Colville Confederated Tribes dedicate Wagner Ranch acquisition

WINTHROP – Members of the Colville Confederated Tribes (CCT), the Methow Conservancy, and guests gathered at the former Wagner Ranch on East Chewuch Road 5.3 miles north of Winthrop on June 24, to dedicate and celebrate the transfer of ownership of the property from the Conservancy to the CCT.
The signing ceremony that sealed the agreement actually took place last May 19, at Nespelem, when representatives of both parties met to make the deed transfer official.
“The Colville Tribes is pleased to receive these lands from the Methow Conservancy,” said Chairman of the Colville Business Council (CBC) Andrew Joseph Jr. in a joint media release issued that day. “The land is already being used for cultural activities and to improve fish and wildlife habitats. We accept our responsibility as stewards of this land to preserve a fertile habitat and we appreciate this opportunity to right some of the historical damage done to the Methow.”
Sam Naney, president of the Methow Conservancy’s board of directors, said, “The Methow peoples’ legacy of stewardship on these lands should inspire all of us to live humbly and with intention in this beautiful valley. While no single project can resolve the past injustices levied on them and their ancestors, we sincerely hope this small step provides meaningful opportunities for the Methow and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation to practice their cultural traditions, to gather, and to regain their time-honored place here in the Methow.”
Speaking about the unique nature of the land involved Conservancy Executive Director Sarah Brooks said: “It is simply an honor to be a part of returning this land. It is a special place for fish and wildlife and it just feels right to return the care of this stretch of the river to its original stewards. We appreciate the generosity of our donors who shared the vision that the return of this land matters.”
The ceremony on the ranch grounds began with an opening prayer by Methow tribal elder Elaine Emerson followed by welcome remarks from Winthrop Mayor Sally Ranzau, CBC Chair Joseph, Jr., and Culture and Education Chair Karen Condon. Nanay and Brooks spoke on behalf of the Conservancy.
A lunch and tour of the ranch amenities – pond, pasture, homes, and barn – were part of the afternoon activities before a final closing prayer and honor song concluded the event.
Significant as it is, the Wagner Ranch deal almost did not happen for the CCT. The original intended recipient was the Yakama Nation. A Portland, Oregon-based nonprofit, Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) purchased the Wagner Ranch for $3.3 million in 2018. WRC acquires land in the Western states for conservation and permanent protection by conveying it to groups in those areas best suited to meet those ends. WRC selected the Yakama Nation’s Upper Columbia Habitat Restoration Project for the 328 acres and 1.6 miles of river frontage in the Wagner parcel. However, expected funding from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to complete the sale to the Yakama’s fell through.
Enter the Methow Conservancy and its successful fundraising campaign to acquire the property for CCT. A media release from the Tribes said the land and water will be the focus of fish and wildlife habitat protection.
“The land lies in the heart of traditional Methow territory and the Methow are one of the tribes of the Confederated Colville Tribes,” said the media release. “The land will be conserved under the guidance of Methow descendants through Colville Tribal ownership. The Tribes’ Fish and Wildlife Anadromous Program will continue work in this watershed with this property serving as prime area for salmon recovery efforts.”
The release added that “the Tribes will pursue habitat improvements and educational programming at the site will benefit all inhabitants of the valley and surrounding region.”
For more information regarding the CCT and Methow Conservancy visit their websites at colvilletribes.com and methowconservancy.org.