Merger Discussions with INLC Conclude
Cover photo courtesy of Bri Loveall
Dishman Hills Conservancy (DHC) is celebrating six decades of protecting the hills that share its name. Founded in 1966, DHC is Washington’s oldest land trust, protecting more than 3,200 acres from Camp Caro in Spokane Valley to Big Rock overlooking the Palouse. The nonprofit connects people to nature through conservation, education, recreation and stewardship, relying on volunteers to lead hikes, maintain trails and care for the land.
DHC’s milestone comes alongside recent discussions about a potential merger with Inland Northwest Land Conservancy. The two organizations spent months exploring a combination of DHC’s local roots and INLC’s regional reach. Community listening sessions in June revealed mixed reactions, with many Dishman Hills supporters voicing concerns about losing the group’s independence. Following those conversations, DHC’s board voted in August to rescind the memorandum of understanding with INLC, ending merger discussions.
“Both organizations do great work in conservation, each with its own business model and programs, and we will continue to look for ways to work together,” says DHC executive director Ruth Gifford. “For now, DHC is planning our 60th Anniversary Celebration Sept. 15 and what our next 60 years will look like as we continue our mission to connect and protect the Dishman Hills through conservation, education, recreation and stewardship.” Learn more or get involved with DHC at Dishmanhills.org.
