We support exceptional water quality and habitats in balance with human livelihood and quality of life.
About Our Organization
Our mission is to foster better stewardship of the McKenzie River watershed resources, deal with issues in advance of resource degradation, and ensure sustainable watershed health, function, and use.
What We Do
The McKenzie Watershed Council carries out its mission through restoration and enhancement of the McKenzie River and its tributaries, and outreach and education to engage community members. Watershed-wide restoration is prioritized through a strategic framework approach identifying highest priority stream reaches and sub-basins.
The Council, in collaboration with its partners conducts comprehensive watershed assessments to identify and prioritize specific restoration and conservation strategies for a holistic watershed planning approach. We also continue to work with our partners on habitat restoration opportunities as they arise in high priority sub-basins or mainstem reaches. More about what we do…
MWA Media Statement Regarding Suspected Fraudulent Activities
The McKenzie Watershed Alliance, the 501c3 organization formed to act as the fiscal sponsor of the McKenzie Watershed Council, recently identified suspected financial irregularities involving payments between our organization and the Coast Fork Willamette Watershed Council
(CFWWC). Upon discovery, both organizations took immediate action to secure our financial systems, notify our respective Boards of Directors, alert the appropriate legal authorities, and initiate a thorough review of our records. McKenzie Watershed Alliance has also informed our project funders and trusted partners and are working with them to address and mitigate any project impacts.
The McKenzie Watershed Alliance employee associated with this matter was first placed on administrative leave and, after further investigation, their employment was terminated. We are working closely with legal counsel, our financial institution, and our insurer, to protect the organization and strengthen financial controls and policies. We are also cooperating fully with all appropriate authorities including the US Department of Commerce Office of the Inspector General and the Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities Section.
Suspected unauthorized payments are estimated to exceed $1.5 million. We initiated an independent forensic accounting review and have filed an insurance claim, while also exploring options for restitution.
While the process of addressing this issue is ongoing, our priority is to ensure accountability, strengthen financial controls, and maintain continuity of our programs and partnerships. We are committed to transparency and will share additional information as it is verified and appropriate to do so.
News Updates
South Fork Floodplain Enhancement Phase III
North Fork Gate Creek
In Support of Lane County Parks Levy Measure 20-335
News Coverage of South Fork Floodplain Enhancement
Get Involved
We rely on the support of people like you to provide the critical funding we need to provide meaningful and dynamic environmental education to the next generation of environmental stewards. We owe our successes to the generosity and commitment of our donors.
You can volunteer your services, donate online, provide support via your business, shop online via AmazonSmile, or any number of support options.
We are grateful for them all!
Donate
We rely on the support of people like you to provide the critical funding we need to provide meaningful and dynamic environmental education to the next generation of environmental stewards. We owe our successes to the generosity and commitment of our donors.