Who We Are

Kittitas Conservation Trust is a private, non-profit, conservation corporation founded in 2002.

Our Mission

Protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, open space, cultural and recreational resources, and scenic views in the Upper Yakima River Basin.

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History

Kittitas Conservation Trust was created from an agreement between the Yakama Nation, Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and Trendwest Resorts (now Suncadia).

A primary goal of the Trust is no net loss of productive fish and wildlife habitat in connection with the development of the 6,000 acre Suncadia master planned resort near Roslyn.

The Cooperative Agreement describes the corporate structure of the Trust, conservation goals and objectives, and basic fiscal framework.

Kittitas Conservation Trust was incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington on June 19, 2002 for the following purposes:

  • Acquire and own conservation easements, development rights, or real property interests to protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, open space and scenic views
  • Acquire water rights to provide additional instream flows in the upper Yakima River and its tributaries
  • Secure and maintain status as a qualified conservation organization within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code

KCT is a qualified organization under Sections 501(c)(3) and 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Board of Trustees

The Trust’s By-Laws specify that the governing board be comprised of three Trustees, each representing an original signatory of the
Cooperative Agreement.

Representing Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Jeff Tayer, Board President
WDFW Region 3 Director
Yakima, WA

Representing the Yakama Nation

Paul Ward, Board Vice President
Fisheries Program Director
Yakama Nation
Toppenish, WA

Representing Suncadia LLC

Arthur Solbakken, Board Secretary / Treasurer
Development Manager- Platting & Infrastructure
Suncadia LLC
Cle Elum, WA

Registered Agent and Executive Director

David Gerth
P.O. Box 428
205 Alaska Ave.
Roslyn, WA 98941

(509) 649-2951
kct@inlandnet.com