TIME TO REOPEN THE SLED HILL!

Friends of the land trust help pave the path to an eventual purchase for the community.

March 25, 2022 - Kaniksu Land Trust is excited to share with the community that friends of the trust are under contract to purchase the historic sled hill in order to allow the community time to fundraise for the eventual purchase of the property. 

Set along Pine Street Loop, this parcel includes 48 acres of forest, meadows, a large pond, and structures associated with this historic homestead. The most notable feature is the large hill that has served as a community recreation site for a half century. KLT staff and board have made no secret of their dreams for this property. Prime for conservation, education, and recreation, this parcel will augment the community benefits of Pine Street Woods. Its location lends itself to a new potential access point for the Syringa Trails network, enhanced educational programs including Kaniksu Folk School, and a dedicated home for programs and operations of Kaniksu Lumber. 

Kaniksu Land Trust’s interest in the property is reflected in the desire to conserve the rural values of the West Pine neighborhood and support creative opportunities for use that benefit the community while contributing to an ethic of land stewardship and sustainability.

“This is such a win for our community, we are so grateful for the support of our partners. What we have needed all along the way is time and having the property under contract and secure now gives us that”, exclaimed Katie Cox, KLT Executive Director. “The work ahead of us is going to take the entire community. We know that together, we can do it!”

The property is not fully protected until KLT is able to purchase it outright, but now there is time for planning and fundraising around that goal.

KLT has already received contributions toward the purchase of this historic property, giving the land trust a great kick start, and now has 18 months to complete the fundraising effort. We will share more in the coming weeks and months on how the public can participate in supporting this project. 

Kaniksu Land Trust dreams of reopening the sledding hill, establishing a home on this property for trails and programs, and preserving the rural qualities and open space of this scenic homestead property.

We are grateful to all of our friends who have been supportive in many ways through this process. Stay tuned to learn how each of us can share in making this project happen.