Dishman Hills Conservancy and Inland Northwest Land Conservancy Merger Exploration Moves to Phase 2: Community Feedback

With decades of conservation work across our region, we remain grounded in the values that guide us  - advocacy, conservation, education, integrity, and stewardship, and a commitment to protecting land forever. You have been an essential part of this work, helping protect the places we all care about.
That commitment continues to guide us forward. Dishman Hills Conservancy and the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy have been exploring a merger that would broaden and strengthen our collective impact. As one part of a broader review, our boards have completed an initial due diligence process to better understand what this could mean for our mission, our work, and the communities we serve. That process has helped us determine that this is an opportunity worth exploring further.
Now, we are entering a community feedback phase, where we are listening closely to our members, partners, and supporters. The perspectives and questions of our members and community are important as we continue to explore this opportunity. 

Why are Inland Northwest Land Conservancy and Dishman Hills Conservancy exploring this merger?
With growth and development accelerating across our region, more than ever, it's important to strengthen conservation efforts to safeguard our vibrant ecosystems and protect the places that matter most. The two boards have discussed what that opportunity could look like and the community's impact that comes from coordinating our efforts, optimizing resources, and creating a broader conservation impact. The vision for integrating the organizations would be to create one capable of protecting and stewarding signature recreation landscapes such as the Dishman Hills and Waikiki Springs, while extending conservation efforts across the wider region.

What are the benefits of the two organizations merging?

Dishman Hills Conservancy brings sixty years of grassroots spirit, volunteer leadership, and deep local connection to Dishman Hills. INLC brings regional reach, robust stewardship capacity, and experience protecting a variety of lands across the Inland Northwest. Together, a merged organization could coordinate efforts, optimize resources, gain greater visibility, and create a broader conservation impact. Together we can accomplish more.

What changes to existing land can the public expect to see if the merger goes through?

The public can expect continuity of access and protection. Both organizations are committed to no net loss of conserved lands and no loss of public access within the Dishman Hills corridor. Public access on the Wilson Property will also be retained, and INLC's publicly accessible properties, including Waikiki Springs, will remain open and actively stewarded. Much of DHC's existing programmatic work will continue within the merged organization, and INLC's established conservation strategies and practices will be maintained. If anything, a merged organization would have greater capacity to expand conservation efforts - deepening education programs that connect people to the land, continuing forest health and fuels reduction, and working toward completing the Dishman Hills corridor from Appleway through the Palouse, as outlined in the Dishman Hills Strategic Plan. INLC’s public recreation support would expand, and a committee dedicated to the Dishman Hills would be formed.

What does this mean for the community?

The merger means stronger conservation outcomes, more resources for community engagement, and a unified approach to protecting the landscapes that define our region. Community members will see expanded opportunities to connect with and learn in nature. A merged organization will also bring together the volunteer communities of both organizations, creating even more opportunities for people to get involved in stewardship, education, community outreach, and conservation work.

How would a merger affect the mission and priorities of each organization?

A merger would strengthen the mission and priorities of both organizations. The Dishman Hills would remain a priority, with a continued commitment to completing the Dishman Hills corridor and honoring the community-centered spirit that DHC has cultivated. At the same time, the merged organization would carry forward INLC's commitment to protecting a diverse range of lands across the Inland Northwest, including the organization’s owned recreational land – Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve, through conservation easements and collaborative work with public and private landowners. The conservation experience and community connection developed at Dishman Hills will help shape the future of these landscapes and many others. Our shared intent is to build a resilient network of protected places, deepen human connection to nature, and ensure lasting conservation success across the region.

Will protecting and caring for Dishman Hills still be a priority?

Yes. The Dishman Hills will remain a primary focus area. The proposed merger ensures Dishman Hills will benefit from the combined organization’s added capacity and resources.

How does this impact my membership and donation?

Your membership and your investment in conservation matter deeply to both organizations. It has made, and will continue to make, a significant impact. Restricted gifts for land acquisition in the Dishman Hills will be held in a dedicated fund to honor donor intent.

How can I continue to volunteer?

Volunteering is at the heart of both organizations and will not change. A merged organization would bring together the volunteer communities of both organizations, creating more opportunities to get involved. We anticipate a growing need for volunteers who want to make a difference in the places they love, as the need for conservation continues to grow.

When will a final decision be made?

There is no firm date yet, but both organizations have completed Phase 1 due diligence, and we’re now moving into a Phase 2 community feedback stage. An essential component of a merger will be an affirmative vote by members from both organizations. We are committed to ensuring members have ample opportunity to learn, ask questions, and share feedback before any vote takes place. Updates will be shared through each organization's communications channels.

How can I share my feedback?
Your questions and perspectives about the potential merger are important as we continue to explore this opportunity. You are invited to join us for one of the upcoming member information sessions. Members are invited to attend, share thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the potential merger on June 8 and 9.

June 8 | Liberty Lake Public Library | 5:30-7 p.m.
Member Informational Session 1

23123 E Mission Ave, Liberty Lake, WA 99019

Register Here:  https://inlandnwland.org/communityfeedback/

June 9 | Spokane Valley Public Library | 6-8 p.m.

22 N. Herald, Spokane Valley
Member Informational Session 2
Register Here: Community Feedback & Information Session