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. 

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