We're Growing: Three Rivers Confluence

Our Board of Directors unanimously voted recently to combine our efforts with Three Rivers Land Conservancy to create the most effective and efficient conservation group in the region!

Three Rivers formed the same time we did – 20 years ago – and we’ve been great partners throughout. Our visions, missions, values, and service areas are fully aligned and our programs fit seamlessly together. The combined strength of programs, staff, and supporters promises to create an unprecedented force to accomplish our shared mission. Together, we’ll accomplish a breadth of work that’s truly significant to the planet and to all Northwest citizens.

We firmly believe we’re poised to conserve literally an order of magnitude more lands and waters in the next year than in any previous year. This is so exciting … and fun!

Thank you! Now, here are answers to some of the most common questions about this combination:

Why are Columbia Land Trust and Three Rivers combining?

The two groups formed at the same time – 20 years ago – and we’ve been great partners throughout. Our visions, missions, values, and service areas are fully aligned and our programs fit seamlessly together. The Boards of Directors of the two organizations recognized the enhanced impact a larger, more sustainable land trust could have for our region. The combined strength of programs, staff, and supporters promises to create an unprecedented force to accomplish our shared mission.

What will be the name of the combined organization?

Effective immediately, the combined organization will be called Columbia Land Trust. In the future, the integrated Board of Directors will assess whether the name continues to serve the combined organization’s goals.

How will combining the organizations affect conservation and stewardship?

We expect the combined organization will be able to do more conservation and stewardship … and do them better. Combining the organizations is also partly driven by the need for a cohesive regional approach to conservation. Conservation efforts need not be limited to state or county borders. In a region growing as quickly as the Pacific Northwest, it’s critical to have conservation organizations that serve local community needs while also taking on regionally-significant projects.

This combination has already accelerated our regional impact. Recently, we were selected to lead the development of a Regional Conservation Framework for the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area. Collaborating with several other groups (Metro, the City of Portland, Clark County, Portland Audubon, the Intertwine Alliance, Urban Greenspaces Institute, and many others), we will drive a science-based biodiversity assessment that will guide regional on-the-ground conservation. Three Rivers has been working for years to achieve this sort of leadership position and the combining with Columbia Land Trust and the creation of this bi-state effort made it possible.

What will be the geographic coverage of the combined organization?

The geographic focus will continue to include the entirety of the current service areas of both Columbia Land Trust and Three Rivers. Specifically, the combined service area stretches approximately 250 miles from east of the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, in both Oregon and Washington. This spans 16 counties – including the major population centers of Portland, Vancouver, Kelso/Longview, Hood River, The Dalles, and Astoria – reaching about 60 miles into both Oregon and Washington from the banks of the Columbia River. The “three” rivers (Tualatin, Clackamas, and lower Willamette) are tributaries of the Columbia and are encompassed by the combined service region.

What will happen to existing conservation easements and lands held by both organizations?

As part of the combination process, conservation easements and fee lands held by Three Rivers will be assigned to the combined organization (Columbia Land Trust).  The restrictions, land use limitations, and reserved rights listed in each easement or deed will remain unchanged. Lands under stewardship of both organizations, whether through ownership or easement, will remain protected in perpetuity.

Who will be the leaders of the combined organization?

An integrated Board of Directors composed of leaders from both organizations will be responsible for overseeing the management, activities, and governance of the combined organization. Jennifer Sims, President of Columbia Land Trust’s board, will continue as President. Founding Columbia Land Trust board member, and current Executive Director, Glenn Lamb will be the Executive Director.

What effect does this have on programs and operations?

The combined organization is in the process of finalizing a new five-year strategic plan (scheduled for board adoption in June, 2010). This plan will guide all decisions about programs and operations. In general, though, most programs already planned for 2010 will continue as planned, including our growing Backyard Habitat Program. The combining process will take time and in the coming months the leadership will evaluate and make further decisions about programs, budgeting, composition of committees, branding and marketing, etc.

What kind of support was there for the combining?

There was overwhelming support for combining the organizations. The Boards of both organizations unanimously voted to form a combined nonprofit organization. Our members and partners also expressed strong support. Staff members are extremely excited about the opportunity it presents to expand the reach of our work. 

Where will the combined organization be located?

The combined organization will operate out of Columbia Land Trust’s main office in Vancouver, WA and its regional offices in Astoria, OR and Hood River, OR. Because we must maintain a strong presence in all the communities we serve, and we are currently planning to establish a Portland office.

How are the expenses of the combination being covered?

Several generous donors and foundations have provided financial support to cover much of the added costs of joining forces. Membership contributions will remain primarily focused on our conservation, stewardship, and outreach programs.

When will the combination be fully implemented and effective?

This is a complicated process that involves numerous properties, programs, and people and requires a significant amount of due diligence and planning to ensure a seamless transition. We expect most of the process to be completed by the end of 2010, but some details and complex transactions may take longer.

What happens to my Columbia Land Trust and/or Three Rivers Land Conservancy membership?

Addressing the needs of each organization’s members and donors is a top priority. All members of Columbia Land Trust and Three Rivers will automatically become members of the combined organization (Columbia Land Trust) as of July 1, 2010. From that point on, you will receive communications from Columbia Land Trust.

Members and donors who renew their support will receive similar benefits they’ve received in the past such as newsletters, invitations to events and tours, and recognition in publications.

How will this affect the annual events?

Both organizations currently have a variety of wonderful events for members and donors. Columbia Land Trust’s biggest event, Wild Splendor, will be held on Friday, September 10, 2010 at the Melody Ballroom in Portland. Wild Splendor is an annual celebration of the generous support of our members and the incredible conservation work they make possible.  It features delicious food and wine, fun music and videos, enthralling speakers, and a lively auction.

We made the hard decision to put Three Rivers’ biggest event, Wine & Land, on “hiatus” for the coming year as we assess its future.

What happens with volunteer activities of each organization?

Our volunteers are critically important to us and our work. We anticipate our volunteer programs to continue to grow. Please check our newsletter and/or website (www.columbialandtrust.org) for current volunteer opportunities.

Where can I get more information about the combination?

We will update this Q&A and announce additional news through e-news, publications, and meetings. If you have specific questions beyond what is posted our combined website (www.columbialandtrust.org), please email info@columbialandtrust.org.