About the Land Trust
The 40-Mile Loop Land Trust is a non-profit private land acquisition organization. The Trust remains independent of any governmental body and is managed by a volunteer citizen board of directors. It was incorporated in 1981 with the purpose of assisting in the acquisition of lands along with conservation and recreation easements along the 40-Mile Loop corridor.
Learn more about the history, here!
The 40-Mile Loop Land Trust brings together the park planning activities of local jurisdictions, including:
- Oregon Metro
- Multnomah County
- City of Portland
- Oregon State Parks Division
- Port of Portland
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- State & Federal Fish and Game Agencies
- Public Drainage Districts
- Cities of Gresham and Troutdale
The cooperative venture has proven to be cost effective. As governmental budgets make reductions to parks programs, the work of a private, non-profit group such as the Land Trust in coordinating the various agencies and initiating land acquisitions saves the agencies time and money.
Helping make the Loop a reality is a big return for a small investment. Activities of the Land Trust include:
- Acquiring lands by using funds available in the Trust’s revolving fund.
- Accepting land donations by deed or by contract.
- Accepting conservation easements or other rights to trail construction.
- “Land Banking” of properties for future transfer to public agencies.
- Identifying needed land or rights of way along the corridor.
- Advocating for government funding for purchase and construction of trails.
- Advocating for development of public access to the trail.
- Helping to form local advocacy groups for management and use of parks.