Email: elizabethj@cascadiacd.org
Message: Hello, I am contacting you because our organization, Cascadia Conservation District (a non-regulatory natural resources organization based in Wenatchee and serving all of Chelan County), is partnering with the WA State Conservation Commission to apply for a Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant to secure 177 acres in a Phase 2 application as an agricultural conservation easement (ACE) in Manson, Washington. Phase 1 funding has already been issued by RCO, protecting 336 acres of farmland, shrub-steppe, and a spring/wetland. Phase 2 funding will protect a total of 513 contiguous working lands in an ACE. Cascadia CD has notified the Chelan County Commissioners about the application, due on July 15, 2026. Commissioner Hawkins recommended we contact the MCC to inform the Council about the application/project and receive your perspective/s. Please let me know the best way to share more information with you.

April 28, 2026

Board of County Commissioners

Chelan County

400 Douglas St. Suite 201

Wenatchee, WA 98801

Subject: Notice of Phase 2 Property Conservation Easement Acquisition in Manson, Washington. RCO Grant #26-1569

Honorable Commissioner Hawkins:

I am writing to inform you that the State Conservation Commission (SCC) in partnership with the Cascadia

Conservation District (CCD) are pleased to share a milestone opportunity to preserve key agricultural land in Chelan County as an agricultural conservation easement. The landowners and community partners strongly support retaining this land in agriculture. The SCC and CCD are applying for a grant through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) – Farmland Preservation to acquire a conservation easement on a property located in Manson, WA. If awarded, this grant funding would allow acquisition of an agricultural conservation easement on approximately 177 acres of orchard, shrub-steppe habitat, intermittent streams, and wetland, and of which 172.7 acres is farmable. This acquisition of real property rights is intended to ensure the land will retain its agricultural conservation values in perpetuity.

This letter serves as a notification of SCC’s and CCD’s intent to apply for a state grant to acquire real property from the WWRP, administered by the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), as required by state law, RCW 79A.15.110. The law states that the local legislative authority may, at its discretion, submit a letter to the RCO identifying its position regarding the acquisition project. Letters received will be made available to the governor and the state legislature when the prioritized project list is submitted as part of the RCO’s capital budget request.

The law also states that we must “confer” with local officials on this acquisition. And to meet grant program deadlines, we must complete this prior to July 15, 2026. Please let me know if there are other appropriate contacts to include in an open dialogue.

Enclosed is the application project description, location map, and parcel map of the proposed project. Please contact me if you have questions or need additional information about this conservation easement acquisition proposal. I can be reached at (509) 306-3407 or ryanw@cascadiacd.org

Sincerely,

Ryan Williams

Executive Director

Cascadia Conservation District

For reference:

RCW 79A.15.110

Review of proposed project application.

State or local agencies or nonprofit nature conservancies shall review the proposed project application and confer with the county or city with jurisdiction over the project area prior to applying for funds for the acquisition of property under this chapter. The appropriate county or city legislative authority may, at its discretion, submit a letter to the board identifying the authority's position with regard to the acquisition project. The board shall make the letters received under this section available to the governor and the legislature when the prioritized project list is submitted under this chapter.

RCW 79A.15.010

"Confer" means a dialogue between project sponsors and local county and city officials with the purpose of early review of potential projects. The dialogue may include any matter relevant to a particular project, which may include but need not be limited to: Project purpose and scope; project elements; estimated project cost; costs and benefits to the community; plans for project management and maintenance; and public access.

Project Summary:

The Hinterlands Phase 2 Agricultural Conservation Easement will permanently protect 177 acres of high-value orchard and shrub-steppe land in the Lake Chelan Valley. The property has produced premium apples since 1988 and benefits from exceptional irrigation reliability through the Lake Chelan Reclamation District. The property’s soils support diverse perennial and specialty crops, reinforcing the area’s agricultural economy.

The site faces significant development pressure from expanding rural residential growth around Manson, where parcel splits and rising land values have driven rapid conversion of farmland. The Phase 2 easement complements the adjacent 336-acre Phase 1 project now under negotiation, securing a combined 513-acre block of contiguous working lands—one of the largest protected orchard regions in Chelan County.

The property, northeast of Manson, includes 119 irrigation orchards, 53.7 acres of native shrub-steppe vegetation, 2.9 acres of intermittent streams, 0.8 acres of gravel roads, and 0.6 acres of a wetland system that support regional wildlife, while NRCS-aligned irrigation, weed treatment, and integrated pest management practices maintain soil and habitat health.

