Our Story
Since 2018 a small local group has been meeting about the idea of increasing recreational opportunities in close proximity to Chewelah. Despite Chewelah’s natural beauty, there are few single track trails within a short distance from Chewelah. The group decided that in order to be be successful in obtaining funding to accomplish these lofty goals they needed to become a non-profit.
Making Progress
In late 2018 the Chewelah Valley Land Trust obtained it’s 501c3 non-profit status. It’s board of directors is made up of 9 members. Since then, CVLT has been awarded two land acquisition grants to purchase Gold Hill and one technical support grant. As a part of the requirements for the grant the Land Trust must have an appraisal completed which they are currently in process of completing.
One touch of nature makes the whole world kin
The Chewelah Community Forest
The Chewelah Community Forest is a proposed land acquisition by the Chewelah Valley Land Trust. The subject property is 400 acres of forest land owned by Hancock Timber Management. The property is comprised of four individual parcels under tax parcel numbers 263300, 2630900, 2637950, and 0294396.
The Community Forest property would provide recreation opportunities for the local community including hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing. As Chewelah continues to grow, this property would ensure that residents have easy access to open spaces for recreation and education.
The Chewelah Valley Land Trust has applied for a state-funded grant to acquire the property under the DNR Community Forest Grant Program.