FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REI Announces $19,660 in Community Grants to Local Organizations

Deschutes Land Trust receives funds from REI for stewardship.

About to finish its second year in The Shops at The Old Mill, outdoor retail co-op Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), is announcing grant awards to four local organizations. The grant check presentation took place on Wednesday, August 29, 2007.

Grant recipients were selected after local REI employees identified and nominated organizations that were of particular interest to them, their customers, offered outdoor recreation opportunities, and were in close proximity to an REI store. Once the specific groups were identified, the screening process began by REI's Public Affairs Department. Potential recipients completed the grant application forms describing the programs that would utilize the funding. The Bend store was notified that the following organizations would be recipients: Central Oregon Nordic Club -Central Oregon Chapter, Girls Go Outside, Central Oregon Nordic Club - Tumalo Langlauf Chapter, and the Deschutes Basin Land Trust.

 The Land Trust recieved $5000.00 to increase the number of stewardship opportunities and volunteers engaged in local, outdoor activities. REI's funds will support the Land Trust in its effort to recruit new stewardship volunteers and will be used to purchase additional supplies and tools for use in restoration activities. Funds will also be used to support their first Volunteer Open House where the public will be invited to learn more about restoration and recreation opportunities on the Land Trust's protected Preserves.

The Deschutes Basin Land Trust - “Lands in Trust, Protected Forever”

###