Land Use Permits

Chelan-Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) lands are open free of charge to non-motorized activities that are compatible with CDLT’s mission and the purposes for which the lands were acquired and protected. Individuals and small groups are welcome to use our lands and trails for hiking, biking, horse riding, and nature viewing.

If you want to use CDLT lands for a private or public event and your group is larger than 10, you might need a permit. Permits allow us to manage our lands and trails to reduce impacts to other visitors and to natural resources. Some permits have fees to offset administrative and stewardship costs affiliated with a group’s use of our lands. They do not generate revenue for CDLT.

There are three kinds of permits: 

1. Educational Use Permit -  If you want to use CDLT lands as part of a K – 12, a college curricular school activity, or college continuing education class, you can request a free Educational Use Permit.  Please apply at least two weeks in advance.

    Educational Use Permit Form   Fillable PDF: 

2. Commercial Use Permit - If you charge a fee or raise funds while using CDLT lands, you will need a Commercial Use Permit. A fee can be a charge, purchase of goods or services, a required donation, or a condition of participation. Events that promote the sale of goods or services, such as recreational equipment demonstrations, require a Commercial Use Permit as do commercial filming projects.

    Commercial Use Permit Form   Fillable PDF:

3. Special Use Permit - Special use permits are required for any recreational group activity that does not charge a fee and has the potential to attract more than 6 participants or spectators.  A fee may be required depending on size of group and amount of use. Examples of events requiring a Special Use Permit are free organized club rides, runs, or hikes.  Even if you do not need to pay a fee, please get a permit so that CDLT staff can plan for and around overlapping trail and stewardship activities.

    Special Use Permit Form   Fillable PDF:

Important: 

• Permits do not allow exclusive use.  All visitors have the right to use CDLT trails and facilities during a permitted event. Please respect the rights of other users.
• Permits are valid on CDLT property only during the periods specified on the permit. If you use trails or facilities on adjacent lands owned by the City of Wenatchee, Chelan County PUD, U.S. Forest Service, or BLM you need to contact them.
• Permit applications are approved at the discretion of CDLT Staff. Specific guidelines may be required as conditions of approval.
• Research, Collection, and Other Uses - If you are interested in using CDLT lands for research, collection, or another type of use, contact the Stewardship Director. [email protected]