BLUE MOUNTAIN LAND TRUST
2 022-2 023
IMPACT REPORT
Blue Mountain Land Trust is a nationally-accredited nonprof it land trust working in southeastern Washington and Eastern Oregon. Our mission is to protect the scenic, natural, and working lands of the Blue Mountain region through conservation and stewardship, and connect communities to nature through education and recreation.
CONT EN T S
3 To the future: Celebrating 25 years
8 Conservation Wins: Touchet Orchards
26 Equity in the outdoors (DEIJ)
4 Year in Review
14 Conservation Wins: Mud Creek Dixie Ranch
28 Community Engagement
6 Perspectives
20 Stewardship & Phipps Meadow
32 Trail Stewardship & Horseshoe Prairie
COVER IMAGE Headwaters of the Middle Fork John Day River at Phipps Meadow.
EDITORIAL & DESIGN A LYS S A MA RTINEZ NEUMA NN
PHOTO GRAPH BY MATT FRANKLIN
Staff EXECUT IVE D I RECTOR
Amanda Martino DE PUTY DIRECTOR
Afrose Ahmed CO MMU NICATI ONS & M ARKETI NG DIR ECTO R
Alyssa Martinez Neumann CO NSE R VATI ON M ANAGER
Fraser Moore ADMIN IST RATIVE ASSI STANT
Carlee Allen
Board of Directors PRES IDENT
Robin Fitch VICE PRES IDENT
Mike McArthur S ECRETA RY
Linda Herbert TREA S URER
Rory McClellan
Tim Barry Greg Brown Barbara Manierre Joe Mello Amy Molitor Susan Plunkett Bill Rodgers Emily Slusser
The accreditation seal is awarded to land trusts meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence.
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We’re in this together. As temperatures drop and daylight dwindles, reflecting on the past year fills me with gratitude for the incredible strides made by the Blue Mountain Land Trust community in 2023. This dedicated group of staff, board, volunteers, partners, and supporters, created positive change for communities across the Blue Mountain region. Our Impact Report shares stories and lessons learned from our community engagement, conservation efforts, and stewardship journey. Amidst the trees and scenic meadows, we’ve connected people of all ages to the wonders of the outdoors. From educational visits to protected properties and bug-filled Saturdays in the park to trail expansions at Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area, our impact has been remarkable. Our commitment to equitable outdoor access continued with instructional ski days at Horseshoe Prairie, with free gear use, instruction, snow celebrations, and creating new friendships. Volunteers planted native plants at Sacajawea State Park, a place that honors the Indigenous history of the Tribes that have stewarded this region since time immemorial. We conserved two more incredible places and began restoration work at Phipps Meadow.
Blue Mountain Land Trust turns 25 next year. With your support, we have conserved over 23,300 acres of land in nearly 25 years. Over 40 miles of rivers and streams flow through our 21 protected properties, spread across the Blue Mountain ecoregion from Dayton, Washington, to the Painted Hills in Eastern Oregon. These lands are habitat for thousands of different species of plants, animals, and macroinvertebrates. Our landowners grow crops, raise livestock, and safeguard native plants, critical habitat, and clean water. They steward these lands with care, intention, and respect, and we promise always to do the same. Despite these incredible achievements, there is still so much work to be done. It is more important now than ever to take decisive action to conserve our region’s natural resources. The changing climate and impacts of development continue to threaten our region’s biodiversity and the livability of our planet. As we look to the next 25 years, we know we need to work faster and harder than ever before. There is no time to waste. Our goal is to conserve another 25,000 acres of land over the next ten years. We strive to double our conserved lands in half the time. This is a bold goal. An ambitious endeavor to double the pace and increase the scale of our conservation impact. We have the resolve to work with partners, landowners, and community members to grow our efforts to meet the challenge. With partner and community support, we are confident that we can accomplish this important work together. We are committed to a future Blue Mountain region where all of its inhabitants can thrive — communities, agriculture, and resilient, diverse ecosystems. We invite you to invest in the future with us.
- Aman da Mar tin o / Executive Direc tor
I MPACT R E PO RT | 3
Together, we’re making a big impact.
YE A R I N R EVI EW
23,327
Since our start in 1999:
ACRES OF LAND
SERVING 11 COUNTIES IN
protected across the Blue Mountain region
Washington & Oregon
CONSERVATION FOCUS: Habitat & river restoration projects
20 21
1
Working lands: farms & ranches
conservation easements purchased property
Blue Mountain Land Trust
Mixed-use properties: habitat & agriculture
PHIPPS MEADOW GRANT COUNTY, OR
Recent conservation wins:
Conservation easements
2
focused on farmland preservation & river restoration protection
678
512 ACRES 2.6 MILES
Acres of farmland & riparian habitat
forever protected in southeast Washington
622
STEWARDSHIP HOURS
17
of prime & soils of Mud Creek & of statewide Touchet River signficance protected
transferred in-stream left instream permanently @Touchet River
4
4,732+++ 4,587
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS FOR
500+ children, adults & families CONSERVATION TOURS
at a ranch, ranch, afarm, restoration project, & & farmriver , a river restoration project, the headwaters of of Middle Middlefork River Fork John Day River
6
DEIJ-FOCUSED EVENTS & CO-SPONSORSHIPS
9
YOUTH EDUCATION
School & Walla WallaHighschool High School LatinoClub, Club, Lincoln High Highschool, Walla Walla Latino Confluence, Vital Wines/ Providence Foundation
of habitat for Chinook Salmon & Steelhead Trout
.19 cfs OF WATER 1 cfs
MONITORING SITE VISITS
Connecting communities with nature
19
13.88 ACRES
trail volunteer hours on public lands
=$141,913 value of volunteer hours to keep public trails accessible & beautiful
1,882+ VOLUNTEER HOURS 3,500+
Farm Kids, Nature Kids, & partner outreach
@HORSESHOE PRAIRIE NORDIC SKI AREA
19,097 TOTAL
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trail volunteer hours since 2018.
