City of Wenatchee, Chelan-Douglas Land Trust Applying for Recreational Trail Grant

The Wenatchee City Council voted unanimously Thursday night to enter into a partnership with the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust to co-sponsor an application for a grant to improve about 14 miles of trail in the Wenatchee Foothills area.

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director Dave Erickson said the land trust would provide approximately $17,700 in matching funds for the roughly $54,000 project, and the city would pay nothing.

"The reason why the City would be involved is because the land trust needs to have something in writing that basically says that it's O.K. that they do this work on City property," Erickson explained.

The Recreational Trails Program funding is through the State Recreation and Conservation Office. Work would include repairing trail tread, adding improvements like several sections of stairs, and installing small culverts to protect against trail erosion. The city plans to perform a cultural resource survey as well.

Areas that would see improvements include the Saddle Rock Natural Area, Sage Hills, Foothills North, Kenzie's Landing, Jacobson Preserve and Horse Lake Reserve.

The application is due November 1st. Implementation of the project would begin in either 2021 or 2022.