Winter logging operations begin In Lake Wenatchee area

LEAVENWORTH — Winter logging operations have commenced on two timber sales near Lake Wenatchee, marking the latest phase of the Upper Wenatchee Pilot Project.

The operations, located 20 miles north of Leavenworth on the Wenatchee River Ranger District, will involve Hampton Lumber Company and Gibson and Son LLC working on the Meadow DxP and Raging DxP Stewardship timber sales, respectively.

The project, which began tree felling and road preparation in mid-October, will continue through summer 2025. Operators selected winter operations to take advantage of frozen ground conditions that help protect sensitive soil areas.

Wenatchee River District Ranger Erica Taecker addressed safety concerns for winter recreationists. "Please be aware that logging trucks will be hauling through the Fish Lake Sno-Park on weekdays and snowmobile riders and other winter recreationists will need to remain alert for logging truck traffic in the vicinity of the Sno-park," Taecker said.

The logging activities are concentrated near several major forest roads, including the West Chiwawa #6306, Big Meadow Creek #6300, Road #62, and the Meadow Ridge Road #6307. While logging operations will affect some areas, officials confirm that many miles of groomed snowmobile routes in the Fish Lake and Chiwawa areas remain unaffected by the hauling operations.

To accommodate both logging operations and recreation, no log hauling will occur on weekends. The purchasers will maintain haul roads with a snow base to allow for continued snowmobile grooming on weekends and holidays.

The timber sales are part of a larger forest management initiative aimed at reducing wildfire risk to local communities and promoting forest health. The Forest Service is collaborating with Chelan County and the North Central Washington Forest Health Collaborative on the implementation of the Upper Wenatchee Pilot Project.

The Fish Lake Sno-Park, situated at the intersection of Roads #6200 and #6300, will remain open throughout the winter season, though Taecker cautioned against snowmobiling on active haul routes during weekdays due to safety concerns.

The Winter Recreation Program at Washington State Parks oversees Sno-Park management in partnership with various agencies and private landowners. Winter trail grooming typically operates from early December through March, weather conditions permitting.