Local land trust acquires nearly 400 acres in Wenatchee Foothills

WENATCHEE - The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) recently announced the acquisition of a 398-acre property in the Wenatchee Foothills, which encompasses Castle Rock.

The property transfer came from Frank Peryea and Betsy Beers, who have been associated with the parcel for over two decades.

Twenty-three years ago, Peryea and Beers acquired one of the property's parcels with an intention to conserve the area. Over the years, they added another parcel to their acquisition and provided a hiking trail easement to CDLT. The maintenance of the property's trails and habitat has been carried out using human power and hand tools.

The property's acquisition by the CDLT was facilitated by a contribution from Frank and Betsy, who offered half of its fair market value. This was complemented by a habitat grant from the State of Washington’s Wildlife and Recreation Program.

Discussing the transfer, Beers and Peryea shared, “Upon purchasing the land 23 years ago, our aim was its preservation and making it accessible for hiking. Learning about the Land Trust aligned with our vision for the property's future."

Castle Rock, known for its volcanic rhyolite formation from around 44 million years ago, is a notable feature in Wenatchee. A decade ago, the first 36 acres of the Castle Rock Natural Area were conserved during the CDLT Foothills Capital Campaign, in coordination with the City of Wenatchee and CDLT. While the land ownership rests with the city, its management is overseen by the Land Trust.

The newly added property spans elevations from 1,200 to 2,500 feet and connects with Forest Service lands on its western edge. It provides habitat to various wildlife and native plants and serves as an essential wintering ground for mule deer.

The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust has been operational for 38 years and aims to conserve regional landscapes, water sources, and ensure public access to natural areas. Collaborative efforts with property owners and local communities have been central to the Trust's operations. For more details about the Land Trust's activities and initiatives, individuals can visit www.cdlandtrust.org.

SourceOne News original article here