Krause gives 20 acres as part of community forest
(File photo/courtesy KANIKSU LAND TRUST) Kaniksu Land Trust recently learned that it was being gifted with 20 acres adjacent to the 160 acres pictured above that the trust is trying to buy in order to preserve it for forest access.
A map showing the proposed Pine Street Woods site.
(Photo courtesy FIONA HICKS) A group of friends prepares to do a little exploring in the great outdoors on the property that will become the Pine Street Woods.
Last month, Eric Grace, executive director of the Kaniksu Land Trust, experienced first-hand the magic that can come when we connect with people in a meaningful way.
The Kaniksu Land Trust has been engaged in raising $2.1 million that will be used to purchase 160 acres of undeveloped meadows and forest called Pine Street Woods, located on the Pine Street Loop just west of downtown Sandpoint.
Once purchased, Pine Street Woods will be the site of a community forest where all people in North Idaho can get outside to walk or hike, ride a bike, snow shoe, cross country ski, get the kids or dog outside, or perhaps enjoy a quiet place and time to disconnect from the increasing hubbub of daily life.
The fundraising for Pine Street Woods is going well. People here are showing great support for preserving the land, and they see the need to have a natural place that is easily accessible to everyone.
With the efforts going so well, Eric did what good neighbors do and began contacting land owners whose properties are adjacent to Pine Street Woods. He wanted to tell them about future plans and what the community forest would mean to them, and to everyone in and around Sandpoint.
Eric sent a letter to Pensacola, Fla., to a man named Lester J. Krause. Mr. Krause, 84, owns 20 acres of unimproved ground next door to Pine Street Woods and Eric wanted to be sure Lester was apprised of KLT’s plans.
A few days later, 2,500 miles away, Mr. Krause opened the letter and immediately picked up the phone and called Eric to discuss it.
Busy, Eric almost let the call roll over to voicemail, but after a few rings he picked up. Lester introduced himself as the owner of the 20-acre parcel.
“Mr. Grace,” Lester said, “I’ve been thinking about your letter, and I’ve been thinking about my property. My grandfather and grandmother homesteaded that land in the 1930s. I remember sitting on grandma’s lap as she spun tales. Gosh … that’s been more than 70 years ago. I had some of the best times of my life there in that forest … some of my favorite memories are of those beautiful woods. I haven’t been back to see it since 1985, but I know it is a very special place.”
Eric and Lester talked for an hour and a half. Eric described how Pine Street Woods will provide conservation and access for the community, and Lester listened with great attention. Lester informed Eric that he is very concerned about the future of his land. His attachment to it is strong, despite never having vlived on it. The thought of it being developed would devastate him. “It may be irrational,” Lester said, “but I’ve turned down a purchase offer for $600,000. It’s not about the money.”
Eric described to Lester how a land trust works, and how KLT could ensure that Lester’s land remain open, undeveloped, and a place for the community to enjoy, just as young Lester had so many years ago. By the end of the conversation, Lester knew he wanted to give his land to KLT.
Eric was a bit speechless. Lester Krause’s generosity was touching. Eric thanked him, but Mr. Krause, with a smile in his voice said, “It is I who want to give you my thanks. I’m practically floating on air with delight.”
That was in September. By late November, Mr. Krause had made the gift of 20 acres to the land trust. Mr. Krause’s donation increases the size of the future community forest from 160 acres to 180. He has ensured that the legacy begun by his grandparents will live on in perpetuity.
Eric was also moved by the many other donors who are sharing their stories of connecting with nature here early in their lives. “Every one of them has told me what a positive difference being outdoors has made for them,” he says. “It reinforces how vital Pine Street Woods will be to our community.”
The fundraising efforts to purchase Pine Street Woods, and to ready it for use by the community, continue with $1.65 million contributed to date and $450,000 needed.
Many wonderful people in our community share the same vision as Lester Krause. They are contributing gifts of money, time or talent. Eric and the rest of the Kaniksu Land Trust team aim to gain ownership of the Pine Street Woods property and open it to the public by summer 2018. “An ambitious goal to be sure,” says Eric, “but the people of Sandpoint, Dover and Ponderay are known for their generosity and their ability to make big things happen.”
Once acquired, the Pine Street Woods property will be owned by KLT and managed as a working and recreational landscape. The community will have the opportunity to shape how this property will be developed for recreation, and the project budget includes allowances for infrastructure such as a parking area, trails and signage.
You can learn more about KLT’s Pine Street Woods project by visiting www.kaniksu.org. Call KLT (208) 263-9471 with questions or comments about Pine Street Woods, to make a contribution, or to get better acquainted with the organization. KLT looks forward to being able to invite you to enjoy your Pine Street Woods in the very near future!
Founded in 2002, Kaniksu Land Trust works to conserve forests, scenic views working farms and recreational lands. KLT also offers unique programs that work to foster appreciation of our regions exceptional resources through life changing opportunities for participants.