The Washington State Conservation Commission will hold the easement in perpetuity, ensuring permanent protection and long-term stewardship. Cascadia Conservation District has identified the project as a priority, noting its importance for sustaining agricultural viability, preventing farmland loss, and supporting ongoing conservation planning across the Lake Chelan watershed.

Acquisition of Hinterlands Phase 2 will provide community benefits by preserving productive agricultural land in a region experiencing rapid farmland loss. Agriculture is central to the Lake Chelan Valley’s identity and economy, and the continuation of tree-fruit production on this 177-acre property supports local jobs, farm service businesses, and nearby packing houses including Manson Growers and Chelan Fruit, both within ten miles. The site also contributes to natural resource benefits valued by the community such as stormwater infiltration and aquifer recharge and the connection with nature by supporting key wildlife species and plants. The Hinterlands Phase 2 property offers high-value fish and wildlife benefits through its combination of irrigation cropland, intact shrub-steppe, and shrub wetland and stream systems. Paired with the 336-acres Phase 1, for a total of 513 contiguous acres, allows this property to act as a wildlife corridor. Preserving this orchard maintains the scenic, natural, cultural, and historical character of the Lake Chelan Valley, where tree fruit agriculture has shaped the region for more than a century. Long-term benefits ensure that the economic, cultural, and ecological benefits of working farmland remain available for future generations.

Partnerships are a critical component of the WWRP application. Hinterlands and Cascadia CD have been corresponding with several partners to gather their support for this project. Partners include the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State

University's Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, and Salmon-Safe (a non-profit). Both parties will continue to assemble local and community support, and will share the results with the council during project status updates. This notification is to make Chelan County Commissioners, Chelan County Community Development, and Chelan County Department of Natural Resources aware of our intent to apply for the grant to schedule further dialogue between project sponsors and local county officials.

Hinterlands Phase 2 WWRP Ag Cons Easement, #26-1569

Local Location Map

Hinterlands Phase 2 WWRP Ag Cons Easement, #26-1569 Parcel Map

Stream/River 0 0.07 0.15 0.3 km

18 June 2026

Recreation and Conservation Office

Natural Resources Building, 2nd floor

1111 Washington Street SE

Olympia, WA 98501

To Whom It May Concern,

On behalf of the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, I am writing this letter to express our support for the Washington

State Conservation Commission’s application #26-1569 through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation

Program (WWRP) to acquire Hinterlands Farm Phase 2 as an agricultural easement in Manson, Chelan County. This grant would allow acquisition of an additional 177 acres of high value orchard and shrub steppe habitat near Lake Chelan, contiguous to the Hinterlands Phase 1 WWRP awarded grant of 336 acres. This acquisition would contribute to agriculture viability in a region that is experiencing rapid farmland loss while supporting the community and preserving important habitat for wildlife.

Local economy and industries rely on consistent agriculture production in North Central Washington.

Conserving this property in perpetuity would contribute to community benefits, particularly those depending on agriculture, and preserve the historical and cultural values of the region. The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust supported the successful Phase 1 project, and this support of Phase 2 indicates the continued importance of this project to our mutual goals of sustaining the vitality of our region through critical land conservation that protects thriving natural systems and agricultural protection as an economic driver.

The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust encourages RCO to fund the conservation of 513 acres of the Hinterlands Phase 2 agricultural conservation easement to protect Lake Chelan Valley’s local economy and identity, eliminate development pressures, and preserve critical wildlife corridors.

Sincerely,

Hanne Bosket

Executive Director

June 29, 2026

Recreation and Conservation Office

Natural Resources Building, 2nd floor

1111 Washington Street SE

Olympia, WA 98501

To Whom It May Concern,

On behalf of Legendary Fruit Company, I am writing this letter to express our support for the

Washington State Conservation Commission’s application #26-1569 through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) to acquire Hinterlands Farm Phase 2 as an agricultural easement in Manson, Chelan County. This grant would allow acquisition of an additional 177 acres of high value orchard and shrub steppe habitat near Lake Chelan, contiguous to the Hinterlands Phase 1 WWRP awarded grant of 336 acres. This acquisition would contribute to agriculture viability in a region that is experiencing rapid farmland loss while supporting the community and preserving important habitat for wildlife.

Local economy and industries rely on consistent agriculture production in North Central Washington. Conserving this property in perpetuity would contribute to community benefits, particularly those depending on agriculture, and preserve the historical and cultural values of the region. Hinterlands Phase 2 is a critical property in the area since it contains prime farmland, high-yielding fruit crop varieties, land that has the potential to support other crop types or livestock, senior water rights, and diverse wildlife and pollinator habitat.