CO N S E R VATI O N S POTL I GH T
WINTER AT PHIPPS MEADOW A river’s heartbeat in winter’s dream. Natural springs release water to maintain the Middle Fork John Day River’s temperature, ensuring survival for both cold and warm water fish species in the same location. It’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter, even when the river wants to freeze over. It’s a true natural wonder. Bonus: snowcovered beaver dams add to the winter magic.
>> LEARN MORE: BMLT.ORG/PHIPPSMEADOW PH O TO GRA P HS BY MATT FRANK LIN
PE R S PECTI VE S
Our home, our future. What places hold a special place in your heart? What do they mean to you, and what’s at stake if they were to disappear?
“The landscapes that hold a special place in my heart are those where I am deeply intentional and where I’ve fostered profound relationships with nature and people. These places represent a refuge of commonality and should they vanish, we risk losing vital biodiversity, cultural heritage, and food security.”
— FRASER MOORE BMLT Conservation Manager
I grew up in Fruita, CO. I didn’t have an upbringing where we had access to resources to regularly engage in outdoor recreation like mountain biking or snowboarding. But there were mountains all around us, right in my backyard. When I needed to clear my head and escape f rom stress, I would walk the trails. I felt powerful knowing I could climb a mountain, despite whatever f inancial situation I was in. Nature was always there to comfort me, and I think the healing it provides is vital for the human spirit to thrive.
— CARLEE ALLEN BMLT Administrative Assistant & Whitman College Student
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“The landscapes and rivers of the Blue Mountains are the lifeblood of our communities. They have sustained the inhabitants of this region since time immemorial and continue to be an integral part of who we are today. To lose these places is to lose our own identities, for what is a springtime in the Blue Mountains without the salmon in the streams and the elk in the forests? We owe these places a debt of gratitude and have a responsibility for their stewardship. We owe it to them. We owe it to ourselves.”
— ANTON CHIONO Habitat Conservation Project Leader, CTUIR Department of Natural Resources
“The upper reaches of rivers host desired habitat for spawning of salmonids like Spring Chinook Salmon and Steelhead. There is a very f inite amount of these waters so they have an important role in regards to sustainability by having a healthy connected floodplain that provides additional benef its for the residents of the City of Dayton.”
— BILL WARREN Warren Orchards & BMLT Supporter
“It’s easy to be swept away by the grandeur of the Wallowa Mountains and Hells Canyon of Northeast Oregon. But it is the small pieces of a place that bring me the most joy: a perfectly clear spring bubbling f rom the ground, an iridescent insect, a mushroom or plant that I’ve never seen before. Tiny details combine to form the intricate f iligree of nature. These experiences keep me falling in love with the land. I fear that if we don’t honor them, we may collectively lose that connection.”
— PIP REDDING Blue Mountains Trail Coordinator, Greater Hells Canyon Council
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CO N S E R VATI O N WI N S
A river connected. A visionary partnership for the future of the Touchet River.
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P H O T O G R A P H S B Y WILLIAM F RO H N E
Nestled within a rugged landscape, a river meanders through a rich tapestry of industry and tradition. This river stands as a symbol of the enduring synergy between agriculture and the local communities, nurturing the region for generations. Its waters, while carrying the sediment of history, also support the delicate balance of providing for the essential needs of wildlife, Tribes, and farming communities. The Blue Mountain Land Trust recently completed a conservation easement to permanently protect an important stretch of the Touchet River outside of Dayton, WA.
In a pivotal moment in the Touchet River’s history, a visionary partnership emerged. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) brought together forward-thinking farmers, and dedicated conservation organizations for a shared goal: restore the river, its keystone fish species, and the sustenance it provides for all. The project rewrote the narrative, transformed challenges into opportunities for positive change, and rejuvenated a vital ecosystem, all while protecting it forever.
A vision for rivers
together and get a river project going on the entire 3mile stretch of the North Touchet River? That would be a win for the Tribes, the community and the fish,” said Jerry.
Collaboration in action
Blue Mountain Land Trust (BMLT) completed a conservation easement in November 2023 to protect a stretch of the Touchet River outside of Dayton, WA, after more than five years of project development.
Since time immemorial, the CTUIR have stewarded the lands and waters of the Blue Mountain region. Through their robust ‘First Foods’ initiatives, the CTUIR Department of Natural Resources focuses on revitalizing and protecting culturally significant foods. The plan emphasizes CTUIR’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage and securing the sustainability of First Foods for both present and future generations.
A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust, limiting certain use to preserve a property’s conservation values. It prohibits subdivision and development, and often requires specific stewardship practices to benefit wildlife, agriculture, and habitat. This conservation easement permanently protects CTUIR’s investment in the river restoration project to ensure its longevity for future generations.
At the heart of this strategy lies CTUIR’s River Vision, a plan focused on restoring river systems to improve the hydrology, geomorphic, biological funcion, and habitat for native salmon and fish species – a culturally significant ‘First Foods’ for Tribes across the Pacific Northwest.
BMLT connected with Jerry and Bill when they were looking for a land trust partner to help secure the future of the Touchet River. The entire endeavor was complex, combining a multi-phase river restoration project on several properties with a conservation easement and water right transaction to keep water in the stream. As a landowner and farmer, Bill stewards the property to improve the conditions for both viability and ecological health. He is open to knowledge-sharing, especially with neighbors.
