Our History
The Council’s inception began during the early 1990s in response to pollution, rampant development, and loss of open space. By 1994, community members had formed a citizen-led, basin-wide coordinating council for the Columbia Slough.
The group took on issues such as stormwater, Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) regulation, recreation trail protection, transportation planning, and more. Thanks to stakeholder efforts, positive attention was drawn to what had been an otherwise overlooked part of the Portland metro area.
In 2002, the Columbia Slough Watershed Council was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since then, we have been working to improve the health of the watershed and engage with the people that call it home.
Our Mission
To protect and enhance the Columbia Slough and its watershed through community engagement, education, and restoration.
Our Vision
An urban watershed rich in clean water and healthy habitats that support the needs of fish, wildlife, plants and people.
Our Racial Equity Vision
We as an environmental organization recognize that our country’s long history of racism has served to disenfranchise Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in our communities. We recognize that in the Columbia Slough Watershed, racist land use, housing, economics, and transportation policies and practices have:
put BIPOC community members at a disproportionately higher risk to environmental pollution, natural hazards, and climate change impacts.
set up unique barriers for BIPOC community members to safely enjoy local natural areas and outdoor recreation with differential access and representation.
As an organization, we believe that everyone deserves to experience the solace of time in nature and to not be burdened by an unhealthy environment. We believe that the Columbia Slough is for all and as an organization we pledge to help make that a reality. We value the rich diversity of the communities in our watershed and are committed to learning from one another through collaborative engagement.
We are currently updating our Racial Equity Plan.
CSWC’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee is working on updating the Racial Equity Plan for the organization. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact Maya.