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Spokane River Survey: Share Your Favorite Spots!

Public to Soon Be Asked to Weigh In on Their Favorite Spokane River Spots

Spokane residents and visitors alike will soon have the opportunity to share their cherished memories and preferred locations along the iconic Spokane River, as local officials prepare to launch a comprehensive public survey aimed at highlighting the waterway's most beloved spots. The initiative, spearheaded by the Spokane River Forum in collaboration with the City of Spokane and Spokane County, seeks to gather community input to inform future conservation efforts, recreational enhancements, and urban planning projects. With the river serving as the lifeblood of the region, this survey represents a pivotal step in preserving its natural beauty while adapting to growing demands from tourism, development, and environmental challenges.

The Spokane River, stretching over 111 miles from its headwaters in Idaho's Lake Coeur d'Alene to its confluence with the Columbia River, has long been a cornerstone of the Inland Northwest's identity. For generations, it has provided not just water and power—through historic hydroelectric dams like those at Post Falls and Upper Falls—but also a canvas for recreation, reflection, and community gatherings. From the thundering cascades of Spokane Falls in the heart of downtown to the serene bends near Riverside State Park, the river's diverse landscapes offer something for everyone: anglers casting lines for trout, kayakers navigating whitewater rapids, families picnicking along shaded banks, and hikers exploring trails that wind through ponderosa pine forests.

This upcoming survey, expected to go live in early July via an online platform and community events, will ask participants to pinpoint their favorite spots and explain why they hold special meaning. Questions might include inquiries about accessibility, scenic value, wildlife sightings, historical significance, or personal anecdotes. For instance, is it the bustling energy of Riverfront Park, revitalized after Expo '74, where the river's flow is framed by gondola rides and public art installations? Or perhaps the tranquil Nine Mile Falls area, where the river's calmer waters invite quiet contemplation amid basalt cliffs and native flora? Organizers hope to uncover hidden gems, like lesser-known fishing holes or swimming spots, that could benefit from targeted improvements such as better signage, erosion control, or invasive species management.

The push for public input comes at a time when the Spokane River faces mounting pressures. Climate change has altered water levels, with drier summers exacerbating low flows that stress fish populations, including the endangered redband trout. Urban sprawl has led to increased pollution from stormwater runoff, while recreational overuse in popular areas has caused trail degradation and litter issues. According to environmental advocates involved in the project, gathering community feedback is essential for prioritizing restoration projects. "The river isn't just a resource; it's part of our collective story," said Elena Ramirez, executive director of the Spokane River Forum, in a recent interview. "By hearing from the people who know it best, we can ensure that future generations enjoy the same magic we do."

Historically, the Spokane River has been intertwined with the region's indigenous heritage. The Spokane Tribe, whose name derives from the Salish word for "children of the sun," has stewarded these waters for millennia, relying on them for salmon runs that once teemed with life. European settlement in the 19th century transformed the river into a hub for lumber mills, mining operations, and hydropower, which powered Spokane's growth into a bustling city. Today, remnants of this industrial past, like the old rail bridges and abandoned mill sites, add layers of intrigue for history buffs. The survey could highlight spots with cultural significance, such as the sacred grounds near the Spokane Falls, where tribal ceremonies continue to honor the river's spirit.

Recreational hotspots are expected to dominate responses. Take Huntington Park, adjacent to the Monroe Street Dam, where visitors can feel the mist from the falls and learn about the river's hydroelectric legacy through interpretive displays. Or the Centennial Trail, a 40-mile paved path paralleling the river, which draws cyclists, runners, and inline skaters year-round. In the warmer months, spots like Boulder Beach in Riverside State Park become havens for swimmers and sunbathers, while winter transforms the river's edges into cross-country skiing paradises. Anglers might favor the fly-fishing stretches below the TJ Meenach Bridge, known for their hatches of mayflies and caddisflies that lure trophy rainbows.