To meet the goals, CTUIR Restoration Lead Jerry Middel connects with private landowners along the Upper Touchet River willing to work collectively with the Tribes to restore rivers. In the winter of 2015, he met Bill Warren: apple farmer, rancher, and a lifelong resident of Columbia County. Bill expressed interest in creating fish habitat on his property, so Jerry jumped on the opportunity to seek funds to start a design along Bill’s and his neighbor’s property just upstream. “The new apple grower who purchased the orchard upstream of Bill’s expressed interest in the project through his one-mile stretch of the river. What if I could bring these three significant landowners
“As a farmer, I’m always looking to mitigate risk, protect farmland and property, and become a better steward of the land. And that means continuous learning, listening, and sharing of ideas with others,” said Bill. Back in 2014, Bill learned about the importance of a recently published geomorphic study conducted by the City of Dayton. It was during these initial conversations when he realized the opportunity to transform the river for the better.
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Touchet River - D a yt o n, WA
“I began to understand with more clarity the roles of a properly functioning floodplain. There had been a tremendous amount of work done on the Tucannon River with other projects. I was able to talk to the families involved and understand their commitment to those projects and how they helped address concerns of protecting farmland,” said Bill. “It was really important to see the fruitfulness of the discussions, the commitment from the project supervisors and the project engineers to recognize the problems that were currently existing in the river and how to come up with viable solutions.” With a multigenerational family farming history, Bill is no stranger to stories and first hand experience of challenges and destruction due to seasonal causes. Flooding is a common occurrence on this stretch of the Touchet River, especially during years of high snowpack and unusually warm spring temperatures. “Floods had gone across the land, destroying buildings, bridges, roads and uprooting power poles. Previous renditions of the dike were not supported by hydrologic engineering or other sciences. And ultimately, over those time periods, it failed,” said Bill. “This property and the City of Dayton are exposed to risks from aggregates that move downstream when the floodplain doesn’t have the connectivity to function properly.” “Today folks are taking a different look at the river. They talk about the many benefits from giving the river more space. They talk about cooler, cleaner water and more of it when we need it the most. And how by giving the river space, we can benefit ourselves and people downstream.”
Keeping water instream
In addition to the ongoing efforts to restore and secure a permanent conservation easement for the river corridor, CTUIR was instrumental in facilitating a water transaction with the Washington Water Trust. This helps maintain a steady flow of water in the river, especially during the warm, low-flow months of the year. As part of this initiative, 0.19 cubic feet per second (cfs), a measure representing the volume of
water passing a specific point each second, will be consistently left instream in the Touchet River. This approach significantly benefits salmon and steelhead during their demanding migratory journey to the headwaters for spawning. By ensuring a continuous flow of water, this sustains favorable conditions for fish during a critical point in their life cycle. “The Tribes were looking at reintroducing the Spring Chinook Salmon to the upper reaches of the Touchet River. And we knew that the area that went through our properties and our neighbor’s were not necessarily fish-friendly because the corridors were too narrow,” said Bill. “We knew this from the studies, but we started to figure out we could do something to make a difference.” Increased water instream flow translates to cooler temperatures and dynamic currents, crucial factors in preventing stagnation that could lead to disease and harmful algae blooms. With climate shifts and unpredictable water levels adding to the challenges, the journey for all fish species is becoming progressively more difficult. Addressing these challenges requires innovative and collaborative efforts involving farmers, water rights holders, Tribes, and conservation organizations. Together, they strive to mitigate some of the hurdles and hardships faced by fish species, recognizing the necessity for collective action in the face of evolving environmental conditions. “I think the biggest challenge is bringing forward a greater level of awareness and education to the greater public about the needs of these species at each period of their life cycle and how the river flows, high and low, can impact their survivability. Generational change takes many teaching moments, learned lessons, and open and thoughtful discussion. Catastrophic events like floods and drought historically have required us to think beyond what we have done to discuss what we can do better,“ said Bill.
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A better tomorrow
The Touchet River’s survival is not just about preservation, but of coexistence and adaptation. It’s about moving beyond ecological challenges and creating a fresh chapter where the river, fish, agriculture, and communities thrive in unison. “We’re working under an umbrella philosophy that the tribes call ‘the River Vision,’ which is meant to not only restore habitat, but to improve the hydrology, geomorphic, and biological function of the river. The North Touchet is a relatively small river when you look on the map, but it’s extremely important. What we’re doing here is going to directly benefit all our downstream neighbors,” said Jerry. The Blue Mountain Land Trust is proud to collaborate with CTUIR and partners for a lasting impact on the Touchet River’s future. This work ensures the perpetual protection of 13.88 acres of CTUIR’s river and floodplain restoration project, securing its longevity to the benefit of future generations. The success of this initiative reflects a commitment to environmental preservation, safeguarding the delicate interplay between land, water, and agriculture. Partnership, against all odds, has paved the way for a future where the river’s legacy continues to be a lasting source of life, hope, and prosperity for generations to come. “Building and maintaining common ground rapport with private landowners, nonprofits, Tribes, government agencies, and elected leaders is really important. We already have groups to do the good work, but we need to work together,” said Bill.
>> Learn more about the
Touchet Orchard project: www.bmlt.org/conservation
CO N S E RVATI O N WI N S
Farm fields, forever. Cultivating a conservation legacy at Mud Creek Dixie Ranch.
