Public invited to help shape Lookout Natural Area's future

WENATCHEE — The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust and the City of Wenatchee have launched the final phase of a fundraising campaign for Lookout Natural Area while inviting residents to help shape how the newly protected property will be opened for public use.

Officials announced this week that the campaign has reached about 90% of its $2.47 million fundraising goal for the 134-acre natural area, known by its English name, Lookout, and its nselxčín name, čkuwáx̌qən, above Sunnyslope on an arm of Burch Mountain. The remaining fundraising effort will support future trailhead development, public access and long-term stewardship of the site.

Earlier this year, the property was permanently protected through a partnership involving the city, the land trust, state grant funding and local donors. The natural area connects to more than 168,000 acres of public land and provides habitat for mule deer, bighorn sheep, native plants and pollinators, while offering sweeping views of the Columbia River, the Wenatchee Valley and the Enchantments.

Now that the land has been preserved, organizers say the next step is determining how the public will experience it.

"The vision has always been bigger than land protection alone," Chelan-Douglas Land Trust Executive Director Hanne Bosket said. "It is about protecting this important connectivity to other public lands and more vast open spaces, creating thoughtful public access, and caring for it forever."

The campaign's final fundraising push runs through Sept. 30. Organizers say reaching the goal will unlock an additional $1 million Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program grant for future trailhead development and public access improvements.

The City of Wenatchee will own the property, while the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust will oversee its long-term stewardship.

Although the property has been permanently protected, it is not yet open for general public access. Officials said access will be planned with input from the community while balancing recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat, neighboring properties, seasonal closures and long-term stewardship.

Residents will have an opportunity to weigh in during a Public Access Planning Open House at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the Wenatchee Fire Station in Olds Station. The event will include information about the project and gather public feedback on future trailhead and trail planning.

More information about the campaign is available at https://www.cdlandtrust.org/what-we-do/land-conservation/wenatchee-foothills/lookout-natural-area.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media