You Can Help Create a Plan for 48,000 Acres of Forest in the Central Cascades
The Nature Conservancy needs hiker input to help create a recreation plan that reflects the needs of all Washingtonians who want to enjoy all that this forestland near Cle Elum has to offer.
Our friends at The Nature Conservancy made big news in October with the historic acquisition of 47,921 acres of land in the Central Cascades along I-90 near Cle Elum.
Now, The Nature Conservancy needs hiker input to help create a recreation plan for the forest that reflects the needs of all Washingtonians who want to enjoy what this area has to offer. You can add your voice by completing a brief online survey or attending one of the upcoming meetings below.
The property showcases many of the natural treasures our state has to offer. Sitting adjacent to the Teanaway Community Forest, it touches three lakes: Keechelus, Kachess and Cle Elum and sits at the headwaters of the Yakima River. A portion of the land acquisition is also in the Little Naches headwaters, accessible by highway 410.
What is your dream for the land?
This is already a popular area for hikers and other trail users, but you can make it even better for community members and visitors alike by taking time to share your thoughts.
When you make your comments, consider this:
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Let them know how you use your favorite places in the Central Cascades. TNC needs to know how you use your favorite trails—whether as a multi-day backcountry backpacker, dayhiker, equestrian enthusiast, mountain biker or something else.
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We need equitable access. Many different kinds of outdoor enthusiasts will want to enjoy this land. Let’s make sure everyone has a space to play and explore safely.
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We need balance. Let’s make sure recreationists can enjoy this area while wildlife habitat is preserved.
You can also comment in person at any of these upcoming meetings:
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Cle Elum Senior Center (719 East 3rd Street, Cle Elum)
March 5
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. -
Ellensburg Armory (Kittitas Valley Events Center, 7th and Chestnut)
March 17
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. -
Yakima Arboretum (1401 Arboretum Dr, Yakima)
March 27
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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The Nature Conservancy Adds 47,921 Acres near Cle Elum for Conservation, Recreation Our friends at The Nature Conservancy made big news yesterday when they announced the acquisition of 47,921 acres of land in the Central Cascades along I-90 near Cle Elum. While conservation of the ecologically rich area is a primary goal, recreational access and community input will remain a key aspect of how they hope to manage the land.
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Do You Want Hiking Trails in the Teanaway? The new Teanaway Community Forest has endless possibilities for a world-class trail system for hikers. The forest does not have an official trail system to call its own, but planning is underway right now. Make sure your voice is heard on the future of trails in the Teanaway.
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