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P H O TOG R A PH S B Y W I LLI AM FRO H NE
In the heart of the Blue Mountain region, a landscape where rolling foothills cradle the essence of the land, a lifeway woven by fertile soils and generous annual rainfall. Tucked in this grassland tree mosaic, the Mud Creek Dixie Ranch, a 661-acre wheat farm outside Dixie, Washington, stands as both a testament to the past and a beacon for the future. Preserving farmland safeguards regional food security, fosters economic stability, maintains biodiversity, and contributes to climate change mitigation for a sustainable and resilient future. Earlier this year, Blue Mountain Land Trust completed its 19th conservation easement project, adding 661 acres to farmland protected, forever.
Mud C re e k D ix ie R a n c h - Dix ie, WA
Nestled in one of the Walla Walla Valley’s economically viable dryland farming regions, Mud Creek Dixie Ranch is more than just wheat fields. It’s a cherished legacy owned by sisters Jeannie and Lynne Eagleson, who recognized the importance of protecting their 661-acre farm from the encroaching tide of development. Their vision, rooted in the desire to preserve the land for future generations, echoes the sentiments of a bygone era. Protecting the Mud Creek Dixie Ranch property builds on an adjacent farm preservation project completed by BMLT in 2012 for a combined 1,100 acres in a significant agricultural area. The sisters wanted to keep the farm in agricultural production and prevent the trend of dividing the land into smaller parcels, a practice that has become more common in the area since 2020. “We both were astonished at so many houses that we could see on the other tops of different parts of
the mountain and around vineyards. We took a drive around the area and saw these large houses being built. We didn’t really want that,” said Lynne. “We thought that our land had been a very good producer of wheat for a long period of time…. so we just felt like we wanted to keep it in farming.” Beneath the surface of this farmland lies a hidden treasure—the Palouse silt loam, a type of soil of statewide significance and unique identity of the region. Silt loam is a preferred soil type for food, forage, and fiber production due to its water retention, drainage, fertility, workability, aeration, and versatility. Permanent protection of this resource is critical because the transformation becomes irreversible once the soil yields to development. This isn’t just about safeguarding dirt, it’s about securing the livelihoods of agricultural communities and preserving open spaces that support wildlife and plant species.
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Foothills of the Blue Mountai ns from Mud C reek D ixie Ranch - D i x i e, WA
“Farmland preservation is important to feed people. You can’t pave the whole world, and so you need green, you need farms, you need to carry on feeding people, “ said Jeannie. “That was our basic reason, and to make sure that it just doesn’t end up being houses.” The demand to convert farmland to non-agricultural purposes has risen steadily due to population growth, posing a threat to local food systems and each part of the supply chain. As surrounding farms are subdivided and sold for new development, local farm services and suppliers go out of business, impacting the entire community at large. The “Farms Under Threat” study by the American Farmland Trust reveals that if current trends persist, Washington risks losing an additional 192,000 acres of farmland to urban development and low-density housing. Conservation easements help ensure that landscapes with important soils stay in production, providing a lasting place for the intersection of local food production and a legacy for future generations. “I think farmland preservation is really important and needs to continue. Farming has been a large part of Washington state for so many years. There are so many people farming crops– grapes, hops for beer, blueberries, wheat, peas, and sorghum. We need to keep rural areas and support them as well, “ said Lynne. “So this is a way to support the farmers to be able to keep farming.”
Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), BMLT turned a family’s vision into reality. The Mud Creek Dixie Ranch, far from becoming a static piece of protected land, will continue to operate as a vibrant, working farm. Its uplands and riparian areas will be managed with a focus on positive ecological outcomes, ensuring a harmonious balance between agriculture and nature.
Beyond its agricultural role, Mud Creek Dixie Ranch doubles as a wildlife refuge. Steep forested uplands and riparian habitats along the winding Mud Creek — a tributary of Dry Creek — create a corridor for Northwest white-tailed deer, golden eagles, and ring-necked pheasants. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) identified this area as critical for these priority species, sharing the interconnectedness of farmland and biodiversity.
“We are very proud to work with the Eagleson family on this project. Mud Creek Dixie Ranch demonstrates the interconnectedness of people, land, and diverse ecosystems. In the Blue Mountain region, every acre tells a story, highlighting the decision to conserve, safeguard, and uplift the delicate balance between progress and preservation for the times ahead,” said Amanda Martino, BMLT Executive Director. “Soils of statewide significance take thousands of years to form and must be preserved for the future.”
The conservation easement didn’t happen overnight and took several years of dedicated effort. Collaborating with the Natural Resources
>> Learn more about the Mud Creek Dixie
Ranch project: www.bmlt.org/conservation
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L A N D S & WATE R S STEWARD SHIP
Revitalizing land for a resilient future.
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C a ny o n C re e k R an c h - M itc h ell, O R
The Blue Mountain region
is like no other. From rolling farm fields to flowing rivers and sagebrush seas, these landscapes hold what we
value most: clean water, open
spaces, critical wildlife habitat, good soils, and the well-being of agricultural communities. BMLT doesn’t just talk about
climate resilience, it’s at the core of everything we do.
From Dayton, WA, to John
Day, OR, every acre matters.
Our conservation easements
aren’t just paperwork—they’re an ongoing commitment to
the communities of the Blue
Mountain region to safeguard what matters most.
Protecting a property isn’t
where the work ends, it’s when our perpetual responsibility
begins. This continuous effort
benefits both the environment and the local community—our
way of saying, “We protect the land you love. Forever.” P H OT OG R A PH B Y WI LLI AM FRO H NE
>> BMLT’s stewardship team visits protected properties to monitor changes and successes over time. Pictured above: a storm rolls in over Canyon Creek in Mitchell, OR; volunteers survey Phipps Meadow in Grant County, OR. PH OTOGRA PH S B Y WI LLI AM FR OHNE & MAT T FR ANKLI N
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WHY IS STEWARDSHIP IMPORTANT ?
