Dishman Hills Conservancy and Inland Northwest Land Conservancy Merger Exploration Moves to Phase 2: Community Feedback

With decades of conservation work across our region, we remain grounded in the values that guide us  - advocacy, conservation, education, integrity, and stewardship, and a commitment to protecting land forever. You have been an essential part of this work, helping protect the places we all care about.
That commitment continues to guide us forward. Dishman Hills Conservancy and the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy have been exploring a merger that would broaden and strengthen our collective impact. As one part of a broader review, our boards have completed an initial due diligence process to better understand what this could mean for our mission, our work, and the communities we serve. That process has helped us determine that this is an opportunity worth exploring further.
Now, we are entering a community feedback phase, where we are listening closely to our members, partners, and supporters. The perspectives and questions of our members and community are important as we continue to explore this opportunity. 

Why are Inland Northwest Land Conservancy and Dishman Hills Conservancy exploring this merger?
With growth and development accelerating across our region, more than ever, it's important to strengthen conservation efforts to safeguard our vibrant ecosystems and protect the places that matter most. The two boards have discussed what that opportunity could look like and the community's impact that comes from coordinating our efforts, optimizing resources, and creating a broader conservation impact. The vision for integrating the organizations would be to create one capable of protecting and stewarding signature recreation landscapes such as the Dishman Hills and Waikiki Springs, while extending conservation efforts across the wider region.

What are the benefits of the two organizations merging?

Dishman Hills Conservancy brings sixty years of grassroots spirit, volunteer leadership, and deep local connection to Dishman Hills. INLC brings regional reach, robust stewardship capacity, and experience protecting a variety of lands across the Inland Northwest. Together, a merged organization could coordinate efforts, optimize resources, gain greater visibility, and create a broader conservation impact. Together we can accomplish more.

What changes to existing land can the public expect to see if the merger goes through?

The public can expect continuity of access and protection. Both organizations are committed to no net loss of conserved lands and no loss of public access within the Dishman Hills corridor. Public access on the Wilson Property will also be retained, and INLC's publicly accessible properties, including Waikiki Springs, will remain open and actively stewarded. Much of DHC's existing programmatic work will continue within the merged organization, and INLC's established conservation strategies and practices will be maintained. If anything, a merged organization would have greater capacity to expand conservation efforts - deepening education programs that connect people to the land, continuing forest health and fuels reduction, and working toward completing the Dishman Hills corridor from Appleway through the Palouse, as outlined in the Dishman Hills Strategic Plan. INLC’s public recreation support would expand, and a committee dedicated to the Dishman Hills would be formed.

What does this mean for the community?

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 connect with and learn in nature. A merged organization will also bring together the volunteer communities of both organizations, creating even more opportunities for people to get involved in stewardship, education, community outreach, and conservation work.

How would a merger affect the mission and priorities of each organization?

A merger would strengthen the mission and priorities of both organizations. The Dishman Hills would remain a priority, with a continued commitment to completing the Dishman Hills corridor and honoring the community-centered spirit that DHC has cultivated. At the same time, the merged organization would carry forward INLC's commitment to protecting a diverse range of lands across the Inland Northwest, including the organization’s owned recreational land – Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve, through conservation easements and collaborative work with public and private landowners. The conservation experience and community connection developed at Dishman Hills will help shape the future of these landscapes and many others. Our shared intent is to build a resilient network of protected places, deepen human connection to nature, and ensure lasting conservation success across the region.

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

Yes. The Dishman Hills will remain a primary focus area. The proposed merger ensures Dishman Hills will benefit from the combined organization’s added capacity and resources.

How does this impact my membership and donation?

Your membership and your investment in conservation matter deeply to both organizations. It has made, and will continue to make, a significant impact. Restricted gifts for land acquisition in the Dishman Hills will be held in a dedicated fund to honor donor intent.

How can I continue to volunteer?

Volunteering is at the heart of both organizations and will not change. A merged organization would bring together the volunteer communities of both organizations, creating more opportunities to get involved. We anticipate a growing need for volunteers who want to make a difference in the places they love, as the need for conservation continues to grow.

When will a final decision be made?

