Reflections on Measure 20-373
March 17, 2026
McKenzie River Trust Executive Director Joe Moll shares his reflections on the proposed “Lane County Watershed Bill of Rights” (Measure 20-373).
From the Field
Public Notice: McKenzie River Trust Seeks Accreditation Renewal
November 24, 2025
McKenzie River Trust is pleased to announce it is applying for its third accreditation renewal through the national Land Trust Alliance. The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The public is invited to comment through Monday, December 22nd, 2025
Caring Across Time
November 13, 2025
More than four years ago, McKenzie River Trust expanded our work into Lincoln County to help safeguard this special place. Now, we’re carrying forward the good work of the Central Coast Land Conservancy and expanding impact across the Yaquina River watershed.
Partnerships at Work in the McKenzie Valley
August 31, 2025
The completion of restoration at Quartz Creek bolsters a growing network of efforts to protect water and wildlife across the McKenzie River watershed.
Tribal-led Restoration Efforts Return Ancient Fish to their Historic Habitat
August 1, 2025
In late June, Pacific Lamprey were released into the upper Long Tom River, marking the first time these ancient fish have swum in this part of the watershed in nearly 100 years. Part of a decades-long restoration initiative, the release was carried out by fisheries staff from the Nez Perce Tribe and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), who harvested the adult spawning fish at Willamette Falls, collected DNA samples, and then released them into the Long Tom River.
175 Acres Protected Forever on Gate Creek
June 3, 2025
In May, McKenzie River Trust completed the purchase of 175 acres of high-priority habitat from Weyerhaeuser. This acquisition reflects the strength of thoughtful collaboration between conservation organizations and industry partners as we work to protect special places for Oregon’s communities, who rely on both commercial timber and natural habitats for economic and community health.
Restoration Underway at Quartz Creek
May 3, 2025
McKenzie River Trust and partners broke ground on a major floodplain restoration project on Quartz Creek this May. The project aims to reconnect the creek with its historic floodplain, benefiting the ecosystem and the plants, animals, and people who rely on it.
Partnering for Clean Water on Oregon’s Coast
May 1, 2025
Almost all of Oregon’s coastal communities face water insecurity. Since 2020, we’ve been working with a broad coalition of partners to identify solutions to the coast’s drinking water challenges. These efforts are being uplifted across Oregon’s coastal communities, with Land Trusts at the table as transaction specialists who can support communities in acquiring land or protecting it through conservation easements.
Fifty-five years after the first Earth Day, things continue to improve for air, land, and water.
April 4, 2025
At times, the uncertainty of changing environmental and political climates can feel insurmountable. Still, across our country, sustained efforts to safeguard land and water have resulted in widespread improvements in the health of our communities. Since the first Earth Day in 1970, these efforts have led to a 78% drop in common air pollutants and widespread improvements to water quality nationally. These changes did not happen because of government regulation alone. They happened because of people like you who have continued to show up, knowing that every action can bring us closer to a better future.
Ferguson Creek Working Lands Conservation Easement Expands Protections in the Long Tom Watershed
March 11, 2025
Thanks to the care of local landowners Trey and Tammie Hagen, 150 acres of riparian habitat and working lands, including roughly 45 acres of farmland and 50 acres of timber, have been protected forever through a working lands conservation easement with McKenzie River Trust.
On This Land 2025
February 4, 2025
The On This Land winter writers series weaves stories of connection between people and place. From family homes to prairies, hidden lakes, and faraway lands, nature becomes a venue to explore our collective humanity.
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Each of the pieces within this collection was generously contributed by local writers and supporters of McKenzie River Trust. We hope you will join us in celebrating the deep and nourishing connections that are formed on this land.
Submit Your Story – On This Land 2025
December 17, 2024
Celebrate your connection to place through our annual winter writers series. On This Land showcases local poets and nonfiction authors as they probe what it means to be “on this land.” Submissions are due by Wednesday, January 22nd for consideration for our public reading on Sunday, February 23rd
