In the heart of the Kaniksu region lies an organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. Kaniksu Land Trust (KLT), founded with a mission deeply rooted in community and conservation, plays a pivotal role in stewarding the land and fostering a sense of responsibility among its inhabitants.



What is a Land Trust?

It’s important to understand what a land trust is and what a land trust isn’t. Land trusts are private, independent, nonprofit organizations that have collaborated with landowners across the United States for over 50 years to safeguard private lands. Unlike governmental branches or environmental advocacy groups, land trusts focus on negotiating conservation easements—voluntary agreements with landowners—to restrict commercial development and residential subdivision, thereby preserving the natural and agricultural integrity of the land. These easements not only secure important property rights for landowners but also offer potential federal estate and income tax benefits. Beyond easements, land trusts engage with public funding programs and may manage recreational trails and outdoor activities, aligning with their primary mission to conserve private lands through collaborative efforts with farmers, ranchers, and a diverse network of partners including county governments, tribes, and wildlife management agencies. Kaniksu Land Trust does all the above. 


Executive Director Katie Egland Cox emphasized that every transaction between KLT and private landowners is voluntary. “People come to us; we don't hunt people down. The only thing we care about is that folks know it's an option.” Katie has served as the Executive Director since June 2019. Like most nonprofit leaders, her main concern is funding. "Funding is always a hurdle… It's the pressure to keep it all going and keep funding levels in balance," Katie admitted.


Kaniksu Land Trust's mission is succinct: "Caring for the land and people of the Kaniksu region today, tomorrow, and forever." This commitment extends beyond mere preservation; it embodies a philosophy that encourages every individual to become a steward of the land, enriching its diversity and securing its benefits for future generations. As KLT expands its roster of programs and projects, the need for funding grows accordingly. Fortunately, recent major accomplishments have facilitated easier communication of the vision to potential donors. Among KLT’s proudest achievements is the protection of nearly 250 acres of crucial land, including the iconic Pine Street Woods and Pine Street Sled Hill.


Join the adventure

Kaniksu Land Trust embraces the concept of "community conservation," which involves actively listening to the community's needs and integrating them into conservation efforts. The trust collaborates with local agricultural professionals and the farmer’s market to combat food insecurity. Additionally, plans are underway to announce a community land trust aimed at addressing the housing crisis in Sandpoint.



“We want our workforce living among us. No one should be forced to live far outside the city limits because they can’t afford to be closer,” said Katie. 


Known for their successful fundraisers, which often sell out quickly, such as the wine-tasting event Pairings in the Pines (now sold out) and family-friendly Trails and Tales walks, Kaniksu Land Trust offers events catering to all. Noteworthy is the upcoming outdoor concert by pianist Hunter Noack on July 29th—a unique fusion of music and nature that embodies KLT's mission.


To support KLT, Katie encourages community members to volunteer, and consider making financial contributions. For more information, visit KLT at their office at 1215 Michigan St. Suite A or connect online via their website at kaniksu.org. Stay updated on their activities and events by following them on  Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.


EMAIL THE AUTHOR
  1. https://www.idaholandtrusts.org/what-is-a-land-trust
  2. https://www.kaniksu.org




Katie Egland Cox

Kaniksu Land Trust

Executive Director


If you are running on our local trail systems early in the morning, you are likely to bump into Katie Cox. Katie’s love of nature was cultivated during her youth growing up in the wilds of Idaho. Summers were spent swimming in lakes, backpacking into the Frank Church Wilderness and taking long drives through the wheat fields of the Palouse. Born and raised in Moscow and Elk City, Idaho, Katie has always believed that spending time in nature is integral to one’s growth. She and her husband, Brian, believe in cultivating these same values and traditions in their three young girls. Katie and Brian are proud to be raising fifth generation Idahoans.


Katie received her B.S. in Education from the University of Idaho and a Masters in Architecture from the University of Washington. Thus far, Katie has focused her professional life in the fields of Education and Architecture, with a particular interest in building community.


The threads of Katie’s life have woven together her deepest passions — a love of the Idaho landscape, teaching and learning, building community, and spending time outdoors with her family.

