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For 15 years, we have worked within our community to enhance economic opportunities on our forests and grasslands, while caring for the land and water for future generations. We believe thriving rural communities must have strong education systems, sustainable land management, and diverse, locally owned businesses. We work closely with the public and private partners to ensure Wallowa County is vibrant and resilient through our efforts in education, land stewardship, and economic development.
Our Strategy
Our shared vision is Wallowa County becomes a model for rural community revitalization. We are seeking resources for organizational capacity growth so we can increase the impact of our programs, and expand local and regional benefits from this model. Our new strategy builds from our longstanding principles and continues to support critical programming in our community.
Our Values
We believe it is possible to build a society committed to and invested in the long-term stewardship of rural communities and their lands. These values guide us in working towards this goal.
- Equity – People who work should not have to live in poverty.
- Inclusiveness – A diverse and inclusive community and economy is essential to realizing opportunity for all people.
- Empowerment – People must have the tools, resources, and access to create positive change in their own lives and communities.
- Innovation – Creative problem solving and experimentation is needed to tackle today's complex economic and social problems.
- Collaboration – Lasting social, economic and environmental solutions are created when government, businesses, nonprofits, landowners and communities work together.
- Knowledge Sharing – Sustainable development within rural communities requires building and sharing collective knowledge.
- Transparency - Respect is gained when organizations clearly communicate intentions, actions, and results and their work is open to review by others.
- Integrity – Organizational integrity demands a strategic, inquiring, and informed perspective that promotes quality and objectivity.
Our History
In 1996, in the backroom of a bakery, a group of local citizens came together to create a new organization in our community – Wallowa Resources. The mills had shut down and 20% of the workforce lost their jobs overnight! This happened in response to profound changes in national forest management. Local businesses, the hospital, and schools felt the impact immediately.
Where We Live and Work
Wallowa County is located in the northeast corner of Oregon. It is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and small town living. It has a long tradition of making a living off the land. Even today, ranching and farming remains the cornerstone of the region's economy, lifestyle, and identity.
Learn more about the place we call home
Support Our Work
Charitable contributions from people like you make it possible for us to be the driving force in creating last changing in rural communities, like Wallowa County. Please support our mission and work with a gift. You can count on us to be good stewards of your generous donation, by strengthening our community through education, land stewardship, and economic development.
