

Hours Wednesday -Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-4, Closed Monday and Tuesday. 

Glenrose Trail is currently closed.  Projected opening is unknown due to weather conditions.

Some areas of the Natural Area/Camp Caro are closed.  Do not go beyond posted Trail Closure signs. Signs are located in the parking lot but not updated with specific trail closures.  Please stay out of areas where equipment and crews are operating. 

Find updates for Forestry work in the Dishman Hills Natural Area and Glenrose Trailheads at the following link. 

Forest Management

Glenrose Trailhead will be closed full time starting in February to assist crews performing forestry work.  

In collaboration with the Spokane Wildfire Mitigation Coalition, we are taking proactive measures to perform hazard fuels reduction to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk. Following the work, two interpretive kiosks will be installed to educate park goers on the signs of a healthy forest, the objectives of fuels reduction, and how work is performed. Our goal is to create a demonstration forest that can be used as an example for community members to observe and learn from.

To achieve these objectives, a contracted forestry crew will selectively thin brush and trees less than 8 inches in diameter and selectively prune lower limbs on trees to a height of roughly 8 feet. This will improve the stand's overall health and manage the ladder fuels that could take flames into tree canopies. The woody debris generated from this process will be masticated or chipped on-site and spread to a depth of less than three inches, maintaining the nutrients within the local ecosystem. This process is designed to enhance forest health and minimize the likelihood of future bark beetle infestations.

Importantly, we will preserve a significant percentage of existing trees to maintain habitat, wildlife cover, and the aesthetic appeal of the forest.

This project is scheduled to commence at the beginning of February and potentially extend into April, subject to weather conditions. The total investment for this initiative is $103,000, funded by the

Washington Department of Natural Resources through the Community Forestry Assistance Grant. Crews will typically operate Monday through Friday. To ensure public safety, the Glenrose Trailhead will be closed during operation and signage for trail closures will be posted at trail junctions leading to the area. We'd appreciate your assistance in getting the word out to your members, friends, and colleagues who might be using this trailhead.