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By Linnis Jellinek January 28, 2025
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By Linnis Jellinek January 20, 2025
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By Linnis Jellinek January 20, 2025
BONNER COUNTY IS MORE THAN JUST SANDPOINT In 2011, Sandpoint gained national recognition when Rand McNally and USA Today named it "America’s Most Beautiful Small Town." While this title brought pride to many, it wasn’t a surprise to the locals who already knew what the country would learn: Sandpoint is a special place. The recognition acknowledged more than just the town's stunning surroundings—its residents, their commitment to preserving its natural beauty, and the care taken to protect the town's character were key factors in earning that distinction. Sure, Sandpoint is blessed with stunning scenery and a unique blend of ski town and lakeside charm. However, we’ve all seen other beautiful places that haven't been as thoughtfully nurtured or protected—and those places rarely make, let alone top, such lists. Preserving a community’s beauty isn’t enough; it’s equally important to care for the people who call it home. The name “Sandpoint” carries significant weight and, in many ways, serves as the heartbeat of Bonner County. In fact, there are over 25 local Facebook groups dedicated to Sandpoint, while other towns in the county typically have just one or two. However, Bonner County itself is made up of many diverse communities. Bonner County includes eight cities, three census-designated areas, and nine unincorporated communities. Sandpoint, the county’s largest city, may be the most well-known, but it is by no means the only place where important work is happening. Bonner County is home to over 500 nonprofits , and nearly 41% of them are based outside of Sandpoint. The tiny town of Hope, in fact, has the most nonprofits per capita in the county. There are diverse needs across the county, and many of the challenges are felt most acutely in areas outside of Sandpoint. At the Community Resource EnVision Center, we witness firsthand the unique challenges faced by women, veterans, and the elderly—groups often disproportionately represented among our clients in crisis. In Bonner County, where the population is evenly split between men and women, areas like Dover stand out, with 58% of residents being female. Our county is also home to a large veteran population—11.3%, nearly double the national average of 6%. In places like Clark Fork, the number of veterans per capita is nearly twice that of Sandpoint. Additionally, communities like East Hope and Hope have a median age over 60, while other areas of the county are much younger. While we lack detailed data on all our clientele's origins across Northern Idaho, we know that residents of Clark Fork, Hope, and Priest River are in fact overrepresented, while those from Sandpoint and Sagle are underrepresented. Of course, the needs of our county are more nuanced than simple demographic breakdowns. There is a prevailing sentiment that much of our blue-collar workforce is being pushed out of Sandpoint due to rising costs—and there is certainly some truth to this. However, according to the Cost of Living calculator on BestPlaces.net, Sandpoint ranks somewhere in the middle when comparing the most expensive to least expensive cities in Bonner County. Hope tops the list, followed by Dover, with Ponderay being the most affordable. This is particularly concerning given the high number of elderly residents in Hope. If they are wealthier retirees, the impact may be less significant, but for generational locals, it could be a serious challenge. While violence and crime are often seen as urban issues, rural counties face their own significant challenges. The isolation and limited resources in rural areas can have a particularly harsh impact on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, women, and children. Many may not realize that, according to the Rural Health Information Hub and various studies, although violent crime rates are generally lower in rural areas, the rates of rape and murder are actually higher. Additionally, the National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect report found that rural children are nearly twice as likely to experience maltreatment—including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect—compared to their urban counterparts. While this disparity may partly be due to higher survey response rates in rural areas, it’s a critical issue that warrants attention. Bonner County, like many rural communities, is not exempt from these unique challenges. To help address some of these issues, Priest River Ministries Advocates for Women is making a significant impact outside of Sandpoint. This nonprofit provides essential services for women and children affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking. They offer guidance, support, advocacy, education, and shelter. With locations in Spirit Lake, Priest River, and Sandpoint, they provided 857 nights of emergency shelter in 2023 and housed 120 women and children in need. While Sandpoint may be the heartbeat of Bonner County, the challenges we face aren’t confined to this town, nor are the solutions. Nonprofit support exists throughout the county, addressing the diverse needs and issues in every corner. If Sandpoint is thriving but the rest of the county is struggling, we all fail as a community—and the same can be said the other way around. The Community Resource EnVision Center is dedicated to helping not only Sandpoint and Bonner County, but also neighboring Boundary County. We have two Rural Resource Specialists who connect with community members at libraries, food banks, senior centers, and low-income housing in Priest River, Bonners Ferry, and Clark Fork. By building meaningful relationships with individuals facing systemic challenges, we ensure that when a need arises, they know where to turn for support in reaching their full potential. As the old saying goes, 'You’re only as strong as your weakest link.' Let’s work together to ensure that Bonner County doesn’t have one.
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