New Acquisition in the Wenatchee Foothills-Press Release

3/2/2026 
Contacts: Michelle Tiegel, Capital Campaign Manager, at (509)667-9708

134 Acres in the Wenatchee Foothills Permanently Protected

 as Lookout Natural Area (čkuwáx̌qən)

WENATCHEE—The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) and the City of Wenatchee are proud to announce the permanent protection of 134 acres in the Wenatchee Foothills, now named the Lookout Natural Area, or čkuwáx̌qən in the Nxaʔamxcín language. With City ownership and collaborative management by both the City and CDLT, this property will be managed for ecological health, public access, and cultural respect. 

Located just north of Wenatchee near the Sunnyslope area, this land sits at the edge of town and at the gateway to more than 168,000 acres of connected public lands. Its protection preserves a highly visible and ecologically important portion of the Foothills while creating future opportunities for public access close to home. 

The name Lookout (čkuwáx̌qən) was chosen in partnership with members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and honors the landscape’s cultural significance and sweeping views, while capturing the spirit of a place where people and nature can thrive together. 

“Through our ongoing partnerships with community donors, the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, and the State of Washington—and with the generous support of the Ohme family—this acquisition will help preserve threatened wildlife habitat and provide free, close-to-home, non-motorized outdoor recreation opportunities for the valley for generations to come,” Said David Erickson, Director of the City of Wenatchee Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department. 

An Ecological Stronghold 

Lookout Natural Area (čkuwáx̌qən) protects fragile shrub-steppe habitat, supports mule deer winter range and migration corridors, and is contiguous with the Swakane Wildlife Unit, making it an important link for bighorn sheep and wintering wildlife. Steep cliffs provide nesting and perching habitat for golden eagles and peregrine falcons and are home to Chelan rockmat, a rare plant found nowhere else in the world.  

A Future Place for People 

In partnership with the City of Wenatchee, CDLT will plan public access that balances recreation, wildlife protection, and respect for neighboring properties. Plans include a future trailhead access, and the property will be open for free non-motorized recreation with thoughtfully designed multi-use trails for walking, running, and mountain biking. Seasonal closures from December 1 to April 1 will protect critical winter wildlife habitat.

A Legacy of Community Conservation 

The protection of Lookout Natural Area (čkuwáx̌qən) reflects years of planning and strong community partnership, including the conservation vision of the Ohme Family, support from early donors and campaign volunteers, and grant funding from Washington State’s Recreation and Conservation Office. 

“Our grandfather felt the power of this landscape long before we were born. It is where we learned to walk. Preserving it as a place for the community to walk feels like completing his vision,” said Kevin, Greg and Brian Ohme, brothers and owners of Lookout property. 

What’s Next 

With the property now secured, CDLT and the City of Wenatchee are working to raise the remaining $2.16 million needed for stewardship planning, habitat restoration, and development of the future trailhead and public access. Community engagement around trail planning and restoration efforts will begin in 2026, with access and amenities taking shape thoughtfully over time. 

Development of a trailhead will likely continue over the next two years, and the City of Wenatchee and CDLT are planning for how best to provide interim public access to the property in a way that is sustainable and avoids negative impacts on the neighboring landowners. 

Updates regarding short-term opportunities to visit the property will be shared on the CDLT’s website and social media channels. Further information about Lookout Natural Area (čkuwáx̌qən) and opportunities to support the project can be found at cdlandtrust.org/support-us/lookout-natural-area.

### 

The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust is a local non-profit working to conserve our land, our water, and our access to natural areas. The Land Trust has a 40-year record of working collaboratively with property owners and communities to identify and protect the region’s most important natural landscapes forever.