Beyond recreation, the river plays a vital role in local ecology. It supports a rich biodiversity, from bald eagles soaring overhead to beavers engineering wetlands that filter pollutants. Conservation groups have been working to restore native riparian habitats, planting willows and cottonwoods to stabilize banks and provide shade for cold-water species. The survey's data could guide these efforts, identifying areas where invasive plants like reed canary grass have overtaken native vegetation, or where illegal dumping threatens water quality. Public health experts note that cleaner river spots encourage outdoor activity, combating sedentary lifestyles in a region where obesity rates hover above national averages.

Community engagement isn't new to Spokane's river stewardship. Past initiatives, like the 2010 Riverkeeper program, have mobilized volunteers for cleanups and monitoring. This survey builds on that momentum, potentially integrating with apps like iNaturalist for real-time wildlife reporting or GIS mapping to visualize popular areas. Organizers plan to host pop-up events at key locations, such as the Pavilion at Riverfront Park or the Bowl and Pitcher area in Riverside State Park, where participants can submit feedback in person while enjoying river views. Incentives like raffle prizes—think guided rafting tours or custom river maps—might encourage broader participation.

Looking ahead, the collected input will feed into a master plan for the Spokane River Corridor, slated for release in 2026. This could influence zoning decisions, funding allocations for trail expansions, or even the design of new public spaces. For example, if survey results show strong support for enhancing accessibility at spots like the Islands Trailhead, planners might prioritize ADA-compliant paths or shuttle services. Environmentalists hope it will bolster arguments for removing outdated dams to restore natural flows, a contentious issue pitting ecological benefits against energy needs.

Residents like long-time Spokane native Mark Thompson, a retired teacher who frequents the river for birdwatching, see the survey as a chance to give back. "I've watched sunsets at Glover Field and kayaked from Peaceful Valley to Upriver Dam," Thompson shared. "These places ground me. Sharing why they matter ensures they're protected." Similarly, younger voices, such as college student Aria Chen, emphasize inclusivity: "Not everyone has easy access. We need spots that welcome diverse communities, with multilingual signage and safe entry points."

As the survey approaches, anticipation builds among river enthusiasts. Whether it's the adrenaline rush of whitewater at the Bowl and Pitcher rapids, the peaceful fishing at Long Lake, or the urban vibe of the Spokane Falls SkyRide, each spot tells a unique story. By weighing in, the public can help shape a future where the Spokane River remains a vibrant, accessible treasure for all.

In addition to the survey's core questions, organizers are considering thematic categories to deepen insights. For cultural enthusiasts, prompts might explore historical sites like the old Expo '74 pavilions or the Monroe Street Bridge, an engineering marvel from 1911 that offers panoramic views of the falls. Nature lovers could detail biodiversity hotspots, such as the riparian zones teeming with otters, herons, and even occasional moose sightings. Adventure seekers might highlight adrenaline-fueled activities, from stand-up paddleboarding in the flatter sections to rock climbing along basalt outcrops near the river's edge.

The initiative also ties into broader regional goals, including the Columbia Basin restoration efforts, which aim to revive salmon populations decimated by dams and habitat loss. Spokane's river is a key tributary, and public favorites could become focal points for fish passage projects or wetland restoration grants. Economically, enhancing popular spots could boost tourism, already a $1.2 billion industry in Spokane County, by attracting eco-tourists and outdoor enthusiasts from across the Pacific Northwest.

Challenges remain, however. Balancing development with preservation is tricky; proposals for new riverside housing or commercial projects often spark debates. The survey could reveal public sentiment on these issues, potentially swaying policy. Climate resilience is another focus—rising temperatures and reduced snowpack threaten the river's flow, making drought-resistant landscaping and water conservation strategies crucial.

Ultimately, this public engagement effort underscores the Spokane River's enduring appeal. It's more than a waterway; it's a communal thread weaving through the fabric of local life. As the survey launches, residents are encouraged to reflect on their connections and contribute to a legacy of stewardship. Whether through online submissions or in-person chats, every voice counts in charting the river's path forward. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full The Spokesman-Review Article at:
[ https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/jun/26/public-to-soon-be-asked-to-weigh-in-on-their-favor/ ]