By Chris DeForest, Senior Conservationist, Inland Northwest Land Conservancy

He’s our Madonna, our Bono, our Sting. He’s Craig, our mononym, our rock star attorney.

Since the late 1990s, Craig Trueblood has donated thousands of hours of top-drawer legal counsel to your Conservancy, ending with his retirement from KL Gates in December 2025.

Craig guided the fledgling land trust and its newbie executive director (me) through countless gnarly questions. “Ask Craig” was always our bulwark. I never regretted putting the question. Often, he affirmed my instincts. Often, he had a better way to phrase things. Other times, Craig would straightforwardly and, gulp, firmly, set me straight on my mistakes or my too-generous instincts.

Today, the Conservancy has a priceless, bulging folder titled “Craig Trueblood and Peter Smith gems.” Peter is Craig’s successor as our legal counsel. The gems run heavy to facets of conservation deals, but Craig and his law partners also advised the Board and executive director on every imaginable legal topic, ranging from office leases to personnel policies to Tribal sovereignty.

Over the years, we have thanked Craig many times for being our legal eagle and habitat hero and for saving the best of the Inland Northwest. Craig highlights a few of his favorites below.

Thank you, Craig!!

Q: Craig, what first sparked your connection to the land or outdoors?

I grew up back East spending a lot of time outdoors with my family—hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. My father, brother, and I were all Eagle Scouts, so that connection to the land started early. That stayed with me, and when I moved to Spokane in the late 1980s, I was looking for a way to give back to the community in a way that aligned with that love of the outdoors.

Q: How did you first get involved with Inland Northwest Land Conservancy?

I got involved in the early 1990s, when INLC was still known as the Inland Northwest Land Trust and had no paid staff. I knew Randy Gaylord, who was on the board, and he asked me to provide pro bono legal support for what would become INLC’s first conservation easement with Lollie Turner. I was actually on the other side of the table for that deal. It was successfully completed, and it remains one of the most meaningful projects of my career. I agreed to serve as pro bono legal counsel in that role for about 25 years, until the end of 2025 when I retired from K&L Gates LLP. I now have a small solo practice- Trueblood Law LLC.

Q: Why did you donate your time and expertise to this work?

INLC’s mission was compelling, and the people involved were clearly dedicated. My legal work focuses on environmental law and land use, and I was looking for a way to contribute without conflicts of interest. Serving as pro bono counsel for INLC was a natural fit. It allowed me to use my professional skills in a way that supported something I deeply care about—protecting open spaces and habitat.

Q: What do people often not realize about what it takes to protect land?

There’s a lot happening behind the scenes. Every project involves careful work—surveying land, resolving title issues, drafting agreements, and making sure everything is legally sound for the long term. It’s not always visible, but it’s essential to ensure that these places are protected forever.

Q: Is there a project that has stayed with you over the years?

There are a few. One was a conservation easement along the Coeur d’Alene River, where we had to structure the deal carefully to avoid liability from historic mining contamination while still protecting the land. Another was Glen Tana along the Little Spokane River—an exciting and impactful project for the Spokane community, and we eventually transferred some of the property to the Spokane Tribe for long-term stewardship.

A third was along Cee Cee Ah Creek, where we worked with the Kalispel Tribe, a timber company, and a Canadian mining firm to protect the land. The property was returned to Tribal ownership, with a conservation easement held by INLC. Building that partnership and helping protect such an important place was especially meaningful.

Q: What would you say to someone considering getting involved in conservation?

There are many ways to contribute, and every role matters. Whether it’s giving your time, your expertise, or your support, it all adds up. Conservation is long-term work, and it depends on people who care enough to be part of it.

Be Part of the Story

Craig’s story is a reminder that conservation depends on all of us — with our time, our expertise, and our hearts. If you’re inspired, consider making a gift to INLC or exploring volunteer opportunities with us. Every contribution, in whatever form it takes, helps protect the lands and waters that make the Inland Northwest such a special place.