As we continue our fight to protect the Palouse, it’s crucial to keep our supporters informed. We’ve heard loud and clear that things have seemed quiet. The fight is just warming up, and here’s what is going on:
Expanding Threat: Harvest Hills’ Aggressive Land Acquisition
Harvest Hills has significantly expanded its footprint, adding several thousand additional acres to their project, primarily from the Langes and Stacey Walker Farms. But it doesn’t stop there. The company is actively scouting the rest of the county, offering lease contracts from Colfax/Pullman south and east towards the Snake River. This aggressive expansion is part of their strategy to turn our beloved Palouse into the state’s largest industrial generating area, with hundreds of towering turbines stretching from Colfax to Clarkston. The scale of this project has been hidden from the public, but we are determined to expose the full extent of the threat.
Local Government’s Inaction and Our Response
Unfortunately, local officials continue to cling to the outdated belief that the existing county code is sufficient to protect our lands. Commissioners Largent, Handy, and Swannack have resisted efforts to update the code, despite the obvious need for stronger protections. Save the Palouse has reached out to commissioners in other counties, who are perplexed by the inaction here. It’s clear that our local leadership is failing to stand up for the Palouse, and we are stepping up to fill that void.
Building a Coalition of Experts and Supporters
The fight against this project is far from over, and we are not alone. Experts and professionals from various fields continue to express their support for Save the Palouse. If you have expertise or time to contribute, please reach out to us at admin@savethepalouse.org. Together, we can pool our knowledge and resources to mount an even stronger defense.
Behind the Scenes: Legal Battles and Community Outreach
While some of our efforts must remain confidential for now, we want you to know that we are working tirelessly on legal challenges that could halt or significantly alter the course of this project. These efforts require significant financial resources, and we urgently need donations to expand our legal options and increase our chances of success.
On the ground, our core group is actively engaging with the community. This weekend, we made our presence felt at the Lentil Festival, where we participated in the parade with a banner and walkers, spreading the word about the threats facing the Palouse. Expect to see more of us at local events as we continue to raise awareness.
A United Front: Nonpartisan Cooperation and Future Plans
Save the Palouse remains committed to nonpartisan cooperation with individuals and groups across the region. We believe that preserving the Palouse transcends political lines, and we are working with a broad coalition to protect our lands.
Our immediate focus is on raising awareness about the scope of the Harvest Hills project and the permanent damage it will cause. We are also highlighting the inadequacies of the current county codes, which are paving the way for exploitation by industrial developers. Expect detailed profiles on the commissioners’ relationships with Harvest Hills and on the absentee landowners who are selling out our future while remaining untouched by the consequences of their actions.
Community Support and the Battle Ahead
The community has been incredibly supportive, recognizing the gaslighting and misinformation coming from Harvest Hills. People are outraged when they see the full scope of the project, which has been deliberately kept under wraps. Your continued support is vital as we enter the next phase of this battle.
We also want to address a pernicious lie that has been circulating: the idea that the state might use eminent domain to take land from those who refuse to lease it to Harvest Hills. This is completely false—a scare tactic designed to push landowners into unfavorable deals.
Call to Action
Now, more than ever, we need your help. Here’s what you can do:
- Donate: Your financial support is crucial for expanding our legal efforts.
- Spread Awareness: Talk to your neighbors, share our posts, and educate others about what’s at stake.
- Join Us on Social Media: Like “Save the Palouse” on Facebook and sign our petition on change.org.
- Stay Informed: Follow our website, Facebook group, and Facebook page for the latest updates.
Final Thoughts
While it may seem quiet, our fight is far from over—in fact, it’s just getting started. With your help, we can protect the Palouse for future generations and ensure that our lands remain unspoiled by industrial overreach. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for standing with us.