What clackamas river basin council does

Clackamas River Basin Council (CRBC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit watershed council headquartered in Clackamas, Oregon, operating exclusively within the Clackamas River Basin — a drinking water source for over 300,000 Oregonians. The organization's mission is to foster partnerships that produce clean water and improved fish and wildlife habitat for residents, landowners, and recreationists in the watershed. Its work centers on four functional pillars: in-stream habitat restoration (side-channel reconnection, large wood enhancement, culvert removal); riparian and forest programs (the Shade Our Streams native-planting initiative for streamside landowners); water quality monitoring (pesticide sampling across five creeks in partnership with Oregon Department of Agriculture and DEQ, plus 2024 eDNA sampling); and community engagement (the annual 22-mile Down the River Cleanup, Stash the Trash bag program, and a free webinar series).

CRBC does not operate a software or technology product; its "deliverables" are physical restoration projects, longitudinal environmental datasets, and educational programming delivered free of charge to the public. Revenue derives from a diversified but grant-heavy mix: Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Focused Investment Partnership grants (the primary funding mechanism), Metro Nature in Neighborhoods grants, federal and state agency funds, corporate sponsorships (notably Portland General Electric), individual donations (cash, stock, planned giving), and event fundraising (the annual Clackamas Watershed Celebration, which raised approximately $15,000 net in 2025). Programs reach end users — streamside landowners (160+ enrolled since 2011), 4,500+ cleanup volunteers, students, and homeowners — through direct field delivery, on-the-ground events, and digital channels including a newsletter and video series.

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and led by Executive Director Cheryl McGinnis, with a small operational team including communications, restoration, and stewardship managers plus riparian specialists. CRBC operates within a dense multi-stakeholder ecosystem — Clackamas Partnership, Clackamas Stewardship Partners, 1% For the Planet, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, US Forest Service, ODFW, and multiple municipal water utilities — that jointly funds and co-delivers the restoration agenda. Strategic priorities through 2026 center on expanding restoration project throughput, extending water quality monitoring into new subwatersheds such as Tickle Creek in Sandy, and scaling educational reach via virtual programming.

Name

clackamas river basin council

Legal name

Clackamas River Basin Council

Website

https://clackamasriver.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Clackamas River Basin Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit watershed council serving the Clackamas River Basin in Oregon, delivering habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, and community education programs to streamside landowners, residents, and recreationists through grant and donor funding.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Watershed Restoration Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Resources & Watershed Protection (BPAGAGAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water Quality Monitoring, Compliance & Reporting (Sampling, Lab, Regulatory) (EUANAAAG), Riparian & Watershed Reforestation (Streambank Stabilization) (AFAMACAK)

Keywords

• Watershed restoration services
• Habitat restoration programs
• Water quality monitoring
• Riparian reforestation services
• Environmental education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Clackamas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donors contribute one-time or monthly gifts to support the organization's mission of protecting clean water, restoring salmon habitat, and supporting healthy watersheds. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with EIN 91-1838169.
2. Corporate Membership and Sponsorships: Corporate partners provide financial support through membership programs and event sponsorships. The organization offers corporate partnership opportunities including workplace giving programs and employee matching.
3. 1% For the Planet Membership: As a member of 1% for the Planet, the organization receives contributions from member businesses committed to environmental giving. Founded by Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia) and Craig Mathews.
4. Grant Funding: Primary funding from government grants including Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Focused Investment Partnership grants, federal grants, state grants, and local agency funding. Major funders include Metro Nature in Neighborhoods grants.
5. Planned Giving and Legacy Donations: Donors can include the organization in wills, name as IRA/retirement account beneficiary, or make Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs (age 70½+).
6. Stock and Securities Donations: Donors can transfer appreciated stocks or securities directly to the organization. Brokerage: Fidelity, DTC: 0226, Account: Z40541490.
7. Event Revenue: The annual Clackamas Watershed Celebration raises funds through ticket sales, silent auctions, and donations. The 2025 event raised approximately $15,000 (net).

