This unit has limited access as it is only accessible by boat.
The Cashmere Pond Unit is accessible ONLY by boat via the Wenatchee River—limited public access coupled with extensive riparian habitat results in greater use by a variety of birds. The unit contains a small pond that was developed from an old borrow pit used during highway construction. The unit has been the site of multiple salmon restoration projects, including a constructed channel connecting the pond to the Wenatchee River, benefiting federally listed Upper Columbia spring chinook salmon and steelhead.
The Cashmere Pond Unit is adjacent to the Wenatchee River immediately north of Cashmere in Chelan County.
The Cashmere Pond Unit is immediately adjacent to the Wenatchee River in the east Cascades.
This unit is part of the Chelan Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 251
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Recreation and access advisories
- This unit is accessible ONLY by boat via the Wenatchee River.
Fishing
This unit provides fishing opportunity for steelhead and whitefish.
Fishing advisories
- This unit is accessible ONLY by boat via the Wenatchee River.
Wildlife viewing
This unit is dominated by riparian habitat and contains a small pond, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Conservation
This unit is dominated by riparian habitat and contains a small pond that developed from an old borrow pit used during highway construction.
Special habitats and species
Restored riparian habitat on the unit helps protect the federally listed chinook salmon and steelhead.
Conservation goals
- Maintain and restore floodplains for fish habitat
- Protect tiger salamander habitat by preventing the drying of wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams
Restored riparian habitat on the unit helps protect the federally listed chinook salmon and steelhead.
- Maintain and restore floodplains for fish habitat
- Protect tiger salamander habitat by preventing the drying of wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams
Land stewardship
The Cashmere Ponds Unit was purchased as a state mitigation site from a culvert repair project on State Route 36.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 2010.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| State of Washington | Mitigation Funds |
Management planning
2018 Chelan Wildlife Area Management Plan
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is developing a new management plan for the Chelan Wildlife Area. The wildlife area includes about 30,874 acres of land in Chelan and Okanogan counties. WDFW acquired most of the wildlife area property as a result of a 1963 agreement with the Chelan County PUD to lessen the impact of the Rocky Reach Dam project on wildlife. The department manages the area primarily for big game and upland game birds. Chelan Wildlife Area provides a great variety of recreational opportunities including hunting, photography, wildlife viewing, and camping. The wildlife area's numerous dirt roads, which are closed to motorized vehicles, offer good hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. The new plan will address the status of wildlife species and their habitat, ongoing restoration efforts, management challenges such as invasive species and public recreation opportunities at the wildlife area.
Planning Advisory Committee
Chelan Wildlife Area Advisory Committee