FAQS
How does Methow Conservancy ownership affect users on the more than 10 miles of skiing, walking, biking, and snowshoeing trails on Sunny M Ranch?
Good news—trail access will now be formalized and secured! For decades, trail users have enjoyed the Sunny M Ranch thanks to the goodwill of the Haub Family, but no access agreements were ever established. The Methow Conservancy will grant permanent access to the trail system managed by Methow Trails, which includes all of the existing summer and winter trails on the Sunny M property.
How will you work with Methow Trails to manage the 10 miles of trail on the Sunny M Ranch?
We are thrilled to partner with Methow Trails to provide year-round trail access on the Sunny M Ranch to ensure that these recreational opportunities remain available to the community forever. We will be like any of the 175 other landowners that Methow Trails works with; we’ll provide the land and access easements to the trails, and they will manage and maintain the trail system, including grooming, managing ticket/pass sales, and hosting ski races and events. We may collaborate on trailwork parties and restoration opportunities.
How does Methow Conservancy ownership affect summer trail use?
Existing summer trail access on the Sunny M Ranch will be protected. Click HERE for summer trail access maps.
Will you expand the summer trails?
Summer trail use in 2023 (as well as winter trail use in 2023-24) will stay the same for now. We are open to hearing public input about expanding trail opportunities through Methow Trails; however, we are committed to balance in the Sunny M Ranch project, so we will not discuss—for example—compromising agricultural use in favor of trails or jeopardizing trail use in the interest of affordable housing. We seek to provide a balance among wildlife habitat, farming, trails, and affordable housing.