Western Rivers Conservancy

[Skyvalhunter]

Does anyone know much about this organization? I looked at there website and didn't see anything about allowing hunting on their property. A year and a half ago they purchased a large chunk of land from Weyco over by Lake Wenatchee. With a name ending in Conservancy my guess is its a group that doesn't allow hunting.

[chiwawadan]

I've been paying attention to that land purchase, too, and have also wondered what their take on hunting is. Tagging this thread in case someone knows.

[Skyvalhunter]

I sent them an email to find out

[ThurstonCokid]

Is an access pass required for Weyerhaeuser property around wenatchee like other areas in western wa?


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[MtnMuley]

Is an access pass required for Weyerhaeuser property around wenatchee like other areas in western wa?


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Nope. No access in these parcels unless you have the lease from them.

[Skyvalhunter]

Is an access pass required for Weyerhaeuser property around wenatchee like other areas in western wa?


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Yes the gated Weyco property will have a access permit required there. At least Coultet creek does. The watchman lives right there and checks it regularly

[MtnMuley]

Is an access pass required for Weyerhaeuser property around wenatchee like other areas in western wa?


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Yes the gated Weyco property will have a access permit required there. At least Coultet creek does. The watchman lives right there and checks it regularly

I'm assuming you mean Coulter Creek. All of the Weyco lands I'm talking about nearer Wenatchee are leased. I rarely make it that far up.

[Skyvalhunter]

Yes auto correct. Western rivers purchased a big chunk near there which is why I started this thread

[fireweed]

During the last budget cycle Western Rivers Conservancy was rated the highest for funding for a locally-owned community forest (the bill didn't pass).  They gave a presentation to the legislature on the plan for this land to end up in public hands and locally controlled as a community forest.  This designation requires a management plan with local priorities.  Look up "Nason Ridge Community Forest". 

[chiwawadan]

Here is some info I found in the FAQ regarding the Community Forest Program from the Forest Service. If it became a Community Forest, a community forest plan would need to be made by the community. Based on the below, I interpret this in that hunting "could" be permitted and is considered a "recreational benefit", but it is not necessarily required in the plan.

FAQ is here: https://www.fs.fed.us/sites/default/files/media_wysiwyg/cfp-faq-december2018.pdf

Use and Management of a Community Forest

What degree of public access must be allowed?  Can it be closed to the public for certain times of the year?
Eligible lands are defined by the rule in part as “Private Forest Lands that:  (3) if acquired by an   eligible entity, can provide defined community benefits under the CFP and allow public access. (Final Rule section 230.2 Definitions. Eligible lands). The rule defines Public Access as “Access that is provided on a non-discriminatory basis at reasonable times and places, but may be limited to protect cultural and natural resources or public health and safety (Final Rule section 230.2 Definitions Public access).”  The rule further requires (Final Rule section 230.9b Ownership and use requirements) that the Grant recipient shall provide appropriate public access.The management of public access must be outlined and discussed in the community forest plan (Final Rule section 230.2 Definitions. Community forest plan(7)).  The plan must discuss any proposed limitations to protect cultural or natural resources.  One of the community benefits on which a proposed project will be evaluated is recreational benefits such as hiking, hunting, and fishing secured through public access.  Significant limitations on public access could render a project ineligible or have an impact on the competitiveness of a project.

Can hunting be allowed on property that is acquired through the Community Forest Program?
Recreational benefits including hunting are recognized as community benefits that can be provided by the CFP (Final Rule section 230.2 Definitions. Community benefits).   As with other uses of a property, game management and hunting activities will need to be addressed in the community forest plan.

[Skyvalhunter]

Here is the reply I got when I e-mailed them:


Good morning KP,




We do allow non-motorized recreational use of our property near Lake Wenatchee. There are signs at both gates explaining what is allowed (hiking, biking, cross country skiing, horse back riding) and what is prohibited (motor vehicles, fires, fireworks, camping, target shooting).




We also allow hunting during legal seasons through a permit system. The annual fee is $75 per person and if interested I can send a copy of the permit.




Thanks and enjoy!




Mik