Cowiche Canyon property to expand by 50 acres

YAKIMA, Wash. -- The nonprofit Cowiche Canyon Conservancy is reaching new heights.

The conservancy said Thursday it has completed purchase of about 50 acres along the scenic ridge top of Cowiche Mountain, adding the property to the conservancy-owned Snow Mountain Ranch west of Yakima.

The narrow parcel along the ridge is about a mile long and will now be protected for public and wildlife use.

"The top parcel is critical for us because it represents the summit," executive director Betsy Bloomfield said. "Had that property ultimately been lost to some type of development, it would have really constrained our ability to have a sense of the great outdoors."

The property also is key because it will be part of the 80-mile William O. Douglas Trail, linking Yakima to Mount Rainier, she said.

Previously, hikers at Snow Mountain Ranch trekking across the ranch to the summit of Cowiche Mountain were actually on private property.

The conservancy purchased the property from the ranching family of Stanley and Linda Emerick. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Bloomfield said local funds were used to acquire the land, including a donation from an individual who provided half the money while wishing to remain anonymous.

The conservancy also received help at no charge in the form of a survey by Eric Herzog with Huibregtse Louman Associates of Yakima, and legal assistance from Yakima attorney Jamie Carmody of Velikanje Halvorson.

"This has been a rewarding experience. It is so great to be nestled in the agriculture history and the range cattle history of this area," Bloomfield said. "We get to honor and interpret this as part of our education and outreach."