Mission: Western rivers conservancy's mission is to protect outstanding river ecosystems in the western united states. (continued on schedule o)we acquire land to conserve critical habitat, provide public access for compatible use and enjoyment, and cooperate with other organizations and agencies to secure the health of whole river ecosystems.
Programs: Western rivers conservancy's mission is to protect outstanding river ecosystems in the western united states. We acquire land to conserve critical habitat, provide public access for compatible use and enjoyment, and cooperate with other organizations and agencies to secure the health of whole river ecosystems. (continued on schedule o)western rivers conservancy (wrc) is the only organization in the western united states that focuses solely on riparian corridor conservation along outstanding western streams. By acquiring riverlands with high conservation values, wrc creates sanctuaries for imperiled fish and wildlife, buffering the impacts of climate change, water use, logging, mining and other development. Wrc's projects improve habitat connectivity in some of the west's most biologically important regions. Our acquisitions also enhance recreational opportunities for people by opening access to extensive reaches of our most treasured western streams. Founded in 1988 and incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) in 2001, western rivers conservancy uses a market-based approach of buying riverlands from corporate and individual willing sellers. We bring to bear creative real estate techniques and unique approaches to conservation finance and get maximum leverage from private capital and community partnerships. With headquarters in portland, oregon, we have additional offices in denver, olympia and san francisco. Wrc is governed by a thirteen-member board of directors and has 18 staff members. In fiscal year 2017, western rivers conservancy had 26 active projects in six states. Wrc permanently protected 776 acres of land along four of the finest rivers in oregon, colorado and idaho. In addition, wrc purchased 11,791 acres and 21. 75 river miles along 15 western rivers. Western rivers conservancy held an additional 33,657 acres along 9 rivers and worked to place these lands into permanent protective stewardship. Wrc also had contractual commitments to conserve more than 8,993 acres of land in future years.
Western Rivers Conservancy is an accredited land trust. Accreditation means Western Rivers Conservancy meets national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Western Rivers Conservancy has demonstrated to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission its commitment to excellence. Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. These land trusts demonstrate their commitment to excellence by adopting Land Trust Standards and Practices, the ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust, and meeting the accreditation requirements drawn from them. Learn More: http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/about.