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Rivers End Ranch

Tuesday November 3, 2026

From our friends at Oregon Desert Land Trust (ODLT):

Every year, millions of migrating birds rely on critical habitat spots across the globe, including right here in Oregon. As they take to the skies this fall, a truly remarkable conservation opportunity has emerged in Oregon’s high desert giving us a rare chance to help protect this journey.

The Oregon Desert Land Trust (ODLT) is working to acquire Rivers End Ranch—a 6,369-acre private property with significant water rights sitting directly adjacent to Lake Abert, the only hypersaline lake in the Pacific Northwest.

 

Why This Matters

  • Vital Flyway Oasis: Lake Abert is an irreplaceable feeding stop for hundreds of thousands of migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, supporting over 200 bird species along the Pacific Flyway, including Snowy Plovers and Wilson’s phalaropes.
  • Restoring Water Flows: In the early 1990s, a private dam on Rivers End Ranch impacted vital water flows to the lake. This acquisition will enable ODLT to manage flows to best benefit Lake Abert and critical bird habitat.
  • Powerful Collaboration: ODLT is working hand-in-hand with regional Tribes, neighboring landowners, state and federal land managers, and community members to protect this landscape, which also holds sensitive cultural sites.

The Goal & The Urgency

 

ODLT is scheduled to close on the property in April 2027 and supporters have already stepped forward to commit ~$3M to the effort. To make this acquisition a reality, we need to raise an additional $3.1M in donations and commitments from people like you.

 

Join Us & Spread the Word 

 

Contribute to these efforts

 

Please help us spread the word by sharing this message with fellow conservation supporters. You can learn more on our Rivers End Ranch page and join us at an upcoming virtual or in-person event:

  • ODLT Online Informational Sessions (with audience cameras and audio)
  • ODLT Online Year-End Celebration (featuring Rivers End Ranch)
  • ODLT In-Person Bend, OR Year-End Celebration (featuring Rivers End Ranch)

Please reach out with any questions.

The Goal & The Urgency

ODLT is scheduled to close on the property in April 2027 and supporters have already stepped forward to commit ~$3M to the effort. To make this acquisition a reality, we need to raise an additional $3.1M in donations and commitments from people like you.

Join Us & Spread the Word

Contribute to these efforts

Please help us spread the word by sharing this message with fellow conservation supporters. You can learn more on our Rivers End Ranch page and join us at an upcoming virtual or in-person event:

ODLT Online Informational Sessions (with audience cameras and audio)

Wednesday, November 11th, 7:00–8:00 PM PST — Register here

Monday, November 23rd, 6:30–7:30 PM PST — Register here

ODLT Online Year-End Celebration (featuring Rivers End Ranch)

Tuesday, November 17th, 7:00–7:30 PM PST — Register here

ODLT In-Person Bend, OR Year-End Celebration (featuring Rivers End Ranch)

Thursday, November 19th, 6:00–8:00 PM PST — Register here

Please reach out with any questions.

Brent Fenty, Executive Director
2843 NW Lolo Drive, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97703

 

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