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Lake Wenatchee and the White River:
The outstanding scenic, biological, and recreational assets of the Lake Wenatchee/White River area make this one of the highest priorities for the CDLT. The White River contains some of the most important salmon runs in the entire Columbia River Basin and is a great example of highly functioning river system that has not been degraded by poor land use practices. The CDLT is working with private landowners, the U.S. Forest Service, the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and Chelan County to permanently protect the natural functions and scenic beauty of the White River watershed.
Working with Lake Wenatchee Residents and Longview Fibre, we helped negotiate a win-win approach to logging Nason Ridge that protected the scenic, environmental, and recreational values of Nason Ridge.
Wenatchee Foothills
Click here for a Foothills Trail map
Click here for to learn about becoming a trail monitor The foothills to the west of
The Foothills also provide important habitat for a wide variety of birds and animals and contain outstanding examples of native shrub-steppe plant communities. The foothills are an easily accessible living laboratory for local schools. All the first and fifth graders in the Wenatchee School District now enjoy a day of science education at Saddlerock. more . . .
Entiat River Valley:
The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust is actively involved in efforts to protect fish habitat, wildlife habitat, and floodplain function along the "Stillwaters" reach of the Entiat River. The Stillwaters is a calm stretch of river that contains the majority of the Entiat's spawning and rearing habitat for endangered steelhead, endangered spring chinook salmon, threatened bull trout, and fall chinook salmon. At the urging of local residents, the Land Trust applied for and received a grant for $1.4 million from the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board to purchase nearly 300 acres (including nearly three miles of riverfront) of prime fish and wildlife habitat along the Entiat. We are working with Entiat Valley residents to develop management plans that will protect the conservation values of these properties in perpetuity.
Community and Conservation
The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust is working to make the case that land conservation is a good investment for local communities. We do not need to choose between a healthy economy and healthy landscapes.
As part of this effort we partnered with The Nature Conservancy, The NCW Association of Realtors, Institute for Rural Innovation and Stewardship, Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce, Chelan County Port District, NCW Resource, Conservation, and Development Council, Economic Development District of North Central Washington, and Sustainable Northwest to present a two-day conference on economy, community and environment, held in Wenatchee on October 7-8, 2004. For a conference summary and follow-up activities, click here.
Conservation Roundtable, Ag and Environment Dialog, Environmental Film Series:
The CDLT is working closely with a wide variety of landowners, conservation groups, farmers, and resource agencies to develop innovative approaches to natural resource management. The Conservation Roundtable seeks to facilitate communication and collaboration among conservation groups. The Ag and Environment Dialog is working to foster understanding and collaboration among farmers, ag groups, and environmental groups to promote sustainable, productive, and profitable farms in the region. The CDLT, along with the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center, sponsors a monthly environmental film series. The Land Trust also periodically sponsors public forums on complex natural resource issues.
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.
Peshastin Pinnacles State Park
The sandstone spires of Peshastin Pinnacles have attracted rock climbers since the 1940's. By 1965, the climbing routes were well enough established to be listed in a published guide book. However, the land was privately owned, and in 1986 the owners' insurance providers convinced the owners that they should close the area to the public due to liability concerns. The Pinnacles were closed to the public in 1986.
During the next few years, the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust facilitated numerous meetings and negotiations between the landowners and other interested organizations and agencies. Eventually, with the help and support of the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, and other concerned organizations, the Trust for Public Land purchased the Pinnacles from the owners. The Trust for Public Land then sold the property to Washington State Parks. In 1991 a celebration was held as Peshastin Pinnacles State Park opened to the public. Thanks in part to the efforts of the CDLT, thousands of climbers and hikers now enjoy recreation and scenic vistas of the Wenatchee River valley in this very unique state park.
Spider Meadow
In 1994 it came to public attention that three parcels of land in and adjacent to the Glacier Peak Wilderness were planned for logging followed by housing development. The parcels were located along the very popular hiking trail to Spider Meadow at the head of the Chiwawa valley, near Lake Wenatchee. The CDLT took the lead in raising money to purchase the land and ensure continued public access to the trail and the meadow. Thanks to the efforts of a consortium of private donors and conservation groups, the Trust For Public Land was able to purchase the property and hold it until the United States Forest Service could acquire it. In February 1997 the Forest Service purchased the parcels, and they became part of the Glacier Peak Wilderness area, preserved and protected for all time for the benefit of all.