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Clackamas River Basin Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit watershed council that delivers free watershed restoration, water quality monitoring, and environmental education services in Oregon's Clackamas River Basin. Its offerings include stream channel restoration, riparian planting, invasive species removal, cleanup events, and direct support services for streamside residents and landowners. The council operates with a small staff (1-10 employees) and depends on volunteers, grants, donations, and corporate sponsorships to fund its programs.

Product overview

The Clackamas River Basin Council operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit watershed organization rather than a traditional software product company. Its offerings consist of environmental programs and services focused on habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, and community stewardship. Core programs include Stream Channel Habitat Restoration Projects (side channel reconnection, large wood enhancement, culvert replacement), the Shade Our Streams Program (free streamside restoration with native plantings), Water Quality Monitoring & Research (pesticide and stream health monitoring in partnership with state agencies), the Clackamas River Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP), Wildfire Recovery Program, and the Clackamas Stewardship Partners forestry collaboration. Educational offerings include a Free Webinar Series on topics like invasive plants, water quality, rain gardens, and pesticide alternatives, Student Programs, and the Clackamas Water Trail recreational resource. Community engagement programs include the annual Down the River Cleanup (Oregon's largest on-water cleanup), the Stash the Trash bag distribution program, and volunteer opportunities. The organization does not offer a software product, API, or technology platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Habitat Restoration Program
• Water Quality Monitoring Program
• Environmental Education Program
• Community Cleanup Events
• Streamside Resident Support Services

Quantifiable outcome

• 42+ tons of garbage removed from Clackamas River since 2003
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• 1% For the PlanetcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2026CRBC is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, a global network of businesses, individuals, and environmental organizations tackling planet's most pressing environmental issues. Founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia) and Craig Mathews. CRBC seeks donations from member businesses committed to environmental giving.
• Portland General ElectricflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor funder of habitat restoration projects including Shade Our Streams program, South Fork Clackamas River Habitat Restoration, and Eagle Creek Large Wood Enhancement. PGE provides funding through their environmental commitment programs and is a Watershed Champion sponsor of the Clackamas Watershed Celebration.
• US Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on South Fork Clackamas River Habitat Restoration (tipping 50 fire-killed trees), North Fork Eagle Creek Large Wood Enhancement, and Upper Clackamas Cleanup. Collaborates with Mt. Hood National Forest on habitat improvement, road repair, and forest health projects.
• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in fish habitat restoration projects, salmon recovery efforts, and water quality monitoring. ODFW provides technical expertise on ESA-listed species (spring Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, steelhead, Pacific lamprey, Bull Trout) and conducts electrofishing surveys.
• We Love Clean RiversflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of the annual Down the River Cleanup (largest on-water cleanup in Oregon) and River Ambassador Program. Monitors trash levels in the river year-round and recruits volunteers for cleanup efforts.
• Clackamas PartnershipflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerVoluntary collaborative of organizations committed to improving watershed health in the Clackamas Basin. Created the Strategic Restoration Action Plan guiding restoration activities. Funded by OWEB FIP Implementation grant.
• Clackamas Stewardship PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative group of stakeholders working on forestry opportunities in the Clackamas Basin using stewardship contracting and innovative tools to enhance forest health. Includes local government, conservation groups, timber industry, federal agencies, hunting groups, universities, and environmental organizations. Contact: Tom Horning, Interim Chair.
• Oregon State ParkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Kingfisher Side-Channel Reconnection at Milo McIver State Park and other restoration projects on state park lands. Collaborates on Stash the Trash bag distribution program.
• Oregon Department of AgriculturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in water quality monitoring program. CRBC works with ODA and DEQ to collect water samples from five creeks (Deep, Clear, Noyer, Rock, Sieben) every two weeks during spring and summer months.
• Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in water quality monitoring. DEQ tests water samples for 145 pesticides and regularly finds concentrations above aquatic life benchmarks. DEQ sets standards and benchmarks for stream health.
• Clackamas CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Stash the Trash program and cleanup events. Provides funding through Clackamas County Parks, Clackamas County Sustainability & Solid Waste Program, and Clackamas County Transportation & Development.
• Clackamas Soil & Water Conservation DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in wildfire recovery (with CRBC, Pudding River Watershed Council & OSU Extension) for properties impacted by 2020 Riverside or Beachie Creek Wildfire. Manages Clackamas River Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP).
• Inter-FluvecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering contractor for habitat restoration projects including Eagle Creek Large Wood Enhancement at Bonnie Lure State Park. Placed logs in creek and built logjam structures (June-August 2020).
• Columbia HelicopterscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAviation contractor for Eagle Creek Large Wood Enhancement project. Dropped over 150 logs near installation sites at Bonnie Lure State Park (June 2020).
• Aquatic ContractingcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMarine contractor for Eagle Creek Large Wood Enhancement project. Placed logs in creek and built logjam structures at Bonnie Lure State Park (August 2020).
• Sunrise Water AuthoritycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal water utility that carried out construction for Rock Creek culvert removal. Discovered water conveyance line over culvert and graciously continued support for CRBC projects by completing construction.
• SOLVEminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOregon environmental nonprofit partner listed in Down the River Cleanup sponsor materials. Supports community stewardship events.
• Confederated Tribes of Warm SpringscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in CTWS Side Channel restoration project working to restore riparian conditions impacted by trespassing. CRBC and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs removing roads and vehicle access, planting native vegetation.
• Clackamas River Community CooperativeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMobile home community adjacent to Sieben Riverbend project site. Champions of the project since inception, eager to see improvements to fish habitat in their backyard. Represents community stakeholders in watershed stewardship.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Salmon-Safe: Pacific Northwest nonprofit certification organization working with landowners and farmers to protect water quality and salmon habitat, addressing similar pesticide-runoff and streamside-vegetation issues through market-based mechanisms.

