The McKenzie River Trust knows that the ecological values of our communities are priceless. Unfortunately, many of these ecological, environmental and aesthetic values are shrinking or even disappearing because of pollution, growth, and development. Change happens fast, and with multiple endangered and threatened species living in our backyards and people tied to the land in multiple ways, the time is now to conserve our natural heritage, our 'wild' places, and our aesthetic views.

We have an opportunity as lovers of the natural environment, as concerned citizens, as landowners, and as Oregonians to protect the lands that define us and give us our sense of place. We can work to protect the ecological values and species within our watersheds and ensure that future generations will have the same opportunities to enjoy their local environment the way we enjoy it today.

Habitat Protection

One of the primary reasons the McKenzie River Trust works to conserve our special local lands is to protect critical habitat that key species in our communities rely on for survival. Protecting habitat not only ensures that species will continue to have an environment to thrive in but also contributes to clean drinking water, provides an aesthetically appealing community, and helps secure passive recreational opportunities for future generations. In many cases there are only small niches or refuges that act as a ‘last stand’ for certain sensitive species in Lane and Douglas counties. Protecting these remaining habitat holds is one of McKenzie River Trust’s highest priorities.

Open Space Preservation

The McKenzie River Trust is committed to working with private landowners to help them conserve their land and protect open spaces. Open Space plays an integral role in local communities. It helps to define sense of place and quality of life. Open space provides aesthetically pleasing views, parks, and sanctuaries for wildlife. Open space affords the ability to passively recreate on beautiful lands in our "backyards." In just an hour or two's drive within Lane and Douglas Counties one could be fishing a pristine river, collecting mushrooms under moss-covered coastal firs or taking a long trek in the wildness of the Cascade foothills. 

However, as populations continue to grow and urban areas continue to expand, more and more open space will be  developed to make way for urban and suburban growth. That is why the work of McKenzie River Trust is so important. Our work in open space preservation not only protects beautiful scenery and viewsheds, it also protects water quality, functioning habitat, wildlife populations, recreational oppurtunities and quality of life.

Providing Educational Opportunities

Protecting ecologically significant lands around our communities ensures an outdoor classroom for future generations to learn from and enjoy. Preserving the environment now will give future generations the opportunity to have an eyes, ears and hands-on experience with the natural environment around them and not just have to read about it in books. McKenzie River Trust recognizes that those that experience the natural environment around them are those that are moved by it and will act to protect it. To help create future conservationists, the McKenzie River Trust works to educate the public on the benefits of land conservation and restoration. McKenzie River Trust also offers field trips to lands that have been protected with knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the land's ecological values.