Legendary Fruit Company is a tree-fruit packing facility and storage warehouse in the Lake Chelan Valley with over 150 local growers, as well as tree-fruit growers ourselves. We strongly believe the Hinterlands Orchard property is under continual threat of conversion to nonagricultural uses, which would be detrimental to the local economy and businesses.

We champion the Washington State Conservation Commission with annual monitoring assistance from the Cascadia Conservation District to conserve the full 513 acres of Hinterlands to protect the Lake Chelan Valley’s local economy and identity, eliminate development pressures, and preserve critical wildlife corridors.

Legendary Fruit Company encourages RCO to fund the Hinterlands Phase 2 agricultural conservation easement.

Sincerely,

Ithhf

Steve Clement

CEO, Legendary Fruit Company

July 8, 2026

Recreation and Conservation Office

Natural Resources Building, 2nd floor

1111 Washington Street SE

Olympia, WA 98501

1001 SE Water Ave, Ste. 450

To Whom It May Concern, info@salmonsafe.orgPortland, OR 97214

I’m writing this letter to indicate Salmon-Safe’s enthusiastic support for the Washington State Conservation Commission’s application #26-1569 through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) to acquire Hinterlands Farm Phase 2 as an agricultural easement in Manson, Chelan County. This grant would allow acquisition of an additional 177 acres of high value orchard, shrub steppe habitat, and a riparian draw near Lake Chelan, contiguous to the Hinterlands Phase 1 WWRP awarded grant of 336 acres. This acquisition would contribute to agriculture viability in a region that is experiencing rapid farmland loss while supporting the community and preserving important habitat for fish and wildlife.

Founded by Pacific Rivers in 1997 as an agricultural certification initiative, Salmon-Safe is now an independent nonprofit working with more than 800 agricultural operations across the Pacific Northwest. This project advances our mission through its protection of water quality and wildlife habitat. The project’s environmental goals will be demonstrated through Hinterlands Farm’s pursuit of Salmon-Safe certification, working in concert with Cascadia Conservation District. Certification will require restoration of stream buffers, reduction of irrigation water usage, enhancement of biodiversity, and the phase out of pesticides harmful to fish.

We support the Washington State Conservation Commission, with annual monitoring assistance from the Cascadia Conservation District, conserving the full 513 acres of Hinterlands to protect the Lake Chelan Valley’s local economy and identity, eliminate development pressures, and preserve critical wildlife corridors, and improve water quality for fish.

Salmon-Safe encourages RCO to fund the Hinterlands Phase 2 agricultural conservation easement.

Sincerely,

Dan Kent

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Salmon-Safe is a nonprofit organization working to restore our

agricultural and orban streams so native salmon can spawn & thrive. www.salmonsafe.org

State of Washington

DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE REGION TWO

Mailing Address: 1550 Alder Street NW, Ephrata, WA 98823-9699 · 509 754-4624 · Region Two Office Location: 1550 Alder Street NW, Ephrata, WA

July 6, 2026

Recreation and Conservation Office

Natural Resources Building, 2nd floor

1111 Washington Street SE

Olympia, WA 98501

To Whom It May Concern,

On behalf of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, I am writing this letter to express our support for the

Washington State Conservation Commission’s application #26-1569 through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) to acquire Hinterlands Farm Phase 2 as an agricultural easement in Manson, Chelan County. This grant would allow acquisition of an additional 177 acres of high value orchard and shrub steppe habitat near Lake Chelan, contiguous to the Hinterlands Phase 1 WWRP awarded grant of 336 acres. This acquisition would contribute to agriculture viability in a region that is experiencing rapid farmland loss while supporting the community and preserving important habitat for wildlife, particularly mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus).

Local economy and industries rely on consistent agriculture production in North Central Washington. Conserving this property in perpetuity would contribute to community benefits and preserve the historical and cultural values of the region. Hinterlands Phase 2 is a critical property in the area since it contains high-yielding fruit crop varieties, senior water rights, and diversified farmland, wildlife habitat, and pollinator habitat.

This project supports WDFWs Mission to preserve, protect, and perpetuate, wildlife, and ecosystems. Wintering areas of our mule deer herds are commonly lost to residential development and catastrophic wildfire, decreasing their viability. This easement will ensure that low elevation winter range is protected and a habitat corridor of varying elevations continues to support mule deer populations.

