Recreation Ambassador Program to Expand

LEAVENWORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXPANDS ITS RECREATION AMBASSADOR PROGRAM WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDING FROM CHELAN COUNTY LODGING TAXES

Now in its fifth year, the program will expand from 10 to 15 weekends while providing support at] trailheads and river access locations in the wake of recent USFS staff cuts

LEAVENWORTH, Wash. – In the wake of recent staff cuts at the U.S. Forest Service, including the elimination of 10 positions at the Leavenworth-based Wenatchee River Ranger District, the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce has announced plans to expand its popular Recreation Ambassador Program from 10 weekends to 15 weekends beginning May 31.

Made possible through a generous $90,000 award from the Chelan County lodging tax fund, the expanded program will provide enhanced support at local trailheads and river access locations, including visitor education, trash collection, and more. In 2024 alone, Recreation Ambassadors contacted more than 14,000 people and collected more than 130 bags of trash throughout the 10-weekend program. Ambassadors are supplied by nonprofit organizations that can earn a service grant of $2,000 per weekend to assist with their local fundraising initiatives.  

“This summer marks the fifth anniversary of our Recreation Ambassador Program and to honor that milestone, we’ve expanded the program at what has turned out to be a critical time for the protection of our natural resources and recreation assets,” said Troy Campbell, Executive Director of the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. “We are pleased to see the Chelan County Commissioners recognize the value of this program and for prioritizing stewardship and responsible recreation. This funding will allow us to meet the growing demands of our community and visitors alike, while serving as a possible model for future adaptation throughout the county.”

With the additional funding, highlights of the expanded Recreation Ambassador Program will include:

●      An increase in Volunteer Program Service Grant opportunities from 10 weekends to 15 weekends, starting May 31

●      Hiring of one full-time Recreation Ambassador Program coordinator

●      Three additional dedicated staff members to support volunteer teams and serve as Recreation Ambassadors on weekends

In addition to the program's expansion, the Chamber will support the launch of “One for the Outdoors,” a fundraising initiative from local member organization TREAD, which promotes sustainable outdoor recreation initiatives in North Central Washington. Through One for the Outdoors, consumers have the opportunity to contribute $1 at the point of sale at participating local businesses, providing a valuable funding source for local recreation operational needs. Donations can also be made directly to TREAD, a 501c(3) organization. All funds collected will be managed by an Advisory Council composed of area recreation groups, the Chamber of Commerce, and participating businesses.

For more information about the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce’s Recreation Ambassador Program, please visit www.leavenworth.org.

About the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce

The Leavenworth Chamber’s mission is to promote commerce, tourism, the Bavarian Theme, economic development, diversification, and cooperation among the business community, governments, and residents of the Chamber membership area.

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