History

The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) was founded in 1985. From 1985 until 1999, the CDLT was an entirely voluntary organization comprised of a handful of Wenatchee Valley residents who had a vision for the future of the area. Although it was run on a shoestring budget during those years, the Land Trust was a vociferous advocate for the preservation of local lands with unique ecological, agricultural, scenic, historic, or recreational qualities. Included among the CDLT's significant early achievements were participation in the creation of the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail, Peshastin Pinnacles State Park, and preservation of Spider Meadow.

A successful fundraising effort in 1999 enabled the CDLT to hire an Executive Director in October 1999, and open an office at 15B Palouse St. in Wenatchee. Since 1999, the CDLT has grown rapidly, adding many dues paying members, and engaging in a number of exciting new projects. In 2001, the CDLT hired a second staff member to serve as Stewardship Director, and in 2002 an Administrative Director was hired.