PHIPPS MEADOW - OREGON
Our foundation is built on enduring relationships — with surrounding landscapes and the stewards who care for them.
In 2021, BMLT acquired its inaugural property, Phipps Meadow, with the collaborative support of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), and financing from Craft3.
Strong commitments, brighter tomorrows
When we conserve a property, we’re in it for the long haul. Forever isn’t just a word, it’s our commitment. Our ongoing stewardship ensures that each protected property, with its unique blend of native habitat, river, streams, wildlife corridors, and productive farmland, remains special and safeguarded. Protecting a property isn’t where the work ends, it’s when our perpetual responsibility begins. We annually monitor our protected properties to ensure compliance with the terms of the conservation easement, assess the condition of the conservation values such as the habitat, farmland, and water. Stewardship visits include meeting with the landowner, walking and hiking the property, taking repeat monitoring photos for data collection, documenting property conditions, and the use of any reserved rights. When combined, these actions help track a protected property over time to ensure the conservation values are truly stewarded for long-term success. As our list of properties and acreage of protected land increases, so does our responsibility to steward these places responsibly. Our communities need to recognize the ongoing effort and work invested even after a project concludes.
Collaboration in action
Situated near Prairie City, OR, Phipps Meadow is 278 acres of wetland meadow, pine forest, and sagebrush steppe habitat, which is essential for over 200+ species. Phipps Meadow is an ecological haven, spanning an impressive 1.58 miles along the headwaters of the Middle Fork John Day River. BMLT reached a major milestone this past summer when we successfully repaid our property loan. Phipps Meadow is now under BMLT’s sole ownership, with OWEB holding a conservation easement. Our final OWEB grant responsibility involves creating a detailed property management plan, including future restoration work.
A NEW ERA AT PHIPPS
We take our commitment to caring for Phipps Meadow seriously. Beginning with partner collaboration, we’re in the early stages of planning and implementing efforts to restore upland, forest, meadow, and riparian conditions, improving the overall ecological function of the area. The goal: help the environment function better so it thrives, focusing on the area where the land and water meet along the banks of the Middle Fork John Day River and the woods where wildlife roam adjacent to the Malheur National Forest.
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Forward thinking solutions This year at Phipps Meadow, BMLT went all in on stewardship and restoration planning. We’ve worked with engineers, conducted surveys, held planning sessions, and visited sites for data collection. Habitat restoration is the process of repairing or improving an environment that has been damaged or altered. It involves activities like planting native vegetation, managing invasive species, and creating conditions that support the return of healthy and diverse ecosystems. The goal is to bring back an area’s natural balance and functions, providing a suitable home for native plants and animals to live and thrive.
>> PLACE-BASED KNOWLEDGE Understanding a place is a major part of the
restoration planning process. Here are a few highlights from the year: •
With support from the Cornell Land Trust Bird
Conservation Initiative, BMLT worked with the Malheur National Forest and Grant County
Soil & Water Conservation District to identify and treat invasive weeds in the forested
areas and meadow. Canada thistle and
Ventenata are problematic invasive weeds in grassland and open habitats across the west. Characterized by its dense growth, Ventenata competes with native plants,
often winning, which negatively impacts
all of the living things of an area. Through
strategic approaches, we can make strides in preventing the spread of invasive weeds
(ODFW) performed spawning surveys to
identify Chinook salmon presence. During the survey, ODFW observed locations,
timing, number of salmon nests (known
as redds), and the overall behavior of the salmon during their reproductive season. •
The Confederated Tribes of the Warm
Springs Reservation strategically placed temperature loggers and flow gauges along the Middle Fork John Day River,
collecting valuable data throughout the year. Different fish species and other
We are grateful for grant funding to support this work from the Cornell University Bird Initiative, Oregon Watershed and Enhancement Board (OWEB), Bella Vista Foundation, the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs (CTWS).
>> FINDING A BALANCE
The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
aquatic life have specific temperature
preferences, and monitoring helps ensure
conditions are suitable for their well-being. Adequate water flow is necessary for
supporting various life stages of aquatic species. •
Volunteer Jim Soupir, a member of the
Grant County Birders, surveyed and tallied bird species and population numbers
at Phipps Meadow. By building on data from our species survey conducted by
Environmental Science Associates (ESA) last summer, over 70 bird species were
found. This important baseline data will help us track bird populations and their
response to future forest restoration efforts.
>> Follow bird species at
Phipps Meadow by using eBird, a f ree online
and its impact on the ecosystem
tool f rom the
at Phipps Meadow.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
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VOLUNTEERS AND PARTNERS WORK TOGETHER:
Protecting native plants At BMLT, we firmly believe in the power of grassroots efforts and community collaboration. Together with the North Fork John Day Watershed Council (NFJDWC), BMLT hosted our first volunteer stewardship work party at Phipps Meadow. A group of volunteers worked together to install over 40 plant enclosures as part of a larger river restoration effort aimed at supporting vital habitat for salmon, steelhead, and more. Riparian plants provide shade to keep water cold for aquatic species in the hot summer months. The group took significant steps forward to encourage native vegetation growth and safeguard these plants against overgrazing by elk, deer, and trespassing cattle. With support from OWEB and the NFJDWC, volunteers installed riparian plant enclosures along specific portions of the Middle Fork John Day River. By doing so, we created a protective barrier that promotes the growth and development of riparian species like willows and aspen. The volunteer work party brought together a dedicated group of individuals committed to making a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a brighter future for Phipps Meadow.
