In 2003 WDFW acquired 227 acres surrounding the Chelan Hatchery. The acquisition provided the opportunity to preserve riparian and shrubsteppe habitat and restore habitats on the portion of the property formerly in orchard. A stakeholder group with active participation from sixteen organizations focused on 60 acres located between Highway 97 and the Columbia River to create the Beebe Springs Natural Area. The group's vision for this area is to restore habitats destroyed or degraded by past orchard operation, enhance and create anadromous fish habitat in Beebe Creek and along the Columbia River shoreline, and build a trail system with interpretive and educational elements. Phase 1 of the project, the restoration of Beebe Creek, will be completed in 2006. Phase 2 of the project, to be completed in 2007-2008, will include riparian and shrubsteppe vegetation establishment adjacent to the restored Beebe Creek. Anadromous fish rearing habitat enhancements will be completed along the Columbia River shoreline (side channels and islands) that will also benefit wildlife using the area. A parking lot, interpretive signing, and initial trail loop around the creek with viewpoints will be completed to allow public enjoyment of the area. Future phases will concentrate on extending the trail system and completing additional riparian habitat and anadromous fish rearing enhancements on the Columbia River shoreline.