BMLT protects 942 acres and 3.72 Miles of the Umatilla River outside of Pendleton, Oregon.
Pendleton, OR — Through the dedicated efforts of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), fish populations now have a better chance at recovery in one of the most productive steelhead tributaries in the region. Blue Mountain Land Trust (BMLT) is excited to announce the permanent protection of 942 acres and 3.72 miles of the Umatilla River and Birch Creek through a conservation easement. This milestone ensures the long-term conservation of one of the most ecologically significant river restoration projects in the region, securing critical habitat for fish, wildlife, and the surrounding community.
This conservation effort is the result of a collaborative partnership between CTUIR, BMLT, property owner Jim Whitney, Western Rivers Conservancy, and Bonneville Power Administration. CTUIR’s extensive restoration efforts at the confluence of the Umatilla River and Birch Creek have transformed the landscape, revitalizing vital floodplain habitat for ESA-listed Middle Columbia summer steelhead, Chinook and Coho salmon, bull trout, and many other native species.
“Birch Creek is a primary tributary to the Umatilla River and provides important habitat for salmonids and other aquatic species. It produces roughly 50% of the Umatilla River Endangered Species Act-listed Mid-Columbia summer steelhead,” said Rebecca Schwartz, CTUIR Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Habitat biologist. “The Birch Creek Watershed has been part of the homeland for the three tribes of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation – Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla – since time immemorial.”
The UmaBirch Conservation Easement permanently safeguards 227.57 acres of instream habitat, maintaining approximately 3.525 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water to enhance year-round flow for fish and aquatic species. These protections will support a thriving riparian ecosystem, benefiting not only steelhead and salmon but also bald eagles, river otters, and countless other wildlife species that rely on healthy floodplains.
“For years, the Umatilla River has been shaped by human intervention, impacting its natural ability to support fish and wildlife,” said Fraser Moore, BMLT Conservation Manager. “By restoring natural flows and protecting the land forever, this project ensures the river can thrive for generations to come.”
Property owner Jim Whitney played a key role in this effort, recognizing the value of long-term conservation.
“This is one of those areas where I can be a part of protecting a piece of property that is a significant location for fish and wildlife,” Whitney said. “It was the right thing to do, and it will make a difference for Eastern Oregon.”
The UmaBirch project is part of a broader movement led by Tribal nations to restore natural ecosystems and improve climate resilience. By reintroducing meanders, removing levees, and allowing floodwaters to spread naturally, CTUIR’s work is creating a model for future conservation efforts throughout the region.
“This is a tremendous feat, not only in securing the significant amount of restoration funding, but also in ensuring the continuation of the UmaBirch Project that will continue to improve conditions for First Foods and community values related to the natural resources of the Umatilla Basin,” said DNR Fisheries Program Manager Jerimiah Bonifer.
With this successful closing, BMLT reaffirms its commitment to protecting clean water, open spaces, and wildlife habitat. The UmaBirch Conservation Easement demonstrates how collaboration between Tribal leadership, conservation organizations, and private landowners can create lasting impact, ensuring that the Umatilla River and Birch Creek continue to support life — both in the water and along its banks — forever.
“This is one of the largest river restoration projects in the Umatilla Basin, and we’re honored to help protect this critical habitat forever,” said Amanda Martino, Executive Director of Blue Mountain Land Trust. “We are especially grateful to the property owners for their commitment to conservation and to our partners, including the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, for leading this transformative work.”
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For more information, please contact:
Alyssa Martinez Neumann
Communications and Marketing Director
Blue Mountain Land Trust
alyssa@bmlt.org
(509) 520-5136