Protecting the Enchantments: The Alpine Lakes Wilderness at 50

• Group size100 people

Explore the lasting significance of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and the challenges facing one of Washington’s most beloved backcountry destinations. Learn about the purpose and value of designated Wilderness, the impacts of increasing visitation in the Enchantments, and current efforts to support stewardship, conservation, and sustainable recreation. Attendees will gain insight into the 2026 hiking season, emerging initiatives to better protect the area, and opportunities to engage in the future of Wilderness preservation. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. About our speakers: Suzanne Cable is a wilderness advocate based in Wenatchee, Washington. She completed a 30-year career with the U.S. Forest Service in 2024, serving most recently as the Wilderness, Trails, and Recreation Program Manager for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Mat Lyons is the Executive Director of TREAD, a North Central Washington nonprofit focused on advancing sustainable outdoor recreation through regional collaboration. His work brings together public agencies, businesses, recreation organizations, and community partners to support stewardship, recreation infrastructure, conservation funding, and sustainable access to public lands.