Rollout meeting slated for P2C trail study

A rollout meeting to check out the recommendations, conclusions and to provide feedback on the Adams-Whitman Palouse to Cascades Trail Facilitation Report will be Jan. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Washington Association of Wheat Growers building, 109 East 1st Avenue, in Ritzville.

As directed by the Washington State Legislature, the Department of Commerce led a process to facilitate and mediate ownership, development and use conflicts along the Palouse to Cascades Trail in Adams and Whitman counties.

Bill Grimes from SCJ Alliance Consulting Services in Spokane met with Whitman County commissioners here Dec. 2 to introduce the project. The consulting firm was hired by the Department of Commerce to do the study required by the legislature.

A budget proviso by the legislature tied the study to $3.5 million in projects approved for the trail, formerly called the John Wayne Trail, between Malden and Tekoa.

The Adams-Whitman P2C Trail Report identifies concerns and hopes, advances recommendations on trail connectivity, design and management and identifies key issues.

A nine-page report on the P2C study released Dec. 12 included results of telephone interviews conducted with 21 individuals.

The interviews were conducted between Oct. 29 and Dec. 5 by the Spokane consultants.

Among individuals on the interview list were State Sen. Mark Schoesler, Rosalia Town Clerk Barbara Leighton, Rosalia and Malden Treasurer Jenna McDonald, Friends of the Tekoa Trestle Treasurer Fred Wagner of Tekoa, Lind Chamber of Commerce President Jamie Schmick, Former Rosalia Mayor Nan Konishi, Whitman Parks Director Dave Mahan, Whitman Parks Board Member Doug Flansburg of Palouse, Rep. Joe Schmick and coordinators for the John Wayne Pioneer Riders and Wagon Drivers.