Saddle Rock Traverse Trail Maintenance

TRAILS REVAMP IN THE WENATCHEE FOOTHILLS
Chelan-Douglas Land Trust Improving Saddle Rock Traverse Trail

WENATCHEE — Over ten years ago, a group of committed Wenatchee residents, represented by the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, imagined the trails across the Wenatchee Foothills could be protected for everyone, forever. With the financial support of the citizens of Wenatchee and a partnership with the City of Wenatchee, the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust successfully protected 1100 acres of land and 33 miles of trail across the Foothills. Those committed residents could never have imagined the number of locals who regularly walk those trails and the vast number of tourists who visit the Wenatchee Foothills to experience the Balsamroot in bloom. The increased usage has caused the trails to deteriorate. This spring, the Land Trust will begin a substantial trail maintenance project across the Foothills beginning with the Saddle Rock Traverse Trail this week.
“The trail is too steep and slippery,” said Jennifer Hadersberger, the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust’s Director for Climate, Access and Stewardship. “When it rains, water collects and erodes the center of the trail creating ruts. This project will change the slope of the trail so that it drains properly and will allow trail users to safely stay on the trail.”
Eroded trail segment
The Land Trust will begin work this week on the 1.1-mile Saddle Rock Traverse Trail which connects the Jacobson Preserve to the Saddle Rock Natural Area. Some trail segments will be closed and rerouted to improve sustainability, habitat quality, and user experience. Other trail segments will be rebuilt for greater durability. The closed segments will be restored using erosion control techniques followed by the planting of native species. Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance has been hired to execute the work. Expect trail closures and the presence of heavy equipment while work is underway.
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 and relies upon the support of the community to continue to protect and care for the landscapes that make the Wenatchee Valley special. Everyone is welcome on CDLT properties. For more information: www.cdlandtrust.org

###