There is no firm date yet, but both organizations have completed Phase 1 due diligence, and we’re now moving into a Phase 2 community feedback stage. An essential component of a merger will be an affirmative vote by members from both organizations. We are committed to ensuring members have ample opportunity to learn, ask questions, and share feedback before any vote takes place. Updates will be shared through each organization's communications channels.

How can I share my feedback?
Your questions and perspectives about the potential merger are important as we continue to explore this opportunity. You are invited to join us for one of the upcoming member information sessions. Members are invited to attend, share thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the potential merger on June 8 and 9.

June 8 | Liberty Lake Public Library | 5:30-7 p.m.
Member Informational Session 1

23123 E Mission Ave, Liberty Lake, WA 99019

Register Here:  https://inlandnwland.org/communityfeedback/

June 9 | Spokane Valley Public Library | 6-8 p.m.

22 N. Herald, Spokane Valley
Member Informational Session 2
Register Here: Community Feedback & Information Session

 You can read the whole story at :ons-on-spok/https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/apr/16/e-bikes-now-welcome-with-some-restrictions-on-spok/

In 2025, the Dishman Hills Conservancy took a bold step forward for conservation in the Spokane Valley with the purchase of a remarkable 12‑acre property, small in size, but mighty in impact. This new addition strengthens our mission to connect and protect by stitching together lands to the north and south, expanding public access, and securing another vital stretch of the wildlife corridor that so many species depend on.

And we didn’t stop there. With the land secured, we pushed ahead on the next phase: building connecting trails and updating the maps that guide thousands of visitors through Dishman Hills each year.

The new map is a true community collaboration, created with Spokane County base maps and Spokane Community College’s Geographic Information Systems students, Michael Beaton and Garin Scott. Using simply their phones and a mapping app, Garin and Michael walked the Ponderosa Springs and Keystone trails and integrating the data into the existing map. Their work directly advances one of our strategic priorities - enhancing every visitor’s experience in nature.

With the debut of the Ponderosa Springs Trail, the Glenrose Unit just got a whole lot more exciting. Hikers now have fresh routes and new distances to explore:

• Blue Bunch Loop – a gentle, scenic 1‑mile stroll
• Ponderosa Springs + Inside Passage – a satisfying 3‑mile moderate adventure
• Glenrose to Ponderosa Springs – a full 5.5‑mile journey through diverse forest and sweeping views

Each trial offers its own rhythm, its own beauty, and its own chance for you to breathe deeply and reset your mind.

We can’t wait for you to experience these new connections between landscapes, between people and place, and between Dishman Hills Conservancy’s past and its future.

Hello neighbors and friends,

• For 60 years, Dishman Hills Conservancy (DHC) has worked to protect the Dishman Hills (DH) for people and wildlife. Since 1966, creating and maintaining public access has been part of our mission and vision. In the past three years, the addition of the 110-acre Ponderosa Springs property and the 12-acre Keystone Connection, along with a new trail linking the Phillips Creek Trailhead with the Dishman Hills Natural Area, brings us closer to fulfilling several strategic goals:

• 1)    Eliminate human-made hazards to wildlife through the removal of fences.
• 2)    Steer humans use away from sensitive wildlife habitat.  
• 3)    Expand non-motorized trails for people. 
• 4)    Enhance recreational experience through purposeful trails.
• 5)    Update the maps (currently underway).

As we planned these routes, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists emphasized the importance of this area as thermal cover for moose and elk, especially in spring, when they have not yet shed their winter coats. The shade provided by cliffs and dense shrubs helps keep them from overheating. 

With the new Keystone and Ponderosa Springs trails completed, access to the DH Natural Area is improved, and older trails in the valleys below will be closed. Retiring these older routes will also ease past trespass concerns and strengthen our relationships with neighboring property owners. 

Read the PDF Version

Discussions are actively underway between the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy (https://inlandnwland.org) and the Dishman Hills Conservancy (https://dishmanhills.org) to explore a merger of the two land conservancies that would broaden and strengthen our collective impact. Our shared intent is to continue building a resilient network of protected places, deepen human connection to nature, and ensure lasting conservation success across the region for people and wildlife. More information to follow.

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