Naturally Resourceful

When Dylan Kruse was named president of Sustainable Northwest in November 2024, it was a full-circle professional moment. Kruse had joined the conservation-focused nonprofit as an intern after his graduation from Lewis & Clark in 2009. Over the past 15 years, he’s worked across the organization, growing in responsibilities and deepening his understanding of the region’s environmental and economic challenges.

Kruse moved to Portland from his hometown of Conifer, Colorado, drawn to L&C from the glowing recommendations of friends of teachers, two of whom happened to be alumni. As an international affairs major, he had broad interests. “So much of what I was interested in as a student—from resource conflict to politics and economics—is applicable to what we’re experiencing right here in the Pacific Northwest.”

The length of Kruse’s tenure with Sustainable Northwest means he has worn several hats within the organization, working closely with each program area on everything from fundraising to government affairs. The nonprofit orients its efforts around five program areas: regenerative ranching, clean energy, water, forests, and wood markets.

“It’s about tackling the most pressing environmental issues of our time without sacrificing the bottom line,” says Kruse. “Our approach is rooted in innovation and collaboration with businesses, landowners, and the people who live in our communities. We’re working to find the spaces where there are common benefits and goals to be able to say ‘There’s a better path forward that’s good for the land, good for the community—and it’s affordable.’”

A particular moment of pride for the organization was its participation in the recent renovation of Portland International Airport’s main terminal. The project featured a first-of-its-kind timber roof and flooring—built with materials supplied through its for-profit arm, Sustainable Northwest Wood—and sourced from tribes and landowners across Oregon and Washington. According to Kruse, it redefined what is possible in the wood supply chain. “The Port of Portland wanted to build this structure with local, climate-friendly wood that supported tribal businesses and small landowners. People told them it couldn’t happen—it was too expensive. Our team found a way to create that supply chain, resulting in probably the largest sustainable wood construction project in America.”

The Portland International Airport sourced all the wood in its stunning new main terminal from Oregon and Washington forests with the help of Sustainable Northwest's for-profit arm, Sustainable Northwest Wood.
Credit: Sustainable Northwest/Ema Peters Photography

Despite political headwinds, Sustainable Northwest has seen a number of legislative wins at both the federal and state levels. After Oregon experienced record-breaking wildfires in 2024, the nonprofit helped secure $271 million for improved wildfire response and resilience. That same year, Sustainable Northwest helped preserve a popular community forest program in Washington state and pass a landmark bill enabling local energy microgrids.

“When things get difficult, I tell people to look at their own backyards,” says Kruse. “In the Pacific Northwest, we have an amazing resource base and passionate advocates for the environment. We’ll keep creating policies and market-based solutions, and building the relationships on the ground that sustain this work.”