For 23 years, Avista and the Kaniksu Land Trust (KLT) have successfully partnered to turn conservation dreams into reality. KLT, a community-focused organization, is dedicated to preserving land in northwestern Montana and north Idaho. Their mission is to protect natural areas for wildlife, ecosystems, and local communities, aligning with Avista’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of fish and wildlife habitat through the Clark Fork Settlement Agreement.
KLT began in 2002 as the Clark Fork-Pend Oreille Conservancy, created by Avista to help the company and its partners place acquired land into conservation easements, specifically prioritizing fish and wildlife habitat. Now, KLT is an independent non-profit organization, with a variety of programs to protect land and engage the community. The trust aims to protect open spaces, foster connections between people and nature, and ensure these lands remain accessible and sustainable for future generations.
Offering her perspective on the partnership, Regan Plumb, Conservation Director for KLT, commented, “At Kaniksu Land Trust (KLT), we deeply value our longstanding partnership with Avista. This collaboration has brought tremendous benefits to both organizations and has laid the foundation for some of the most innovative community projects we undertake. Our partnership exemplifies the power of steadfast conservation efforts. These priorities ensure that we focus our efforts on areas that provide the greatest benefit to our community and the environment.”
As Manager of the Clark Fork License for Avista, Monica Ott works closely with the KLT staff on a variety of conservation projects throughout the region. Providing her thoughts on the partnership, Ott stated, “Our partnership with KLT has facilitated the preservation of hundreds of acres of vital fish and wildlife habitat in the Lower Clark Fork Watershed. The health and success of these natural areas show the strength of working together.”
KLT's current conservation projects are guided by commitments to six main goals: protecting working lands, wetlands and waterways, wildlife habitats, culturally important lands, climate-resilient lands, and public access.
Looking ahead, KLT remains committed to these conservation goals and the spirit of collaboration with Avista that has defined their partnership for the past 25 years. Together, KLT and Avista will continue to protect and preserve the lands that make this region and its ecosystem special.