About

The organization “Stehekin Heritage” was born out of concern for the future of the Stehekin Community. Vital aspects of community life are being challenged: private land ownership, the operation of private businesses, the historical significance of the private sector, cultural heritage, and the recognition that the community of Stehekin is of value to the visiting public.

Even though our numbers are few, the sense of community is strong in Stehekin and  extends to many who live beyond our valley walls. Many share love and respect for the community and atmosphere of  Stehekin.

However, our voice is small in the face of larger causes such as wilderness management, which aims to minimize human impact and enlarge holdings of land.  The future appears to hold serious challenges for Stehekin if we continue to be unrecognized as a justified, worthy presence in the Stehekin Valley.

Private lands are crucial to the Stehekin community. Private land is the basis of our families, businesses, creativity and culture.

Stehekin private lands were set aside in the enabling legislation, when the Lake Chelan Recreation Area was formed. The community was recognized as a gateway to the mountains that would provide services to the visitor.  Pilots, fishermen, hunters and valley in-holders, senators and congressmen, all fought to keep private land in private hands.

The federal government, quietly and insidiously, continues to acquire private lands in the Stehekin valley, in spite of this acquisition being cited as abuse of original legislation. Acquisition directly affects our community. Each piece of land represents an opportunity for a family, a business, a positive life experience for children and strength added to our community, which also adds to visitor quality experience.