Kaniksu Land Trust and the United States Forest Service have announced $600,000 in funding through the competitive USFS Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program has been awarded to KLT for the acquisition and establishment of the property known locally as the Pine Street Sled Hill.
Just before the last band hit the Sledfest stage, Kaniksu Land Trust officials stopped the music.
Then, KLT staff and board members got on the stage, circled by the community, and announced they'd done it. They'd saved the Sled Hill. The community had raised the $2.1 million needed to buy and begin infrastructure work at the site.
"We have saved the Sled Hill together," Katie Cox, KLT executive director, said. "This is your Sled Hill."
Sure, you could use one of the amazingly painted sleds to race down the Pine Street Sled Hill when it opens.
But do you want to?
While one of the of sleds encourages just that, the sleds are works of art and part of a silent art auction to raise money for Kaniksu Land Trust's "Save the Sled Hill" campaign.
KLT announced the launch of its sled art silent auction during an art reveal event at Pend d’Oreille Winery on Thursday, Aug. 17. The event showcases the creativity of local artists and raises money to both buy the historic site and funds a master plan for the entire Pine Street Woods area.
In a remarkable show of community support, Schweitzer has donated 50 chairlift chairs to Kaniksu Land Trust to bolster its ongoing “Save the Sled Hill” campaign.
The chairs, previously part of the beloved Musical Chairs chairlift at Schweitzer (also known as Chair 2), are being replaced by the new Creekside Express high-speed quad. KLT officials said the creative gift will make a significant impact on the fundraising effort to purchase and establish the historic Pine Street Sled Hill property for the community.