Community Reaches Fundraising Goal for Lookout

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2026

Media Contact:
Michelle Tiegel, Capital Campaign Manager
[email protected], (509) 667-9708

Community Reaches Fundraising Goal for Lookout Natural Area

Campaign success advances plans for public access, trails and long-term stewardship of 134-acre property above Wenatchee

WENATCHEE— The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust and the City of Wenatchee have completed a community campaign that surpassed its $2.47 million fundraising goal, raising $2.5 million to protect, care for and begin planning public access to the 134-acre Lookout Natural Area (čkuwáx̌qən*) above the Sunnyslope neighborhood on Burch Mountain.

Launched in 2025, the campaign surpassed its goal in just over 16 months, thanks to support from more than 650 individuals, foundations, and businesses.

“This success reflects the high value people in our communities place on protected natural lands and open spaces close to home,” said Hanne Bosket, executive director of the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust. “The land is protected, the campaign goal has been met, and we can now focus on the work ahead to thoughtfully plan for public access and long-term care of this natural area.”

Lookout Natural Area is owned by the City of Wenatchee and rises above the Columbia River, offering views of the Enchantments and the Wenatchee Foothills. The property provides habitat for mule deer, bighorn sheep, native plants, pollinators, and connects to more than 168,000 acres of surrounding public lands.

Lookout will expand close-to-home access to nature for neighborhoods north of the Wenatchee River. When developed for public use, Lookout will become the first City of Wenatchee park north of the Wenatchee River, giving Sunnyslope residents and families across the valley a place to walk, explore, and connect with the Foothills close to home.

The campaign also positions the project for additional public funding. The City of Wenatchee applied for a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) grant for a future trailhead and public access improvements. The application ranked highly statewide. If the grant program is funded at levels similar to previous years, the project is expected to receive the full requested amount. The grant contract is anticipated to be received for consideration of acceptance in the summer of 2027.

Together, campaign funds and the anticipated grant will support public access planning, trailhead and trail development, and long-term stewardship.

Lookout Natural Area is not yet open for public access. Access planning will involve the community and local partners and consider recreation, wildlife habitat, neighboring properties, seasonal conditions and long-term stewardship.

The project builds on more than 40 years of conservation work in the Wenatchee Foothills and a partnership among the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, City of Wenatchee, public agencies, local landowners and community supporters.

The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust will share additional information about future public access planning and opportunities to visit Lookout Natural Area as the project progresses.

For more information about Lookout Natural Area and the campaign, visit cdlandtrust.org. *The name, čkuwáx̌qən, was chosen in partnership with members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. The land also holds deep cultural significance for the p'squosa people. 

All Photos are by Dave Masuda