Pocket Wilderness Areas and our Investment in Preservation

Recently, I was talking to a wise and insightful INLC member who described to me what others have called “pocket wilderness areas,” that is, how the lands, riverbanks and headwaters that INLC is now preserving are the “pockets” in which future generations will experience the outdoors. Rather than the six hour drive to Glacier National Park, or even longer journeys to farther iconic wilderness destinations, it is the 20 minutes to Reardan or to Nine Mile Falls, and the ability to walk or run or bike from home to a scenic trail that makes nature accessible and a daily part of our community and our lives.

These “pockets” provide the places for nature to thrive; for the young and young at heart to step off the paved sidewalks and have their feet sink deep into the earth; a place to see stars away from urban glow. These experiences, while difficult to quantify, are vital to our health and also vital to our economy. Spokane from the early 1900’s was and continues to be a progressive community valuing our green spaces and understanding the importance of our waterways, and securing both for public benefit. Putting these values into practice has drawn residents to the area, to grow their families, their businesses and the economic vitality of the Inland Northwest. But while these “pockets” are an integral part of our lives here in this region, we can’t take their continued existence for granted.

Preservation unfortunately does not happen without making a commitment and an investment in preservation. Being an INLC member is a great first step, and I want to thank all of you for being part of our conservation family.

As we kick off this 25th year anniversary celebration I challenge you to join my personal investment in preservation and become a $1,000 per year member. That’s only $83 a month to “secure pocket wilderness areas for generations to come.”

What a deal to invest $2.74 per day and get back results like:

• the 280-acre Trautman Property— the jewel completing our local treasure, Riverside State Park;
• the 150-acre Deep Creek Preserve, a true “pocket wilderness,” soon to be open to the public and local educators as part of the Reardan Audubon Lake Wildlife Area;
• the Crab Creek Headwaters Initiative to expand migratory habitat and protect an important headwater complex that supports many miles of trout habitat downstream;
• miles of Hangman (Latah) Creek stream bank preservation;
• and countless other unique spaces for wildlife and man to thrive together.

These accomplishments are made possible through our community’s investment in preservation. Conservation efforts preserving our resources, and the creation of pocket wilderness areas, make it possible for future generations—our grandchildren and great grandchildren—to enjoy the clean water, pure air, dark star-filled nights, abundant wildlife and the recreational opportunities we value today.

Thank you in advance for your investment in preservation.

Inland Northwest Land Conservancy over 25 years has grown to be the respected leader in preservation in our region. Since 1991, INLC has privately preserved or partnered to protect— for public benefit, access, and recreation—over 15,000 acres, including nearly 39 miles of shoreline along our region’s scenic and precious waterways.