>> Interested in
volunteering with the stewardship team on projects? Scan the code & sign up today > bmlt.org/volunteer
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATT FRANKLIN
PA RT N E R S H I PS & DE I J
Equity in the outdoors.
>> Exploring the new snowsho e trails at Horseshoe Prairi e created by the BMLT Blue s Crew.
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PHOTOG RAPH BY IS AAC BA I K
Equity in the Outdoors At Blue Mountain Land Trust, part of our mission is connecting communities to nature. When we say communities, we mean all of our neighbors. We aren’t the experts, but we connect people to outdoor places and the resources they need to get there. As part of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) work, BMLT is opening access to the outdoors by removing barriers to outdoor recreation. This past February, BMLT and BMLT Blues Crew partnered with Lincoln High School and InterMountain Alpine Club (IMAC) to host a field trip to Horseshoe Prairie for Lincoln High School students. By providing transportation, weather-appropriate clothing, gear, and instruction, 18 local students had an opportunity to learn to cross-country ski and snowshoe — many of them for the first time.
A strong foundation BMLT has been dedicated to building relationships with local Latino communities over the past 18 months. We know representation of BIPOC in the outdoors creates belonging and accessibility for communities. We have had the opportunity to support two events held by Vital Wines and Providence Foundation. Promotora Maria Remington, who connects vineyard workers with the resources and services they need, offers monthly Spanish-language events on different topics such as healthy eating and legal aid. In 2023-24, Whitman College Fellow Jeimy Lainez Valencia is working with local schools to host outdoor recreation activities for Latino students and to speak with students to learn more about their relationship with the outdoors. Thank you to the Land Trust Alliance Advancing Equity Fund and Sherwood Trust for supporting this important work.
“I have a huge love for nature and the outdoors. My goal is to help support the Latino community to feel more comfortable accessing outdoor recreation.” — JEIMY LAINEZ VALENCIA BMLT & Whitman College Fellow
Oregon Land Justice Project We honor and acknowledge the important role Indigenous peoples fill today and have for millennia as caretakers of the land. In our partnerships with local tribes, tribal leaders and natural resources teams are the experts on how best to carry out restoration projects. The Oregon Land Justice Project includes a cohort of land trusts, including BMLT, working to change our land conservation practices to recognize the important role Indigenous people play today in healing the earth. This August, Executive Director Amanda Martino and Board President Robin Fitch visited the Warm Springs Tribe with the cohort. Anna-Liza Victory, Oregon Land Justice Project Coordinator, said about the tour, “Over two and a half days, we toured the reservation with tribal leaders and community members, youth and elders. We learned about efforts across the Warm Springs community to steward their collective natural resources and abundance — from fish habitat restoration to wildfire response to economic development to food sovereignty, and overcoming difficulties stemming from an ongoing water crisis.” “This site visit gave our land trust delegation a glimpse into some of the complexities of living and working on the Warm Springs reservation. Even though there are disparities, Warm Springs is a place of abundance and prosperity, created by the hard work and dedication of many individuals and groups.”
I MPACT R EPO RT | 27
CO M M UN I TY E N GAGE ME NT
The environment that connects us all.
BMLT BMLT || 228 8
P h i pps M e ado w - G r a n t Cou n ty, O R
At Blue Mountain Land Trust, we go beyond just conserving land. Our
focus is on building connections to
place, strengthening relationships, and providing experiences in the outdoors. We aim to inspire a
deeper sense of well-being and a greater understanding of the
natural world that surrounds us all. Connecting to a specific area
– a cherished trail, a peaceful
meadow, or a tree-filled park – gives us a sense of belonging
and a moment to be at ease. The more we know about the nature
surrounding us, whether in forests or cities, the more we’ll want to protect it.
Our commitment at BMLT is
straightforward: we’re here to share positive environmental learning opportunities and
outdoor experiences for all. Our
programs are designed to help find community, common ground,
and purpose with the land and
like-minded folks. Together, let’s create a community committed P HOT OGR TT P HO T OAPH B Y MBY AT TMA FR A NKFRA LIN N K L IN
to climate action.
BMLT | 3 0
YOUTH EDUCATION
Learning should be fun In the world of education, classrooms are where knowledge is shared. Yet, within those walls lies more than just desks and chalkboards, it’s where our future takes root. Blue Mountain Land Trust’s environmental education programs break free from a traditional classroom setting, calling on the curious, fostering creativity, and sparking knowledge in the outdoors.
>> CELEBRATING BIODIVERSITY
BioBlitz 2023 marked the beginning of the summer season, offering families a day outdoors at Rooks Park in Walla Walla, WA, to explore and learn about the thriving biodiversity of the Blue Mountain region. Presented by Blue Mountain Land Trust and the Umatilla National Forest, the event brought the community together for nature-based activities on ecosystems, water, wildlife, and local species. BioBlitz was made possible with support from Blue Mountain Audubon Society, Sustainable Living Center, Tri-State Steelheaders, WWCC Water & Environmental Center, Whitman College, Walla Walla County Conservation District, The Bug Guru, and Army Corp of Engineers.
Conservation Tours In 2023, we organized public tours of protected properties — Secret Valley Ranch, Unity, OR; Phipps Meadow, Prairie City, OR; and Touchet Orchards, Dayton, WA. BMLT supporters learned about how regional conservation, holistic land management, and our partnership with Tribes and natural resource agencies will not only protect land but restore and improve it. Highlights included observing sage grouse nesting areas, beaver dams, salmon spawning streams, and natural springs. Thank you to the Land Trust Alliance ACE grant for supporting community connection with nature and conservation.
