100 Additional Acres Along the White River-Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 22, 2026

Contact: Mickey Fleming, Chelan-Douglas Land Trust Conservation Director, (509) 667-9708, [email protected]

Land Trust Protects Nearly 100 Additional Acres Along the White River

Wenatchee, WA — Chelan-Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) has completed the acquisition of two additional properties along the White River in the Wenatchee watershed above Lake Wenatchee, permanently protecting nearly 100 acres of river and floodplain habitat.

The White River provides important spawning and rearing habitat for endangered spring Chinook salmon and supports one of the largest sockeye runs in the Upper Columbia. The newly protected properties include wetlands and forested floodplain and offer important opportunities for future habitat restoration benefiting fish and wildlife.

With these acquisitions, CDLT now permanently protects 704 acres and 6.4 miles of river corridor along the White River. In addition, CDLT holds conservation easements protecting 73.7 acres including 3.7 miles of riverfront, ensuring long-term stewardship of this vital watershed.

Conservation Director Mickey Fleming observes, “The recent high-water event in December of 2025, is a reminder that these floodplains and wetlands perform a vital function to soak up the excess water and reduce downstream flooding.  CDLT works with landowners to protect their streamside property as important zones for conservation.”

CDLT extends sincere thanks to the conservation-minded sellers, the Ohme and Landin families, and to project funders including the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board and the Grant PUD Priest Rapids Coordinating Committee, whose support made this project possible.

The newly protected properties are not developed for recreation. While public access is not restricted, challenging conditions and the need to protect sensitive habitat mean that visitation is not encouraged.

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About the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust 

Founded in 1985, the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust protects land with high conservation and recreation value in North Central Washington. CDLT has protected forty miles of recreational trails and twenty-six thousand acres of forest, shrub-steppe, wheat fields, and riparian landscapes across Chelan and Douglas counties. CDLT is a membership organization that relies upon the community's support to continue to protect and care for the landscapes that make the Wenatchee Valley unique. 

Aerial View of Mouth of the White Rive. Star marks new property.