We support the Washington State Conservation Commission, with annual monitoring assistance from the Cascadia Conservation District, conserving the full 513 acres of Hinterlands to protect the Lake Chelan Valley’s local economy and identity, eliminate development pressures, and preserve critical wildlife corridors.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife encourages RCO to fund the Hinterlands Phase 2 agricultural conservation easement.

Sincerely,

Rich Finger

Assistant Regional Wildlife Program Manager

Richard.Finger@dfw.wa.gov

509-237-2917 (cell)

105 S. 18th Street, Suite 116 - Yakima, WA 98901 - 509-452-8555

June 19, 2026

Recreation and Conservation Office

Natural Resources Building

1111 Washington Street

Olympia, WA 98501

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing in support of the Washington State Conservation Commission’s application #26-1569 through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) to acquire Hinterlands Farm Phase 2 as an agricultural easement in Manson, Chelan County. This grant would allow acquisition of an additional 177 acres of high value orchard and shrub steppe habitat near Lake Chelan, contiguous to the Hinterlands Phase 1 WWRP awarded grant of 336 acres. This acquisition would contribute to agriculture viability in a region that is experiencing rapid farmland loss while supporting the community and preserving important habitat for wildlife.

The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) is a voluntary non-profit trade association representing the growers, packers, and marketers of tree fruit in Washington on state and local public policy issues, in addition to providing industry statistical information, and delivering education and training to our members. Washington state is the top producer of apples, pears, and cherries in the nation and these crops represent more than a quarter of Washington’s total agricultural production by value. However, many of our members are struggling to remain viable in the face of rapidly escalating production costs and flat to declining returns.

The conservation of this property in perpetuity will contribute to continued agricultural production, thereby supporting the local economy and the industries that rely on consistent and continued food production in North Central Washington. Hinterlands Farms is an asset to the region since it contains prime farmland, desirable fruit crop varieties, senior water rights, and wildlife habitat.

With the support of the Recreation and Conservation Office, the Washington State Conservation Commission, and with annual monitoring assistance from the Cascadia Conservation District, the full 513 acres of Hinterlands will be insulated from growing pressures to convert agricultural land to other uses, while also supporting the local economy and protecting migration corridors for wildlife.

Again, I encourage you to support Phase 2 of the Hinterland Farms agricultural conservation easement application and thank you for your attention to our interest in protecting farmland.

Sincerely,

President

Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center

Wenatchee, WA

July 6, 2026

Recreation and Conservation Office

Natural Resources Building, 2nd floor

1111 Washington Street SE

Olympia, WA 98501

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter to express our support for the Washington State Conservation Commission’s application #26-1569 through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) to acquire Hinterlands Farm Phase 2 as an agricultural easement in Manson, Chelan County. This grant would allow acquisition of an additional 177 acres of high value orchard and shrub steppe habitat near Lake Chelan, contiguous to the Hinterlands Phase 1 WWRP awarded grant of 336 acres. This acquisition would contribute to agriculture viability in a region that is experiencing rapid farmland loss while supporting the community and preserving important habitat for wildlife.

The local economy and industries rely on consistent agriculture production in North Central Washington. Conserving this property in perpetuity would contribute to community benefits, particularly those depending on agriculture, and preserve the historical and cultural values of the region. Hinterlands Phase 2 is a critical property in the area since it contains prime and diversified farmland, high-yielding fruit crop varieties, senior water rights, ecological complexity, and species richness.

The Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (TFREC) was created over 80 years ago and hosts Washington State University faculty and USDA-ARS scientists, as well as support staff and students, who conduct research and outreach on annual and perennial specialty crops, with a primary emphasis on apple, pear, and cherry. The TFREC is affiliated with Washington State

University (WSU) as a part of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. Comprehensive research projects are conducted by WSU and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) collaborating scientists in all phases of orchard horticulture, pest control, fruit harvesting and handling, fruit maturity, storage, grading and packaging. These programs also include basic science aspects of plant physiology, entomology, plant pathology, soil science, horticulture, economics and biochemistry. TFREC research and outreach will be supported by the preservation of farmlands like Hinterlands Farm since they are a willing partner to hold research trials, conduct farm tours, and use the resources and information produced by TFREC to grow more vigorous crops.

We support the Washington State Conservation Commission, with annual monitoring assistance from the Cascadia Conservation District, to conserve the full 513 acres of Hinterlands to protect the Lake Chelan Valley’s local economy and identity, eliminate development pressures, and preserve critical wildlife corridors.

