How we do our work

Our mission is to conserve the most important lands in the Columbia River region and then steward those lands forever. We are guided in our mission by strategic organization plans and land conservation plans, which identify:

• The most important signature landscapes and vital habitats to conserve
• The most effective strategies to conserve these lands
• The most effective ways to engage our communities in this work

   

We apply these priorities in seeking out and working with conservation-minded landowners, partners and funding sources. Columbia Land Trust acquires land or development rights (easements) on land through direct donations and by purchasing land outright.

Land or easement donations

We work directly with willing landowners to develop an approach that best meets their needs. Landowners can donate full ownership or a conservation easement, which places specific restrictions on the future use of land. Once Columbia Land Trust has secured rights to the land, we manage it under a stewardship plan and legally defend its conservation, if necessary. 

Learn more about donating land >>

Land purchases

If a landowner isn’t in a position to donate land, we’ll often work with them to buy the parcel outright, using financial contributions from grants, our members, and other sources. We also identify threatened lands that have significant scenic, environmental or recreational value and use financial contributions from private donors to target and purchase these parcels.

Learn more about financial contributions >>