SPOKANE, Wash. – The proposed land swap involving state property in Spokane’s Latah Valley has been canceled. Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Blue Fern Management agreed to call off the Thorpe land exchange after it evoked a negative response from the surrounding community.
The original proposal aimed to trade the 200-acre Thorpe property with Blue Fern for a property containing a supermarket in Bellingham. This plan raised significant concerns among Latah Valley residents about increased traffic and inadequate fire prevention infrastructure if housing development occurred.
Commissioner Dave Upthegrove released a statement addressing the situation.
“With this development, the community has ample time to find a different use for the property that will also meet the needs of the Trust,” Upthegrove said.
For now, Thorpe will continue to be managed by the DNR. Commissioner Upthegrove stated that if a new solution cannot be agreed upon within two years, DNR will seek its own resolution for the property.