The TFREC encourages RCO to fund the Hinterlands Phase 2 agricultural conservation easement.

1100 N Western Avenue Wenatchee, WA 98801 | 509-293-8800 | tfrec.cahnrs.wsu.edu | tfrec@wsu.edu

Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center

Wenatchee, WA

Sincerely,

Lee Kalcsits

Professor and Endowed Chair of Tree Fruit Environmental Physiology and Management Interim Director

Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center

Wenatchee, WA 98801

lee.kalcsits@wsu.edu

1100 N Western Avenue Wenatchee, WA 98801 | 509-293-8800 | tfrec.cahnrs.wsu.edu | tfrec@wsu.edu

Letter of Support for WWRP Acquisitions

June 24, 2026

Recreation and Conservation Office

Natural Resources Building, 2nd floor

1111 Washington Street SE

Olympia, WA 98501

To Whom It May Concern,

On behalf of The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, I am writing this letter to express our support for the Washington State Conservation Commission’s application #26-1569 through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) to acquire Hinterlands Farm Phase 2 as an agricultural easement in Manson, Chelan County. This grant would allow acquisition of an additional

177 acres of high value orchard and shrub steppe habitat near Lake Chelan, contiguous to the Hinterlands Phase 1 WWRP awarded grant of 336 acres. This acquisition would contribute to agriculture viability in a region that is experiencing rapid farmland loss while supporting the community and preserving important habitat for wildlife.

Local economy and industries rely on consistent agriculture production in North Central Washington. Conserving this property in perpetuity would contribute to community benefits, particularly those depending on agriculture, and preserve the historical and cultural values of the region. Hinterlands Phase 2 is a critical property in the area since it contains prime farmland, high-yielding fruit crop varieties, land that has the potential to support other crop types or livestock, senior water rights, and diverse wildlife and pollinator habitat.

The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. Our organization works closely with many growers in Central Washington and throughout the country, including the owners of Hinterlands Farm, to create pollinator and other beneficial invertebrate habitat. In addition, Hinterlands Farms is working diligently to obtain Bee Better Certification for their crops which, in addition to mandating habitat on the farm, also includes supporting pest management strategies that minimize or eliminate risks to pollinators. I personally surveyed this area this spring and documented over 40 native plant species which represents just a portion of the floral diversity on this site. The high-quality remnant habitat at Hinterlands Farms supports innumerable species of pollinator and other invertebrates and is a valuable part of the area’s natural heritage.

We urge the Washington State Conservation Commission with annual monitoring assistance from the Cascadia Conservation District to conserve the full 513 acres of Hinterlands to protect the Lake Chelan Valley’s local economy and identity, eliminate development pressures, and preserve critical wildlife corridors. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation encourages RCO to fund the Hinterlands Phase 2 agricultural conservation easement.

Sincerely,

Michael Trier

Inland Northwest Pollinator Habitat Specialist

The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

(509)-852-5522 | michael.trier@xerces.org

SEPA Announcement - Reiser Boat Lift Project - Comments due 6/19/26

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/separ/Main/SEPA/Record.aspx?SEPANumber=202602022

SEPA Announcement - Olsen Shoreline Exemption - Comments due 5/23/2026

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/separ/Main/SEPA/Record.aspx?SEPANumber=202601797

New ADU State Laws are Coming Soon

Chelan County Community Development encourages people with unpermitted, detached accessory dwelling units (ADU) that are outside an urban growth area to come in and talk with them before new state laws go into effect on July 1.

A bill recently passed by the state Legislature will impose higher fines and after-the-fact permitting fees on detached ADUs that are unpermitted and outside an urban growth area. The bill also includes several new regulations.

“We want to work with people before these new regulations and fines go into effect,” Community Development Director Deanna Walter said. “Come talk with us before you must abide by these new state-mandated rules. We will try to work with you to get you permitted and built to current compliance before the new rules hit.”

In an effort to ease the state’s housing crisis in rural areas, the state Legislature passed HB 1345, which allows one ADU, either attached or detached, on one parcel of land located outside an urban growth area, or UGA. Unincorporated Chelan County has allowed ADUs to be built on properties since 2011, so the implementation tools are already in place.

“The new legislation intended to spur more housing options for people, but some of these new regulations are going to be costly for people found out of compliance after July 1,” Walter said. “If you own an unpermitted, detached ADU in one of our rural areas, don’t wait to contact us. We may be able to help you.”

For a summary of the new regulations and the fines, go to our website. Or call Community Development at 509-667-6225.