Our Mission
Western Rivers Conservancy protects outstanding river ecosystems in the western United States. We acquire land to conserve critical habitat, provide public access for compatible use and enjoyment, and cooperate with other agencies and organizations to secure the health of whole ecosystems.
In every corner of the American West is a stream that cries out for protection, because it is habitat for endangered fish and wildlife, because it is the scenic centerpiece of a community, or because it is a favorite haunt of boaters, anglers, and hikers. Western Rivers Conservancy answers those calls for help with one of the strongest tools for river protection: land acquisition.
Founded in 1988, Western Rivers Conservancy is the Nation's only conservation program dedicated solely to the protection of riverlands. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, we operated for many years as a program of River Network but in 2001 took our place as an independent non-profit organization.
Western Rivers Conservancy has helped protect hundreds of miles of river frontage -- on such rivers as the Snake, Smith, Hoh, Sandy, Madison and Chetco. River conservation requires sensitivity to the resource, respect for landowner's needs, flexibility to adjust to the situation, persistence and expertise. Western Rivers Conservancy has set the professional standard in dealing with issues unique to river corridors - issues of resource assessment, valuation, title, funding and management.
