Spokane, Wash.
The north Spokane recreation area commonly referred to as Waikiki Springs nearly doubles this fall as Inland Northwest Land Conservancy (INLC) announces the purchase of a 95-acre parcel of land adjacent to existing 114-acre Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife property along the Little Spokane River.The land, part of the Waikiki Dairy in the early 1900s and ancestral home of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, provides beautiful habitat for local plants and animals, and is home to ideal spawning grounds for native fish.
The newly acquired parcel was platted for development but has been conserved for public access, conservation, and habitat restoration, through a partnership among INLC, the Spokane Tribe, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Permanent protection of this vital piece of near-urban wildlife habitat has been a priority of neighbors and community groups for many years. The purchase was funded, thanks to the leadership of Representative Marcus Riccelli, support from Senator Andy Billig, and by the taxpayers of Washington State.
The name “Waikiki,” meaning “spouting fresh water,” references the natural springs throughout the area that pour cold, clear aquifer water into the Little Spokane River. This influx of water keeps the river cool in the summer and moderate in the winter, further enhancing its value as habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife.
The hiking trails can be accessed from the north end of Fairwood Drive off Mill Road near Mead High School. As land manager, INLC will work closely with the Spokane Tribe of Indians and the Department of Fish & Wildlife to improve habitat and enhance recreation opportunities. More info at Inlandnwland.org.
