Conversations are actively underway between Inland Northwest Land Conservancy and Dishman Hills Conservancy to explore a potential merger that would strengthen our collective impact. Our shared intention is to build a resilient, unified organization that advances conservation across our region for generations to come.

Q: Why are DHC and INLC considering a merger?

A: Both organizations share a deep commitment to protecting the natural lands of our region. By merging, the combined forces of INLC and DHC will bring the broad focus of protecting special places, including the Dishman Hills, safeguarding the vibrant ecosystems here and across the Inland Northwest. Together, we can expand our impact, strengthen conservation efforts, and better serve our communities. 

Q: How do your missions fit together?

A: DHC’s mission centers on protecting the Dishman Hills and fostering connections to nature through conservation, education, and stewardship. INLC's mission is to protect and care for the lands and waters essential to life and community well-being in the Inland Northwest. Both missions emphasize permanent protection, stewardship, and community benefit. The merger allows us to unite these strengths under one vision. 

Q: What does this merger mean for the community?

A: The merger means stronger conservation outcomes, more resources for community engagement, and a unified approach to protecting the landscapes that define our region. Community members will see expanded opportunities to learn in nature, and support conservation efforts that safeguard both local treasures like the Dishman Hills and the broader Inland Northwest.

Q: Will protecting and caring for the Dishman Hills still be a priority?

A: Absolutely. The Dishman Hills will remain one of our focus areas. The proposed merger ensures Dishman Hills will benefit from the added capacity, expertise, and resources of the combined organizations.

Q: What’s the vision moving forward?

A: Our vision is a stronger, unified organization that protects iconic places like the Dishman Hills while expanding conservation across the Inland Northwest. We aim to inspire more people to connect with nature, safeguard critical habitats, and ensure that future generations inherit a thriving natural landscape. 

Q. What happens to donations meant to protect the Dishman Hills?

A: Gifts restricted for the conservation of the Dishman Hills will be held in a specifically dedicated fund so that donor intent is honored. 

Q. What timeline are you working on?

A. The boards of our organizations intend to complete decision-making in 2026. 

Meetings are in the planning stages to inform the members of each organization and the community. These will be posted and advertised on our website and through our newsletters. 

Please direct additional questions to:

Dave Schaub, INLC Executive Director

509-944-6820, dschaub@inlandnwland.org

Ruth Gifford, DHC Executive Director 509-598-0003, ed@dishmanhills.org

Toni Pessemier, INLC Board President toni.pessemier@comcast.net

AT Miller, DHC Board President, at.miller@kutakrock.com

A few of our volunteers recently took Dan Wilson to lunch as a thank-you for everything he does for the Dishman Hills Conservancy. Dan began volunteering with the Conservancy in 2016 and quickly became an invaluable member of the team. After the purchase of the Wilson property, he was hired to manage the property and coordinate volunteers. You’ll often find Dan out on the trails clearing brush or checking for downed trees—feel free to say hello the next time you see him!

During the week of December 7-13, heavy rainfall has caused muddy trails. Watch for slick conditions and warning signs. Hiking poles and/or traction devices are recommended if you choose to proceed.

Explore the Pacific Northwest’s Community Forests, including the Dishman Hills, and learn how they provide meaningful environmental, economic, and social benefits to local communities.

https://www.nwcommunityforests.org/forests-for-communities?mc_cid=59ad2f6a64&mc_eid=20ba2ab49d

https://walandtrusts.org/news-resources/groundswell/

You'll get to read Groundswell and the numerous organizations within Washington State that do amazing work to protect lands, water and wildlife for this generation and generations to come. 

DRAFT Washington's State Wildlife Action Plan: 2025 Update

Find the link at wdfw.wa.gov/publications/02665 DRAFT SWAP publication page

Category: Wildlife Research and Management

Published: October 2025

Pages: 277

Author(s): Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

WDFW develops the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) to identify conservation needs for the state's species and habitats, and the plan is revised at a minimum every ten years. For humans, species and their habitats provide food and forage, cultural and spiritual touchstones, creative inspiration and well-being, clean air and water, recreation and livelihoods. Conserving biodiversity– the full range of life in all its forms, including habitats and systems – is important to all of us. Conservation ensures that plants, fish, wildlife, and the habitats on which they depend can continue to support and inspire humans and be enjoyed by future generations, in whatever way they may legally interact with those resources. The Washington State Wildlife Action Plan’s (SWAP) purposes are to provide well-supported information to improve biodiversity conservation, guide limited conservation funds, support the WDFW 25-Year Strategic Plan, and improve conservation communication.

State Wildlife Action Plan Revision 2025 - Draft Review Survey

Washington State Wildlife Action Plan Revision 2025 Public Survey, October 17 - November 17, 2025

This survey is for the DRAFT Washington State Wildlife Action Plan 2025 review. Comments received here until November 17, 2025, will inform the revision edits and future topics to consider during implementation and mid-stream plan adjustments.  All plan documents and supporting materials are here on the WDFW website during the open comment period.  For more information please also see State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Spokane County wants to hear from you! To Spokane County is gathering input to better understand how changing weather and environmental challenges affect daily life and how to better prepare for the future. 

Take the survey at bit.ly/spokane-county-resilience-survey

Work has officially started on a new connecting trail that
will provide safe access across the Keystone Connection Property. 

“This trail enhances public access, preserves crucial wildlife corridors, and strengthens the ecological integrity of the Dishman Hills,” said Ruth Gifford, Executive Director of DHC. “We Are deeply grateful to all our supporters and Spokane Mountaineers for making this possible.Until the trail is complete, the public is asked to respect private property boundaries.”

READ MORe By Clicking the Link Below

Dishman Hills Conservancy - Press Release - Keystone Trail Work.pdf

A new outdoor equipment and clothing consignment store is opening in Spokane. Evergreen Gear Exchange, located at 1007 E. Trent Ave, is near No-Li Brewhouse. 

EGE specializes in pre-loved, high-quality outdoor equipment at prices to help you explore new activities.  Their collections is curated for adventures at all levels. Take them clean, functional gear you are no longer using. They will sell it and share the proceeds with you or donate the money to Dishman Hills Conservancy. 

Location: 1007 E. Trent Ave, Spokane WA 99202

Website: The Evergreen Gear Exchange

Hours Wednesday -Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-4, Closed Monday and Tuesday. 

Glenrose Trail is currently closed.  Projected opening is unknown due to weather conditions.

Some areas of the Natural Area/Camp Caro are closed.  Do not go beyond posted Trail Closure signs. Signs are located in the parking lot but not updated with specific trail closures.  Please stay out of areas where equipment and crews are operating. 

Find updates for Forestry work in the Dishman Hills Natural Area and Glenrose Trailheads at the following link. 

Forest Management