Proposal would add 125,800 acres to wilderness

WENATCHEE — The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest’s new forest plan recommends adding 125,800 acres to seven of the forest’s wilderness areas.

Wilderness areas make up more than a third of the forest, or 1.47 million acres.

Forest Supervisor Becki Heath told The Wenatchee World a major reason for proposing an addition to wilderness areas is to help the Forest Service manage wilderness boundaries and trails.

Environmental groups would like to see that number grow, while recreation enthusiasts are pushing for recreation to be a bigger part of the forest plan.