TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
Fall/Winter 2026
Quick Facts
The property remains permanently protected.
The land is privately owned and construction is allowed.
Balsam Route Trail remains open unless otherwise posted.
Temporary parking or trail impacts may occur during construction.
You may notice construction equipment, excavation, or other activity near the trail and parking area in the coming months.
During construction, temporary impacts to trail access, parking, or travel along West Twin Road may occur. Please watch for posted updates and use caution around work areas.
This special property is privately owned and permanently protected by a conservation easement. That easement helps safeguard the property's forests, wildlife habitat, and rural character for generations to come while allowing continued private ownership and limited residential use. The work taking place is consistent with those protections.
Thank you for your patience, kindness, and respect while this work is underway. We appreciate our partnership with the landowners, whose generosity makes public access to this special place possible.
What’s happening?
Why is there construction near Balsam Route Trail? Visitors may notice construction activity near Balsam Route Trail because the private landowners are building a new home on the Stage property. While construction may temporarily affect parking or trail access, the property remains permanently protected, and the work is consistent with the property's long-term conservation protections.
What is the Stage property and what does it have to do with Balsam Route Trail? The Stage Family voluntarily placed the property under a permanent conservation agreement to protect forests, wildlife habitat, scenic character, and rural landscape while allowing the land to remain in private ownership. The family welcomed the creation of Balsam Route Trail on the property and have allowed continued public access to this beloved trail.
Like many permanent land protection agreements, it balances long-term conservation with the rights and responsibilities of private landowners. The agreement prevents more intensive development while allowing certain limited residential uses that were outlined when the agreement was created.
Why is construction happening on protected land? The permanent land protection agreement was designed to allow limited residential use while protecting the property's conservation values. The landowners are building a new home to meet their family's changing needs.
What should visitors expect? Visitors may notice construction equipment, occasional noise, possible parking changes, and temporary trail delays or short-term closures while work is underway. Updates will be shared whenever possible.
Will the trail close? No, there are no plans to close the trail. Public trail access on the property exists through cooperation and partnership with the landowners and MAMBA. That partnership remains important and appreciated. Temporary impacts to trail access, parking, or travel along West Twin Road may occur during construction activities, and partners will work together to communicate disruptions as clearly and early as possible.
Is the property still protected? Yes. The conservation agreement remains fully in place. The property is permanently protected from subdivision and more intensive development while continuing to support forests, wildlife habitat, and open space.
Why restore and protect habitat if a home could still be built? Conservation isn't about freezing lands in time. It's about ensuring that important natural values are protected over the long term. Prairie restoration and habitat stewardship efforts on the property remain ecologically valuable and continue to contribute to the long-term health of the site. Conservation on working private lands often involves balancing habitat restoration, recreation, and compatible residential use.
Why doesn't Palouse Land Trust simply prohibit construction? This type of land protection agreement (conservation easement) is a voluntary agreement between landowners and conservation organizations. Each agreement is tailored to the conservation goals of the property and reflects the rights that the landowner chose to retain when the agreement is established. The Stage easement was intentionally designed to protect the property's long-term conservation values while allowing continued private ownership and limited residential use.
Conservation is about the long view. Thanks to the Stage conservation easement, this property will remain protected from subdivision and more intensive development for generations to come. We appreciate the partnership of the landowners, MAMBA, and our community in helping balance conservation, stewardship, and public recreation.
Other questions? Please contact Conservation Projects Manager, Max Winebrenner, at 208-874-3522 or via email.