GIVING BACK
Restoring the shoreline in honor of Indigenous Stewardship Together with Confluence, Washington State Parks, and James Holt & family (Nez Perce), Blue Mountain Land Trust volunteers spent the day clearing brush and reestablishing native plants at the Confluence Story Circles located at Sacajawea State Park. The restoration of the shoreline adjacent to the Confluence Story Circles represents a profound and contemplative expression of gratitude and reverence for the Indigenous communities who have nurtured this sacred land since time immemorial. Volunteers spent the day enhancing the natural beauty surrounding the Story Circles — a site that holds deep cultural significance where the Columbia and Snake Rivers meet. Throughout the day, James Holt, Executive Director of Buffalo Field Campaign and a revered member of the Nez Perce Tribe, shared stories rooted in this region’s history, the cultural connections of the Nez Perce Tribe, and the various ways in which the Tribe advocates for the preservation of these waterways. Thank you to James Holt for sharing Nimiipuu stories about the seasons, the importance of reestablishing place-based knowledge, and how it takes good hearts to do meaningful work. We are grateful for all volunteer contributions in this meaningful opportunity to give back to the community and develop a deeper connection with the landscape.
>> LEFT: A group tours Phipps Meadow in Grant County, OR; Families connect with the biodiversity of the Blue Mountain region at BioBlitz; Volunteers listen to stories f rom James Holt at Sacajawea State Park at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake River.
I MPACT R EPO RT | 3 1
T R A I L STEWARDS H I P
Where nature and adventure unite.
BLUE | 2 6 BMLT BMLT || 32 32
Tucked away in the Blue
Mountains lie countless miles of trails filled with scenic
vistas, enchanting wildflowers, and a surplus of solitude. We
understand that a day spent on the trail provides growth and well-being, the special types of moments that stick with
you. Our commitment is clear: ensure these transformative
experiences are available to all. The trails of the Blue Mountains need our attention and
care. This is where the BMLT
Blues Crew steps in, a group of volunteers dedicated to
enhancing the quality and
accessibility of trails on public lands. Whether you’re a hiker,
skier, biker, or birdwatcher, our
volunteers work hard to ensure
the trails are primed for outdoor pursuits for every level of fun.
We welcome anyone who wants to lend a hand for a fun and
rewarding way to give back to >>
the places you love.
FALL 2021 | 27
Through our commitment to trail stewardship on public lands, we secure ecosystems, provide safe and enjoyable experiences for trail users, and promote the long-term viability of recreational activities in the Blue Mountain region for generations to come.
4587+ BMLT | 34
Volunteer trail stewardship hours on public lands
Pick your playground
1882+
Since 2018, the BMLT Blues Crew has worked to improve and enhance recreational trails in the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness — a hidden gem spanning 20,299 acres in Umatilla and Union counties. With 27 miles of wilderness trails for hikers and equestrians, connected to non-wilderness biking and motorized trails, this area offers an abundance of routes for both day trips and extended adventures. Recognizing the significance of this region, the BMLT Blues Crew, in collaboration with the Greater Hells Canyon Council, secured grant funding from the Oregon Trails Fund for 20232024. The main goal: provide access and enhance the North Fork Umatilla River Trail #3083 and the Corporation-Buck Tie Trail #3086, which were damaged due flooding of the area. In 2024, volunteers will build turnpikes, raised structures crafted from logs or lumber, to lift specific trail segments above wet or marshy terrain. This initiative aims to tackle persistent muddy sections and address a trail slide caused by erosion. During the summer of 2023, per wilderness regulations prohibiting power-tool use, three BMLT Blues Crew volunteers formed a specialized ‘sawyer squad.’ A sawyer is trained and certified in using different types of saws in the backcountry, playing a crucial role in trail maintenance. Clearing fallen trees and obstacles ensures safe, accessible pathways for outdoor enthusiasts, requiring precision and adherence to safety and environmental guidelines. Volunteers Lee Zollman, Bill Pontarolo, and Dan Long utilized crosscut and hand saws to clear downed trees along the North Fork Umatilla River trail in areas along Coyote Ridge, Buck Creek, and Lake Creek. Their efforts have paved the way for significant trail improvements planned for 2024 by the BMLT Blues Crew.
>>
HSP volunteer hours
521+ Grooming hours
500+ Blue diamond markers installed
COMING IN FROM THE COLD:
Powder days at Horseshoe Prairie Since 2019, the Blue Mountain Land Trust’s volunteer-led trail crew has collaborated with the Umatilla National Forest to provide access to Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area. Located adjacent to the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness, the ski area offers opportunities for both Nordic skiing and snowshoeing on groomed and ungroomed trail systems. Featuring around 16 miles (26 kilometers) of marked trails, Horseshoe Prairie is the place for winter outdoor ski adventures throughout the season. With grant support from the Oregon Recreational Trail Program, BMLT Blues volunteers have worked hard to prepare Horseshoe Prairie for the upcoming ski season. They’ve expanded the trail network, installed new directional signs and markers, and constructed a new warming hut at the intersection of Bobcat and Wagon Wheel. The new structure provides a cozy spot to warm up, rest, and share stories with other outdoor winter enthusiasts. Access maps, grooming conditions & more:
BMLT.ORG/HORSESHOEPRAIRIE
“The Blues Crew is a connected group of individuals bringing their skills and passion to create and rebuild recreational trails in our region.” —Greg Brown, BMLT Blues Crew Founder Give back to the places you love. Volunteer today: bmlt.org/volunteer
POWER O F PARTN E RS H I P S
Community is everything. When you support the Blue Mountain Land Trust, you are part of conserving important farms, ranches, and natural habitats in the Blue Mountain region, from Dayton, WA, to John Day, OR. That’s a service area the size of West Virginia.
