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 We believe the Slough is for everyone

The Columbia Slough Watershed Council brings community members together to enhance the hidden gem we call the Columbia Slough. We improve water quality, heal damaged fish and wildlife habitat, increase public awareness, and advocate for a healthy watershed. Everything we do is possible thanks to the commitment of community members and engagement of local agencies and businesses.

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Our History

The Council’s inception began during the early 1990s in response to pollution, rampant development, and loss of open space. By 1994, community members had formed a citizen-led, basin-wide coordinating council for the Columbia Slough. 

The group took on issues such as stormwater, Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) regulation, recreation trail protection, transportation planning, and more. Thanks to stakeholder efforts, positive attention was drawn to what had been an otherwise overlooked part of the Portland metro area. 

In 2002, the Columbia Slough Watershed Council was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since then, we have been working to improve the health of the watershed and engage with the people that call it home.

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Our Mission

To protect and enhance the Columbia Slough and its watershed through community engagement, education, and restoration.

 
 
 
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Our Vision

An urban watershed rich in clean water and healthy habitats that support the needs of fish, wildlife, plants and people.

 

Our Racial Equity Vision

We as an environmental organization recognize that our country’s long history of racism has served to disenfranchise Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in our communities. We recognize that in the Columbia Slough Watershed, racist land use, housing, economics, and transportation policies and practices have:

  • put BIPOC community members at a disproportionately higher risk to environmental pollution, natural hazards, and climate change impacts.

  • set up unique barriers for BIPOC community members to safely enjoy local natural areas and outdoor recreation with differential access and representation.

As an organization, we believe that everyone deserves to experience the solace of time in nature and to not be burdened by an unhealthy environment. We believe that the Columbia Slough is for all and as an organization we pledge to help make that a reality. We value the rich diversity of the communities in our watershed and are committed to learning from one another through collaborative engagement.