Lookout Natural Area fundraising campaign raises $2.5 million, exceeds goal

WENATCHEE — The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust and the City of Wenatchee have raised $2.5 million to support conservation, public access planning and long-term management of the 134-acre Lookout Natural Area on Burch Mountain above the Sunnyslope neighborhood.

The fundraising campaign exceeded its $2.47 million goal in just over 16 months, according to an Oct. 14 announcement from the land trust. Launched in 2025, the campaign received contributions from more than 650 individuals, foundations and businesses.

The property, owned by the City of Wenatchee, is not yet open to the public. Funds raised through the campaign will help support planning for future trails, a trailhead and ongoing stewardship of the natural area.

“This success reflects the high value people in our communities place on protected natural lands and open spaces close to home,” said Hanne Bosket, executive director of the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust. “The land is protected, the campaign goal has been met, and we can now focus on the work ahead to thoughtfully plan for public access and long-term care of this natural area.”

Lookout Natural Area overlooks the Columbia River and offers views of the Enchantments and Wenatchee Foothills. The property provides habitat for mule deer, bighorn sheep, native plants and pollinators. It also connects to more than 168,000 acres of surrounding public lands.

Once developed for public use, Lookout would become the first City of Wenatchee park north of the Wenatchee River, providing additional recreational opportunities for residents of Sunnyslope and surrounding communities.

The fundraising campaign also places the project in a position to receive additional state funding.

The City of Wenatchee has applied for a grant through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program to help finance a future trailhead and public access improvements.

According to the land trust, the application received a high statewide ranking. If the program receives funding at levels comparable to previous years, the project is expected to receive the full amount requested.

A grant contract is anticipated in summer 2027, when it would be considered for acceptance.

The campaign contributions and anticipated grant funding would support public access planning, trailhead construction, trail development and long-term management of the property.

Before opening the natural area, the city and land trust plan to work with community members and local partners to develop an access plan. The process will consider recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, neighboring properties, seasonal conditions and long-term maintenance.

The Lookout project is part of more than 40 years of conservation work in the Wenatchee Foothills involving the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, City of Wenatchee, public agencies, local landowners and community supporters.

The natural area also carries the name čkuwáx̌qən, selected in partnership with members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. The land holds cultural significance for the p'squosa people.

The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust said additional information about public access planning and future opportunities to visit the property will be released as the project moves forward.

More information about the project is available at cdlandtrust.org.