Forum, Ecology, TransCanada, Spokane Conservation District, Riverside State Park and others team up to preserve and enhance Barker Road water trail access
Thanks to a grant from TransCanada, the Forum was able to put together a coalition of the willing to preserve and enhance Barker Road water trail access. Together, we continue to demonstrate that environmental stewardship and development of community assets can and do go hand and hand.
The work began at the end of September when Ecology “capped” Barker Road to prevent human contact from heavy metals that washed downstream from historic mining practices in the Coeur d’Alene basin. While doing this, they worked with the Forum and others to leave behind a new and improved water trail access. Check out the slide show below to see how they did it. Now comes the revegetation part of the project, which will begin in November.
Ecology began the process by assuring the work crews left behind a trail that paddlers and rafters alike could utilize and enjoy for years to come. Bart Rayniak, a board member with the Northwest Whitewater Association, said; “Andy and I initially looked at the site with other stakeholders to make sure kayaker and rafting needs were being met. Dave George, a Hydrogeologist with the Dept. of Ecology, then called me on several different occasions as the work was happening and invited me to check out the progress of the project, and provide him with any input of the work as it was happening. What cooperation. I was amazed! When agencies listen and are willing to work with us, everyone wins. Kudos to Ecology.”
To revegetate the area, Spokane Conservation District (SCD) has stepped up. Charlie Peterson with SCD reviewed the plans and suggested some adjustments. With their leadership, the Forum is organizing volunteers to plant pine trees at the top of the bank, and native plants like willow whip as you near the water. Said Charlie “Once we get it in their and the plants take, it’s going to look really good.” This will begin in November and then the Forum will be back with volunteers in the spring to complete the job.
Lastly, Riverside State will provide a kiosk to help people know where they’re at, river conditions and safety needs. The Forum will design and install the signage with stakeholders.
Said the Forums Executive Director, Andy Dunau, “If I weren’t doing it myself, I’d never believe the number of meetings and things that need to come together to make things like this happen. The NW Whitewater Association, Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club, agencies and others have been their every step of the way. They deserve a lot of credit.”
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