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The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust is a private, non-profit organization based in Wenatchee, Washington. Founded in 1985, we are comprised of a Board of Directors, Staff and over 500 active members and volunteers. Join us!
Our Focus
Rivers of Life
Clean, abundant water and healthy riparian habitat are vital for fish and wildlife, agriculture, and human communities. Our focus is to permanently protect the natural functions and scenic beauty of our region's highest priority watersheds and riparian areas.
Working Landscapes
Productive, profitable and sustainable farms and forests nourish human communities and support fish and wildlife. We seek to foster understanding and collaboration among farmers, agricultural groups, foresters and environmental organizations in the region.
Livable Communities
A healthy, attractive environment strengthens our economy and improves our quality of life. Working with the community we can preserve our region's special places for future generations.
Recreation Lands
Trails, paths and open space close to where we live connect us to our landscape. Our goal is to complete a trail across the Wenatchee Foothills from Squilchuck to Horselake Road, for the public to enjoy in perpetuity.
Why Does Our Region Need a Land Trust?
Due to regional population growth, fluctuating agricultural land values, and generational turnover of highly appreciated family lands, the citizens of North Central Washington are in danger of losing some of our most productive and beautiful natural land to development. While much of Chelan County's high alpine environment is public land, most of North Central Washington's lowlands and river valleys are privately held. An increasing population and a diminishing agricultural base leaves the lowland areas vulnerable to poorly planned development and environmental degradation, which diminishes the quality of life in the region.
Government agencies are often unresponsive to land use planning problems, or cannot act quickly enough to address emerging land use issues. As a small, private, non-governmental organization, the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust is able to work quickly and creatively with local citizens, helping to preserve the unique character of the region and enhance the quality of life for residents, visitors, and future generations.
History
The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) was founded in 1985. From 1985 until 1999, the CDLT was an entirely voluntary organization comprised of a handful of Wenatchee Valley residents who had a vision for the future of the area. Although it was run on a shoestring budget during those years, the Land Trust was a vociferous advocate for the preservation of local lands with unique ecological, agricultural, scenic, historic, or recreational qualities. Included among the CDLT's significant early achievements were participation in the creation of the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail, Peshastin Pinnacles State Park, and preservation of Spider Meadow.
A successful fundraising effort in 1999 enabled the CDLT to hire an Executive Director in October 1999, and open an office at 15B Palouse St. in Wenatchee. Since 1999, the CDLT has grown rapidly, adding many dues paying members, and engaging in a number of exciting new projects. In 2001, the CDLT hired a second staff member to serve as Stewardship Director, and in 2002 an Administrative Director was hired.
Mission Statement
Conserving our land, our water, and our way of life through voluntary land agreements, education, partnerships, stewardship, and well planned growth.