Chamber Boost Transforms Leavenworths Recreation Ambassador Program

Chelan County allocated an additional $90,000 to the Leavenworth Recreation Ambassador Program, raising its total funding to $135,000 for the year. The program, now in its fifth year, supplements U. S. Forest Service Rangers at various trailheads and river locations. In response to recent personnel cuts at the USFS, ambassadors will become the primary workforce in underserved areas.

This season, the program will expand operations from 10 to 15 weekends, engaging visitors with two volunteer groups at each location. Two full-time and two part-time seasonal employees will also support this effort. The Chamber of Commerce will partner with TREAD to launch the "One for the Outdoors" initiative, which aims to gather additional funds for staffing and supplies not covered by the lodging tax. In 2024, the program interacted with over 14,000 visitors, collected 129 bags of trash, and noted over 200 violations, underscoring the need for enhanced visitor engagement and environmental stewardship. The funding comes from the county's lodging tax, which is levied on overnight stays in unincorporated areas.