35 Years Caring for Oregon’s Lands and Rivers

35 years ago, a small group of neighbors who cared deeply about the health of the McKenzie River came together to protect its exceptional water quality, founding McKenzie River Trust in 1989. At that time, local couple Ann and Dave Fidanque were busy raising their family. On weekends, they would immerse their children in nature, regularly spending time at a US Forest Service cabin on the upper McKenzie River. Ann recalls, “In those days, ours and the neighbor’s kids would take off in a large group of perhaps six or seven. They would spend the day running around in the forest until they descended upon someone’s cabin in search of food. That time outdoors was so precious.” By the early 1990s, the family considered the upper McKenzie an extension of their home, so when a clearcut was proposed for a hillside just across the river, Ann and others were concerned about the area’s future and what such actions may mean for the river’s health. 

A seasonal stream flows into Horse Creek (1994)

“The McKenzie River had just been designated as Wild and Scenic,” shared Ann. “The proposed clearcut was on a privately owned property surrounded by US Forest Service land. The Forest Service had shared interest in purchasing the property, but their budget was fully allocated for the year.” Determined to keep the McKenzie River wild, Ann, Dave, and their neighbors approached McKenzie River Trust to see what may be possible. “The Trust agreed to work with neighbors, complete the property purchase, and hold it until the US Forest Service could buy it. Neighbors came together to help cover the cost, and the Trust completed the transaction. This collective community action was inspiring. It provided a great example of how people can come together and get things done for their communities and the river.” 

That purchase was the first of nearly 100 land protection projects completed by the Trust since its founding. Though the parcel was relatively small, the collective success caught the attention of neighbors nearby, including Louise Solliday. Louise recollects, “The McKenzie River was one of the first areas we explored while searching for jobs in Oregon. Coming from Pennsylvania, I was struck by the clarity and quality of the water and immediately knew that it was worth protecting.” Louise had moved to the McKenzie and was working as the Director of Administration and State Conservation Coordinator with the Oregon Rivers Council (now Pacific Rivers). Here, she quickly became familiar with the work of the Trust and became an early supporter. “I was working with Bob Doppelt, one of the organization’s founders. I was immediately impressed by the goal of the Trust to protect land and started following them closely.” 

Over the next three decades, Ann and Louise continued as members of the Trust while each navigated their respective careers, Ann in the classroom and as a curriculum developer, Louise in the State Capitol, and eventually as Director of the Oregon Department of State Lands. As the Trust continued to grow, so did their support. 

In 2013, Louise joined McKenzie River Trust’s Board of Directors. At that time, she had moved to the Alsea River and was working as the Acting Manager of the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. The Trust had recently acquired haich ikt’at’uu (formerly Waite Ranch) and was beginning to explore restoration opportunities in the tidal estuary. Louise’s expertise and passion for coastal wetlands helped guide conversations leading to the current restoration work on that property. In 2019, Louise welcomed Ann onto the Board of Directors, and the two women, who had each played a foundational role in the early success of McKenzie River Trust, found themselves sitting at the same table. 

Ann and Louise each share a love for Oregon’s outdoors. Like many McKenzie River Trust members, they believe that future generations deserve the same access to clean water and abundant natural lands that we benefit from today. When asked about her motivation to remain a member, Ann highlighted the Trust’s adaptability. “Watching the organization’s land protection efforts grow was encouraging, but the restoration work has galvanized our support. When COVID hit, the McKenzie River was our salvation. It was a place to get outside, hike, and safely be with friends outdoors. After the heartbreaking impacts of the Holiday Farm Fire in 2020, McKenzie River Trust’s ability to pivot and care for the land, backed by successful reforestation projects like Green Island, reminded us that the land is resilient, and with a bit of collective care, healing was possible.” 

McKenzie neighbors gather at Drury Meadows (2007)
Ann and Dave Fidanque (left) attend a Farms to Rivers dinner (2014)
Louise and fellow board members tour a property (2014)

Looking to the future, Ann is reassured by the reciprocal nature of healing. “McKenzie River Trust cares for the land and connects people to special places like Green Island and the Willamette Confluence. Being outdoors is healing. It’s our responsibility to bring people along on this journey of caring for the land so that all generations can find solace in these special places.”

From our early days on the upper McKenzie River to caring for more than 10,000 acres of land across western Oregon, it is our neighbors, people like Ann and Louise, who have turned their values into action on behalf of clean water, abundant natural lands, and thriving communities for generations to come. 

Ann pauses in the floodplain at Finn Rock Reach (2016)
Louise pauses in the forest at Finn Rock Reach (2018)

This #GivingTuesday, Louise, Ann, and her husband, Dave, are calling on others to join or renew their McKenzie River Trust membership through a $50,000 match challenge. For every gift made to the Trust on Tuesday, December 3rd, these longtime supporters will match your contribution dollar for dollar until we reach our $100,000 goal. 

Louise emphasizes that “People are more impacted by dollars that stay local. You can see your dollars being invested wisely. What McKenzie River Trust does to protect land in perpetuity safeguards ecologically important places against the development pressures we have today and those that might exist in the future. This work cannot be undone despite what may happen at the state or national level. As a member of the Trust, I can leverage my resources to maintain and restore special places now and into the future.”

For 35 years, our community has worked to safeguard special places. Decade after decade, you have led with a steadfast commitment to preserving the legacy of Oregon’s outdoors for future generations to enjoy. This #GivingTuesday, we hope you will join Ann, Louise, and others as we turn our love of this landscape into action for the future of Oregon’s outdoors and the children who will get to explore them. 

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