Broad incumbents

• Sustainable Rivers Fund (formerly The Freshwater Trust): Larger Oregon-based nonprofit focused on freshwater restoration through market-based water transactions and habitat projects, operating at greater geographic scale with similar state-agency and utility funding relationships.
• Pacific Rivers Council: Regional nonprofit advocating for river and watershed protection across multiple basins in the Pacific Northwest, with overlapping policy and habitat-restoration priorities relevant to CRBC's mission.
• Northwest Environmental Advocates: Pacific Northwest nonprofit focused on water-quality policy and watershed protection, sharing CRBC's concerns around pesticide contamination and stream-health standards in Oregon.

Direct peers

• Deschutes River Conservancy: Oregon nonprofit working on streamflow restoration and habitat improvement in the Deschutes Basin using partnership-based, grant-funded models highly analogous to CRBC's Clackamas Partnership structure.
• Tualatin Riverkeepers: Pacific Northwest watershed advocacy and restoration nonprofit focused on the Tualatin River, running volunteer cleanups, habitat restoration, and water quality programs in a comparable basin-based, community-driven model.
• McKenzie River Trust: Oregon-based nonprofit land trust focused on conserving the McKenzie River watershed, with comparable riparian restoration, native plantings, landowner engagement, and federal/state partnership programs targeting salmon and water-quality outcomes.
• Pudding River Watershed Council: Oregon watershed council operating in the adjacent Pudding River Basin with similar OWEB-funded restoration, wildfire recovery partnership with CRBC, and landowner engagement programs.
• We Love Clean Rivers: Portland-area nonprofit running on-water river cleanups and River Ambassador programs; co-organizes CRBC's Down the River Cleanup and shares the same volunteer-driven river stewardship model.

Others

• Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB): Oregon state agency that is CRBC's largest grant funder via Focused Investment Partnership grants; not a peer organization but a key ecosystem participant whose funding decisions directly affect CRBC's project pipeline.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/clackamas-river-basin-council

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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