GET INVOLVED | HISTORY OF THE LOOP

Background:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) announced in October, 2007 that it is planning to sell 400 acres in Douglas County that includes the Apple Capital Loop Trail along the Columbia River. The property, located between the George Sellar Bridge and the Obadashian Bridge along the east side of the river, was purchased by the DOT many years ago in expectation of locating a highway there. The expected road was not built, and now DOT is anticipating surplusing the property. This is a very important issue for the region, and the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust is working with state and local governments, citizens and other stakeholders to develop a plan that preserves the unique character of the trail and surrounding lands and reflects the community’s desires for this critical piece of property.

November 15 Public Meeting Update:
Senator Parlette invited the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust to participate in the November 15 panel dialogue regarding the DOTs possible sale of their lands in Douglas County. At the hearing, the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) expressed the importance of both the trail and the natural areas adjacent to the trail, as there are very few communities that have access to such unique natural areas. At the hearing, the Land Trust offered several areas of support to protect these lands: placement of the lands in some form of conservation easement, assistance in securing funds to acquire these lands, and assistance in development of a program to transfer development rights on these lands to a more appropriate location. The Land Trust will be part of an ongoing stakeholder group to address the Douglas County Trail issue.

At the same time, the City of Wenatchee requested CLDT participation in a work group to develop a plan to address the challenges related to the “pipeline bridge” on the loop trail.  A recent engineering survey of that bridge indicated that the bridge may be unsafe for future pedestrian traffic, and may be closed as early as spring 2009.  The Land Trust will work with the city and partners to develop a long-term plan to maintain the integrity of the loop trail.

How you can help:
The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust will be fully engaged in working with the community to develop a plan for this critical riverfront property. If you would like to receive e-mail updates of public meetings and opportunities for public involvement, as well as occasional e-mail updates on Land Trust activities, please join our complimentary e-mail list by contacting Sharon Lunz at sharon@cdlandtrust.org and asking to be on our e-mail list. Your address is confidential, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

The Land Trust is a member supported organization, and would love to have you as a member. To join CDLT, visit our Support Our Work page.

Media coverage:
The Wenatchee World has had several excellent articles and Editorials on this issue. Click on the links below to learn more.

Build Trails Now, More than Ever (11/19/2007)
The Riverfront, a Common Cause (11/17/2007)
State Agency Chief, Public on Same Page-Save Loop Trail (11/16/07)
Parlette Pushes to Save Loop Trail, Access (11/2/2007)
The Riverfront: Save it Again (10/6/07)
State Prepares to sell Eastside Waterfront (10/03-07)

History of CDLT's involvement in the Apple Capital Loop Trail:

In 1989 in Wenatchee, the CDLT gathered a group of community leaders to discuss the potential for a pedestrian/bicycle trail along the eastside of the Columbia River that would connect to trails being built in the new parks along the westside. Out of that meeting emerged the Complete the Loop Coalition headed by Bob Parlette and Gordon Congdon Sr. Over the next several years, with support and assistance from the CDLT, the Complete the Loop Coalition raised funds, lobbied for political support, and raised community awareness and interest in the trail project. The dream became a reality in 1994, when about five miles of paved trail along the eastside of the river was connected, via the bridges, to the westside trail. Today, the loop is recognized as one of the prime recreational assets of the valley, and is a treasure for both residents and visitors.

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