One of Chelan County’s greatest treasures is its many orchards, including apples, cherries, and pears, that line the Columbia River and stretch from Lake Chelan to the Wenatchee Valley. These orchards have thrived for decades thanks to the area’s unique growing conditions, with hot summer days, cool nights, and high-quality soil. The tree fruit industry is not only the largest employer in Chelan County, providing vital economic opportunity, but it also contributes immeasurable beauty to our landscape.
These family-run farms serve as habitat for countless species of birds and mammals, and their irrigation systems often act as natural fire breaks between wildlands and populated areas. Unfortunately, family farms are disappearing, not only here in Chelan County, but across Washington State and the nation. According to the USDA Census of Agriculture (2022), Chelan County lost 15% of its farmland over the past five years, much of it from small farms under 50 acres.
Some of the orchards at highest risk are the small, multi-generational pear orchards along the Wenatchee River corridor, from Leavenworth to Monitor. Without support, many of these cherished orchards face conversion into low-density housing developments.
Residents Coalition of Chelan County is committed to raising awareness of this issue and working to promote meaningful, community-driven solutions to help preserve our orchards.