>> DONORS Keeping the Blue Mountain region healthy, sustainable, and beautiful is a community effort. When you support BMLT, you are part of a community of over 300+ individuals and families donating annually. BMLT’s supporters are at the heart of our work, and we’re committed to maintaining the highest level of accountability to ensure that your gifts are stewarded according to your intentions. Your gifts fill in the gaps for critical work, such as conservation project development, that is not usually eligible for grant funding.
>> BUSINESS SPONSORS When your business gives to BMLT, you demonstrate your values and commitment to keeping this community healthy and strong. Your business is keeping local dollars local, and making it possible for our region to thrive for years to come. Thank you for your support!
>> INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT We are very lucky to have a great deal of support from state and federal agencies, tribal governments, and private foundations. Your support is the backbone of our core mission.
>> VOLUNTEERS
When you give the gift of your time to BMLT, you are providing an invaluable service, not only your efforts, but your presence in our community as an ambassador for land conservation, trail stewardship, and environmental education. The relationships and community we build together, the laughter and the hard work, is what keeps BMLT strong. We are incredibly grateful for our many volunteers, interns, and fellows for their time and energy.
>> Give back to the places you love. Learn how to get involved:
Interested in being a business sponsor? You can sponsor an event with a financial contribution or give an in-kind gift of services or merchandise.
bmlt.org/give
BMLT | 3 6
TH AN K YO U
Partner Organizations
Private Foundations
Government & Tribal
Blue Mountain Audubon Society
3 Rivers Community Foundation
Bonneville Power Administration
Blue Mountain Backcountry Horsemen
Art and Clara Bald Trust
Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation
Confluence Project
Bella Vista Foundation Cape Flattery Foundation Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Greater Hells Canyon Council
Land Trust Alliance
Malheur National Forest
Intermountain Alpine Club
Mary Garner Esary Trust
John Day Basin Partnership
Oregon Community Foundation
North Fork John Day Ranger District
Grant County Birders
Lincoln High School North Fork John Day Watershed Council Outside Walla Walla Sustainable Living Center The Bug Guru Tri-State Steelheaders Vital Wines and Providence Foundation Walla Walla Conservation District Walla Walla High School Latino Club Walla Walla Public Library Walla Walla Volunteer Corps
Sherwood Trust Walla Walla Basin Watershed Foundation
Business Sponsors Banner Bank Brasserie Four Cayuse Vineyards Crave Clay Crossbuck Brewing Dusted Valley Lamb Weston
Walla Walla Water 2050 (WWW2050)
Pacific Power Foundation
Walla Walla Community College Water & Education Center
Quirk Brewing
Washington Water Trust
Yancy P. Winans GrantBaker Boyer Bank
Welcome Table Farm Whitman College Career and Community Engagement Center Whitman College Outdoor Program
Public House 123
Weston Mountain Lodge
Oregon Department of Environment Quality Oregon Parks & Recreation Department Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Port of Walla Walla Travel Oregon Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla Project Office - Mill Creek Umatilla National Forest USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Washington Recreation and Conservation Office Washington State Parks - Camp Wooten Washington State Parks - Sacajawea State Park
FI N A N C I A LS
Grants 27% Donations 37.7%
2022
Revenue $765,587
Earned Income 9.2%
Community Engagement 22.9%
Stewardship contributions (restricted) 26.1%
Conservation & Stewardship 31.4%
2 02 2
Expenses $76 6 , 475 Marketing MarComm&& Fundraising Fundraising 14.9%
Administrative & Administration & Operations Operations 30.9%
BMLT | 3 8
*The financial summary comes from BMLT’s 2022 financial statements, which have yet to be audited and are subject to change.
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G I VE TO DAY
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Give back to the Blue Mountain region. Since 1999, your support has protected nearly 25,000 acres in perpetuity from development, subdivision, and extraction of natural resources. This work only happens because of you and the BMLT community of supporters. We have a big goal of protecting 25,000 more acres in the next 10 years. It will be a major push to double the number of acres under conservation in only a decade and we need everyone who believes in the resilience of the beautiful Blues to support. If you double your gift this year, you can double your impact. We understand that times can be tough, so any amount you give is very welcome. Below are some ways to make a bigger difference without breaking the bank.
Ways to give TAX-SMART WAYS TO SUPPORT We accept gifts from DonorAdvised Funds, qualified charitable distributions from your IRA, gifts of stock, and gifts of property. Reduce your tax burden and feel good about keeping your dollars local to make a difference at home.
MONTHLY GIVING
ONE TIME DONATION
Sign up to make a monthly donation to BMLT. Small, regular donations add up and make it easier for you to support in a way that increases our long term sustainability.
Make a one-time gift in the month of December through the Valley Giving Guide and your impact will be increased by a match.
EASY TO SETUP
Please contact us if you are interested in tax-smart giving strategies or including Blue Mountain Land Trust in your estate plans:
If you normally give $100 at the end of year, please consider signing up for a $10 gift monthly. It’s easy to budget for and ultimately increases your gift by 20%.
BMLT@BMLT.ORG
LEARN MORE: BMLT.ORG/GIVE
BLUE MOUNTAIN LAND TRUST
PO BOX 1473
WALLA WALLA, WA
MAKE AN IMPACT
Together, we can make a lasting impact for future generations.
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