Paths to protection for Columbia Highlands ranches

Ranching families across northeast Washington often face difficult choices in a changing West, and we follow multiple avenues to help keep their lands in open space for wildlife, from conservation easements and conservation purchases.

New conservation owners

Many older ranchers are ready to retire, but have no heirs to continue their legacy. They hate the idea of selling the land they love to a developer who will parcel it out. We work to provide another choice by matching these eager sellers with conservation buyers, people who have the means to invest in a large vacation retreat that serves conservation and perhaps agricultural needs.

If you have dreamed of owning a ranch, please contact Mitch Friedman, who is tracking several attractive and vital large ranches now on the market in and around the Columbia Highlands. 360-671-9950 x13

Conservation easements

For ranchers who want to stay in operation, selling a conservation easement is a great alternative to selling their whole property. These agreements placed on private property to permanently restrict development or other uses so that public benefits—such as continued agriculture, wildlife habitat, and even recreation—creates open space, supports agriculture, and connects wildlife habitat in perpetuity.

Conservation Northwest is currently raising private capital, which will leverage public funds, to purchase easements on two key Columbia Highlands properties: the Dawson and Gotham ranches. Please contact Paul Bannick to make an investment in healthy habitat between the Cascades and the Rockies. 206-675-9747 x202

Learn more about investing in wildlife connectivity from the Cascades to the Rockies