The Freshwater Trust

The Freshwater Trust was established in 2009 through a merger between Oregon Trout and Oregon Water Trust. While remaining true to both organizations’ original missions, the merger allows The Freshwater Trust to address form, flow and function at the same time – creating an integrated and more effective approach in restoring freshwater health. The Freshwater Trust is now comprised of four programs: Oregon Trout, Oregon Water Trust, StreamBank and Healthy Waters Institute.  

Habitat loss is the single most important factor contributing to salmon declines, and restoring habitat function is critical to salmon productivity.  By Identifying key "anchor habitats" or "refugia" for salmon and working with numerous partners, the Oregon Trout program takes direct aim at what may be the best, last chance to provide long-term protection.

Every summer, many streams across Oregon go dry or nearly dry.  And less water means less habitat.  As the nation's first water trust, Oregon Water Trust program works to restore stream flows using a variety of cooperative solutions.

The StreamBank program proposes an answer to the efficiency needs facing restoration work today.  It changes the way restoration currently works. Developed by The Freshwater Trust, StreamBank is a unique and innovative web tool that enables landowners and restoration professionals to efficiently permit and fund a restoration project - completing the project 70% faster than through the traditional system.

The Healthy Waters Institute program connects students with their local watersheds by getting them out of the classroom and into their local rivers and streams.  Students participate in field experiences and restoration projects, allowing teachers to go beyond the classroom and provide hands-on learning opportunities that connect students to the natural world.

History:
Founded in 1983 by a group of flyfishing conservationists, Oregon Trout started the wild fish discussion in the Pacific Northwest, working to protect and restore native fish and their ecosystems. Oregon Water Trust was founded in 1993 to work cooperatively with water users to keep more water in landowners’ rivers and streams. Oregon Water Trust was the first water trust in the United States.