We shared information about conservation easements and other planning tools, and made referrals. We talked to the board of the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District and to other groups about conservation easements and other options landowners have when they want to protect their land and what makes it special to them. The Palouse Land Trust signed a memorandum of agreement to jointly manage this property, including rewriting the management plan and working with Palouse Clearwater Environmental Institute on educational activities on the property. The view is spectacular from the top of Moscow Mountain. Both are part of 297 acres of state school endowment land, once proposed as Century Cedars State Park.
Recent meetings reflect the broad support for creating a park on top of Moscow Mountain.
The Idaho Department of Lands is eager to trade for other land, but by state constitution, school endowment land must be traded or sold at public auction. If you'd like to see Moscow Mountain protected, tell the Latah County Commissioners, write the governor, and encourage a broad coalition of local organizations to work together to make this happen. Because wetlands can attract wildlife, act as sponges for spring floods, and filter sediment and nutrients from runoff water, many people have suggested restoring some wetlands along streams and lowlands in the Palouse. They were once home to the beautiful camas lily. The Palouse Land Trust is cooperating on research funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency.