Methow Conservancy, Winthrop, Washington

The Methow Valley, just east of the North Cascades and west of the Columbia River, contains some of the most diverse and productive habitat of the entire Columbia Basin. In August 2006, the Methow Conservancy retained The Collins Group to evaluate the feasibility of a potential campaign that would use both public and private dollars to protect the priority areas in the Methow Valley with the greatest conservation qualities and community benefits, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Conservancy. After receiving positive responses from their communities, they launched their campaign with TCG as counsel in August 2007. As of April 2009, The Conservancy has raised more than $12.8 million towards their $20 million goal through public funds and private gifts of both cash and donated land easements. An all-inclusive community campaign will be launched in late May 2009.