Community meeting to showcase support for Chelan Butte Trails

CHELAN - The Lake Chelan Trails Alliance is inviting the public to attend the second community meeting regarding the Chelan Butte Acquisition Feasibility Study. The meeting, which aims to gather support for the development of trails on Chelan Butte, will be held at the Chelan Senior Center, 534 Trow Avenue, on Thursday, May 9 at 7 p.m.

Chelan Butte, an iconic landmark in the Lake Chelan Valley, offers recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors. However, nearly 900 acres in the middle of the Butte are privately owned by a single entity. The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is currently conducting a feasibility study to explore potential public acquisition options for the preservation of the Butte. The TPL aims to capture the values and uses that the Chelan community envisions for Chelan Butte, ensuring that the study reflects the community's long-term desires for the area.

The Feasibility Study has several key goals, including:

1. Detailing a vision for public use of the Butte
2. Determining a feasible ownership structure
3. Identifying financing options for both the purchase and ongoing maintenance of an open space area on the Butte

Attendees of the upcoming community meeting can expect an update on the study's progress. The meeting will also provide an opportunity for the public to offer input on how they would like to see the open space on Chelan Butte utilized. Additionally, potential funding mechanisms for this project will be reviewed.

The Lake Chelan Trails Alliance encourages all interested individuals to attend the meeting and show their support for the future of Chelan Butte and its trails.