Animal rescue receives zone change

Process for new shelter ongoing in Priest River

PRIEST RIVER — The Priest River Animal Rescue is one step closer to realizing its dream of a new, larger space after Bonner County commissioners unanimously approved a zone change request for the non-profit Tuesday, Feb. 3.

The 35-acre zone change Suburban to Commercial allows the PRAR to relocate and expand on the property, which serves as the Ranch Club Golf Course.

The zone change approval is necessary for the property to be divided.

The owners of the Ranch Club are working with PRAR on the land division, which would put the new shelter on a 2.5acre parcel accessible off Highway 2.

Since 1922 the Ranch Club has been a golf course, clubhouse and restaurant. Over the years the property has changed ownership, and the restaurant is now known as Thai Garden at The Ranch.

“We are very excited for this approval,” PRAR President Barbara Grover said. “We just have to apply for a conditional use permit and a minor land subdivision.”

The zone change marks the first step for the shelter to move, which also includes the property being subdivided and then purchased by PRAR. The second and third phase includes the acquisition of a conditional use permit for an animal rescue shelter and the design and construction of the building. Grover said the approximate cost of the project is $3.5 million.

“We are really thrilled to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Grocer said. “We have a way to go yet for fundraising, but had some very generous people wanting to donate money towards the building.”

The rescue’s current location is at capacity in a building that’s in need of electrical upgrades, including heating and cooling. According to Grover, the expansion would allow for a larger facility more comfortable for cats and dogs and better amenities to see to the animals’ needs.

The rescue is no-kill and aims to place strays and pets their owners can no longer take care of in loving forever homes.

For more information on PRAR, including how to volunteer or donate, go to www.pranimalrescue. org and check out updates on www. facebook.com/priestriveranimalrescue.

SOPHIA MATTICE-ALDOUS IS A MURROW NEWS FELLOW WORKING DIRECTLY WITH NEWSROOMS AT THE NEWPORT MINER AND RANGE MEDIA THROUGH A PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY. HER REPORTING IS AVAILABLE FOR USE VIA CREATIVE COMMONS WITH CREDIT.