DNR outlines draft update and public outreach for Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve near Mirabeau Point Park

Spokane Valley — Washington Department of Natural Resources staff updated the City Council on a draft management-plan revision for the Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve (NAP), a roughly 100‑acre natural area adjacent to Mirabeau Point Park that the DNR manages for ponderosa-pine and pine‑grass ecosystems.

John Bothelli, Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Director, introduced DNR staff and noted recent on-site work: DNR removed roughly 12 illegal campsites and collected more than 50,000 pounds of refuse from the property since enforcement and cleanup efforts intensified after 2022. Connor Nicola, DNR Northeast Region Natural Areas Manager, described Pinecroft’s ecological values, including ponderosa pine and associated plant communities, and said threats include fire risk, noxious weeds and damage from unauthorized access.

DNR staff said the preserve’s historical approach—restricting public access—has not fully prevented trespass and resource damage. One option under consideration is limited, managed public access from Mirabeau Point Park to channel visitors to low‑impact routes, provide signage and increase community stewardship and educational opportunities. DNR also described restoration work already performed (thinning, seeding, weed control) and its interest in youth and university educational partnerships.

DNR said internal and tribal review is complete and that a public information meeting is scheduled for May 7 at the CenterPlace Regional Event Center from 6 to 8 p.m. DNR will post the draft plan for public comment and then consider revisions after the public review period.

Quotes in this article are from John Bothelli and Connor Nicola and reflect DNR’s presentation and the April 15 meeting transcript.