SANDPOINT — A fundraising effort is underway to acquire a 160-acre tract of land between the cities of Sandpoint and Dover so it can be preserved for public forest access.

The Kaniksu Land Trust announced on Wednesday it has already secured $1.1 million in funding to acquire the parcel, known locally as Pine Street Woods. However, the total project cost is expected to reach up to $2.1 million.

“Although halfway there, we still need to raise a considerable amount of money to purchase the land,” said KLT Executive Director Eric Grace.

Grace expects well-heeled donors to contribute to the community forest project, but said strong local support and donations will ultimately be required to bring the project to fruition.

The land is marked by rolling hills blanketed with evergreens, open meadows and beautiful vistas. The Weisz family has owned the land since 1970, when Joe Weisz and his late brother purchased it. The land has been managed for raising cattle and harvesting timber.

“It’s a special place for sure,” said Joe Weisz. “I’m happy to see that the land trust can take over ownership. I’d like to see it remain open for all the deer, elk, moose and other wildlife up there.”

The property is located of West Pine Street.

Kaniksu Land Trusts envisions that the property will become a destination for the public for recreation and exploration. The trust also envisions it being a site for myriad educational programs pertaining to ecological and community health. Educational programming on the land will include National ParkRx, which promotes the use of parks and public lands to improve health and wellness, and StoryWalk, which blends reading and spending time outdoors.

Community groups and local schools would have unlimited access to the property, according to KLT.

“People are starting to fully realizes the health, recreation and educational benefits of access to trails and open spaces,” said Grace. “There is mounting evidence that amenities like the Pine Street Woods provide significant benefits to community health and vitality, in addition to impacting economic drivers and attracting employees to the region.”

Kaniksu’s purchase already has the endorsement of the city of Dover, the Bonner County Trail Mix Committee, Friends of the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail, Pend Oreille Pedalers and the Idaho Trails Association.

Moreover, the proposed acquisition fits with a burgeoning number of trail initiatives in Bonner County, including the Water Passage Trail linking Dover and Newport, the Watershed Crest Trail connecting Schweitzer Mountain Resort with the Mickinnick Trail, and the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail.

Additional information about the project can be found on the KLT website (www.kaniksu.org) or by calling 208-263-9471. Donations can also be made through KLT’s website.