The Conservation Committee is involved in establishing the Chapter as a powerful voice in environmental work in the state. It provides an opportunity for groups, sections, and individual members to become involved in conservation activities. The Chapter Conservation Program furthers the conservation objectives and priorities of the Club within Chapter boundaries, assists in regional Club actions, and provides for the development and execution of specific conservation strategies and action programs. We are committed to supporting volunteer leaders to make the changes we need to heal and protect Ecological Systems and create a Just, Inclusive, Equitable, and Sustainable future.
2026 Conservation Priorities
FORESTS & WILD PLACES
- Public Lands:
- Support campaigns in Eastern Oregon to protect Owyhee Canyonlands, Waldo Backcountry Recreation Area and prevent harm to ecosystems under the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision
- Push back on Trump administration efforts to undermine efforts including via the Northwest Forest Plan Amendment and Roadless Rule Rescission
- Work to defeat the “Fix Our Forests” Act and SPEED Act and pass the Roadless Area Conservation Act
- Hold the Oregon Department of Forestry accountable via the Western State Forests Management Plan
- Biomass Utilization: Oppose commercial biomass energy
- Wildfire & Carbon: Promote ecological and scientifically valid approaches to wildfire risk reduction and forest carbon sequestration
- Protect Forest Waters:
- Promote change to address water quality, the climate and species extinction crises.
- Promote environmental justice for rural forest communities by protecting drinking water
ENERGY & CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
- Renewable Energy Transition: Support a just and equitable transition to 100% clean renewable energy in Oregon.
- Electrification: Support new construction utilizing clean and renewable sources for electrification and energy conservation.
- Clean Energy Fund: Strengthen Portland Clean Energy Fund’s programs focusing on frontline environmental justice communities impacted by climate change and fossil fuel use
- Support Transition Away From Fossil Fuels: Oppose Zenith oil-by-rail transportation and storage, the GTN pipeline, and NEXT Renewables.
- False Climate Solutions: Oppose false climate change solutions like biomass energy, renewable fuels, biogas, carbon capture and storage, including attempts to reverse Oregon Measure 7.
TRANSPORTATION
- Sustainable and Equitable Public Transportation: Improving urban public transportation and high capacity transit.
LAND, AIR, WATER & WILDLIFE
- Columbia/Snake River Salmon Restoration Campaign
- Data Centers:
- Enforcing the Oregon State “Power Act” to control how utilities are pricing. Support the development of new data center projects utilizing only clean, environmentally sound energy sources.
- Protect Land, air, water, and wildlife, such as opposing landfill and urban growth boundary expansion.
All Are Welcome to Apply
Your voice is valuable and necessary in the co-creation of a just climate future. We embrace diverse perspectives and hope you will join us in creating a more equitable climate future for all. The committee meets at least 10 times per year. If you’re interested in joining us, please contact ConservationCommittee@oregon.sierraclub.org.