What's next for Nason Ridge project after lawmakers don't OK funding

LAKE WENATCHEE — The recently approved state capital budget doesn’t include funding for a Nason Ridge community forest pilot program, but the project could still become a reality.

Sen. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee, introduced a bill this past legislative session to establish a community forest pilot program under the state Department of Natural Resources. It passed the Senate but never made it to a vote on the House floor.

However, the two-year, $4.9 billion capital budget funds pilot programs for the Mount Adams and Gold Hill community forests. It requires the state Recreation and Conservation Office to help Chelan County and other stakeholders develop a management plan for Nason Ridge, which they must submit to the governor and appropriate legislative committees by Dec. 1.

Read the entire article in the Wenatchee World