Wenatchee Foothills trails reopen April 1 after winter wildlife closure

WENATCHEE — After three months of quiet winter range for mule deer, as spring returns to the Wenatchee Valley and the hills above the city begin to green again, the Wenatchee Foothills trail system will reopen to the public April 1 following its annual winter closure.

Chelan County PUD and the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust announced the reopening on March 16, marking the end of the seasonal closure designed to protect mule deer during the most critical months of winter.

Each December, trails across the Sage Hills and surrounding foothills are closed to reduce disturbances to deer that rely on the area as winter range. Wildlife managers say minimizing human activity during that period helps the animals conserve energy needed to survive until spring vegetation begins to emerge.

“Spring sunshine makes the trail inviting, but this is the most sensitive time of year for wintering mule deer,” said Kelly Cordell, Chelan PUD senior wildlife biologist. “When deer are disturbed now, they are forced to burn the limited energy reserves they need to survive until green-up.”

Chelan PUD manages the Home Water Wildlife Preserve — about 960 acres in the Sage Hills area — as part of its federal license to operate Rock Island Dam. Seasonal trail closures are required under that license.

The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust and the City of Wenatchee also close more than 2,200 acres of adjacent open space each winter to expand protected habitat for wildlife.

With spring approaching, trail managers say most routes will reopen April 1, though some areas may remain temporarily closed for maintenance and upgrades.

“With the trails reopening, we’re thrilled to welcome people back into the Foothills,” said Ryan Graig, trails project manager for the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust. “We do ask that visitors continue to respect any maintenance closure signs. Our crews are still at work on Coyote Canyon, Lightning and other trails.”

The Land Trust will also host a “Lunch and Learn” presentation at noon March 25 at the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center to explain how seasonal trail closures help protect winter wildlife habitat.

To register for the March 25 event, visit the CDLT website at www.cdlandtrust.org/events.

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