WE NEED THE SPOKANE RIVER:
NOW THE SPOKANE RIVER NEEDS US
Despite facing many threats, the Spokane River lacks a comprehensive plan with steps toward improvements and prevention of future harm. Some rivers in the United States with similar issues have adopted a river vision plan. A river vision plan is a guiding document outlining the community’s vision of the river into an actionable plan. The Spokane River would significantly benefit from the implementation of a river vision plan to help guide improvements and prevention of future harms over a 50-year timespan.
Learn about threats
Learn about culture
Learn about history
Learn about improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a River Vision Plan?
A River Vision Plan is a guiding document that encompasses the hopes the community has for the river by providing an actionable plan that addresses topics like river pollution, recreation opportunities, park development, and community engagement. More and more rivers across the United States are developing river vision plans. Here are some examples below:
White River Vision Plan: This plan is “a 16-county consortium of local governments, industry, utilities, universities, agriculture, and the regional community” that seeks to improve all aspects of the White River. This alliance, which also incorporates diverse stakeholder opinions, outlines a very broad governing structure and relies on funding from partnerships with local tourism organizations, environmental groups, local and state governments, private landowners, and businesses.
Boise River Enhancement Plan: This 5-year strategic plan seeks to increase recreational opportunities, improve ecological habitat, provide clean irrigation and drinking water, and encourage community stewardship to “achieve the vision of a healthy Boise River.”
To explore more river vision plans, click here.
What are some current threats facing the Spokane River?
The Spokane River is facing several threats that could have a significant impact on its environment. One of the most significant threats is the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are highly toxic and can harm the river’s ecosystems and wildlife. Another threat is water over-consumption, which can reduce water levels and negatively impact the river’s ecosystems. Sedimentation is also a significant threat, as it can affect the river’s water quality and disrupt habitats for aquatic life. Additionally, dams on the river can alter the flow and temperature of the water, which can harm fish populations and other aquatic life. To learn more about threats, click here.
What benefits does the Spokane River provide?
The Spokane River offers a wide range of benefits, including recreational opportunities such as Riverfront Park, the Numerica SkyRide, the Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail, and the ability to rent paddleboards and kayaks. The river is also an important habitat for native plants and animals, such as Redband Trout and Mountain Whitefish, and is an aesthetic center of the city that provides an attraction for tourism.
In addition, the Spokane River also provides a source of hydropower energy through the operation of several hydroelectric dams, although their impact on the river’s ecosystem and fish populations is a matter of ongoing concern and debate.
Finally, the Spokane River holds great cultural significance to tribes like the Spokane, Kalispel, Coeur d’ Alene, Colville, Nez Perce, and many more, making it a place of tradition and cultural significance. Visitors can use the river to recharge and reconnect with the natural world in an accessible and casual way. To learn more about the river’s cultural significance, click here.
Who creates a River Vision Plan?
It depends! A River Vision Plan is concerned with encompassing as many viewpoints from the community as possible. This includes, but is not limited to, local governmental authorities, local businesses, environmental NGOs, recreationists, city developers, outreach and educational groups, and other community members. The Spokane River Vision plan is currently in the planning stage, working with a key shareholders group. To add your vision to the plan, click here.
Spokane River Vision 