Commission authorizes 30‑year easement for Spokane River Centennial trail

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission on July 9 authorized the Director to negotiate a 30‑year easement with the City of Spokane Valley for about 16 acres at Spokane River Centennial State Park to allow a pedestrian trail, viewpoints, forest health treatments and wildfire fuel mitigation.

The requested action asked the Commission to delegate authority to the Director to grant the easement and to change the trail’s land classification from Resource Recreation to Recreation. The Commission approved the staff recommendation by motion, moved by Commissioner Laurie Connelly and seconded by Commissioner Ali Raad, and the motion passed unanimously; Commissioner Sophia Danenberg was excused for the vote. Staff told the Commission the easement would be substantially in the form contained in the agenda appendix and that the agreement would include long‑term maintenance obligations for the City of Spokane Valley.