Spokane Fly Fishers volunteers help plants beat the heat
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On July 25th with temperatures approaching 90 degrees, a group of intrepid volunteers from Spokane Fly Fishers joined Jasmine Lupe of the Spokane Conservation District to water plants at the State Line access site.
The recently revamped area features over 550 native species that span a 1.9-acre area, including 800 feet of riparian shoreline. But the nascent plants need our help to survive their first summer. Watering efforts began in July and will continue through the end of August.
Thanks to the Mountaineers Foundation and REI, the Forum is able to coordinate volunteers and restoration activities for our Spokane River projects. Jasmine Lupe of the Conservation District has spearheaded the watering, meeting with volunteers once a week. Said Lindsay Chutas with the Conservation District, “The survival rate is about 75 percent, which is excellent.”
On the 25th, Dan Wells and the Spokane Fly Fishers answered the call for the second time.
Wells acts as the Conservation Committee Chairman of the club. For Wells the improved riparian area means more than beautiful scenery. It means more fish. The new vegetation provides habitat for underwater insects that fish eat.
Wells said. “Prior to the State Line upgrades the boat launch was all torn up and very difficult to access. Also without a fence to protect the conservation area, people drove right up to the shore and trashed the area. Efforts like this help the city, not just with tourist revenue, but by improving the quality of life for everyone who calls Spokane home.”