Wenatchee Foothills Trails to close Dec. 1 for winter wildlife protection

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Foothills Trail System will close for the winter season beginning Dec. 1, a move land managers say is necessary to protect mule deer during the harshest months of the year.

The closure applies to all trails north of Fifth Street, including Sage Hills, Kenzie’s Landing, Horse Lake, Day Drive and the Sage Hills Gateway. The trails are expected to reopen around April 1, depending on spring weather conditions.

Conservation groups say winter recreation can put additional stress on mule deer when food is scarce and temperatures drop. Limiting disturbance, particularly by keeping people and dogs out of key habitat areas, helps the animals conserve energy needed for survival.

The annual closure is coordinated by the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, Chelan PUD and the City of Wenatchee. Chelan PUD manages 960 acres at the Home Water Preserve as part of its federal license to operate Rock Island Dam. The Land Trust and the city also close public access to more than 2,200 surrounding acres, creating a connected winter refuge for mule deer and other wildlife.

Outdoor users are encouraged to visit other open routes during the closure, such as the Apple Capital Loop Trail, Saddle Rock Natural Area, Castle Rock Natural Area and the Jacobson Preserve. Visitors on open trails are asked to leash dogs and avoid muddy areas to help prevent long-term erosion and damage.

Trail users can find current closure updates on the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust website.

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