In 2014, the Land Trust launched a 10 year comprehensive campaign to implement the Land Trust's conservation strategy for Central Oregon’s Whychus Creek. The goal of the Campaign for Whychus Creek was to raise $2.5 million in public funds to leverage public funding, ensuring the long-term protection of lower Whychus Creek. Campaign funds support:

• Land conservation: working with private landowners to conserve the remaining meadows and canyons on Whychus Creek.
• Land stewardship: ensuring permanent stewardship of those lands so they can be returned to ecological health and remain healthy into the future.
• Community Engagement: providing access and learning opportunities for the community along Whychus Creek.

We are pleased to say that we met our goal! You helped raise nearly $2.5 million in private gifts, helping permanently conserve 9 1/2 miles of Whychus Creek forever for the salmon and steelhead, songbirds and eagles, deer and elk, and the people of Central Oregon. Thank you for your amazing generosity! Learn more about what we accomplished below!

About The Campaign for Whychus Creek

The goal of the Campaign for Whychus Creek was to complete our core conservation strategy for Whychus Creek, ensure permanent stewardship of those lands, and to make these special places available to you and your children...and for generations to come. Here is what we've accomplished:

• Land Conservation: We worked and continue to work with private landowners to conserve the remaining meadows and canyons on Whychus Creek. In the first year of the Campaign, the Land Trust protected two new parcels of land along Whychus Creek: Aspen Hollow Preserve and the addition to Whychus Canyon Preserve. In the second year of the Campaign we finalized an agreement to purchase the 1,120 acre Rimrock Ranch downstream from Whychus Canyon Preserve. In the third year of the Campaign, we conserved Willow Springs Preserve and another mile of Whychus Creek.

• Land Stewardship: We have worked and will continue to work to ensure permanent stewardship of those lands so they can be returned to ecological health and remain healthy in the future. The 6-mile creek restoration at Whychus Canyon Preserve is a great example of how long-term stewardship can create a healthier habitat for wildlife.

• Community Engagement: We have worked and will continue to work to provide access and learning opportunities for the community along Whychus Creek.
  
  

You can still help!

If you want to support this vision for Whychus Creek and want to make a gift above and beyond your annual support, here are some ways you can give:

• Cash gifts: Donations to the Deschutes Land Trust are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Donations of cash allow the Land Trust ultimate flexibility in implementing our campaign goals.

• Pledges: Donors may choose to pledge an amount now, and in turn, spread payments over 1, 2 or 3 years. Pledges allow donors maximum flexibility and can be tailored to suit individual giving needs.

• Gifts of Stock: The Land Trust gladly accepts gifts of appreciated stock. In most cases, the full, fair market value of the donated stock is deductible, while capital gains taxes can be reduced. (Please consult with your tax advisor.)

• Bequests: If you’d like to support our long-term vision for Whychus Creek via your estate planning, please let us know. Bequests are a great way to match your desire to leave behind a legacy in support of Whychus Creek. (The Land Trust will count bequest intentions at face value.)

• Other Planned Gifts: There are many other types of gifts which can support the Campaign, and also meet your individual financial needs. Please consult with your tax or financial advisor to determine which giving strategy is best for you.

To discuss ways to support the campaign, please contact Rika Ayotte, Executive Director, at (541) 330-0017.

The Deschutes Land Trust is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, publicly supported organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Our tax ID is 93-1186407.