Neighbors oppose proposed Fish Lake easement, raise shoreline and safety concerns at Spokane County hearing

Neighbors of Fish Lake told the Spokane County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 2 that a proposed private access easement across county parkland would threaten shoreline protections, public safety and wildlife habitat, and they urged the board to deny or impose strict limits on any approval.

The hearing followed a staff presentation by county real‑estate and planning staff explaining that the easement under consideration would cross park property and could allow the adjacent private parcel holder to seek permits and utility access. Jonathan Smith, described by staff as a county real estate and planning expert, and Doug Chase, who appeared as a presenter, explained that any physical improvements to the easement would still require separate permitting and approvals from county…