It was seconded by Commissioner Thomas. This motion from a more conservation and preservation viewpoint satisfied the entire body and all voted in favor. In the interim, this area will be managed as a Natural Forest Area while allowing for historic uses to continue. This would not do. The historical action and position of the commission, when faced with tough issues, has been to defer on the side of preservation and tend toward the conservative.
None dare call it sentiment.
From a political perspective it can be construed that the commission took a more restrictive, tougher stance with a higher beginning standard. Certainly modifications are coming, downward from NFA's rather than upward from RR's. Coming off a higher standard slightly is more popular than tightening the belt. From a park user perspective the public got its money's worth drawing on the extensive work and organization of the Staff and the deliberation of the commissioners. Thanks to the Commissioners' Action, a way to a comprehensive trails plan for Mount Spokane State Park has been approved in conjunction with a more certain course for the Mt. Spokane 2000 concessionaire.