Antoine Peak Acquisition Phase 3
Description:
This site includes the summit of a 3,375' mountain (Antoine Peak) that forms a prominent and spectacular backdrop to the Cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and Newman Lake. In this third phase, we are requesting funds to purchase 336 acres of a total 1,100 acre ownership. Spokane County wants to protect this land because of the critical nature of its habitat for wildlife, to protect its million dollar viewshed, and to open up this premier "watchable wildlife" area to the nearly half-a-million people of Spokane county. It is rare, if not unique, for a natural area of this size and diversity to be within one mile of an Urban Growth Boundary. This site offers a broad range of year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, equestrian trails, mountain biking, picnicking, trail running, and cross country skiing. It is part of an important wildlife corridor that stretches north to Mt.Spokane State Park and up into the Selkirk Mts. It is used year round by elk, moose, black bear, deer and many other mammals. A pond and many permanent and intermittent streams transect the property offering critical water. It also helps recharge the Rathdrum Prairie-Spokane Aquifer, the sole source of drinking water for over 500,000 people. Over 8 Federal or State Species with Special Status use the area. This is an opportunity to purchase and protect 336 very unique urban acres - an area offering tremendous ecological, scenic and recreational value for all residents of the State of Washington, especially Spokane.

