History

The Freshwater Trust is a statewide non-profit organization headquartered in Portland, Oregon with satellite offices in Bend and Corvallis. The Freshwater Trust takes a holistic approach to restoring freshwater ecosystems – from restoring a river’s architecture to working with landowners to keep more water in rivers to educating children on the importance of freshwater conservation.

The Freshwater Trust was established in 2009 through a merger of Oregon Trout and Oregon Water Trust. 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.

While remaining true to both organizations’ original missions, the merge 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.