About

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.