In the late 1970s, a group of hunters and outdoors enthusiasts concerned about the loss and degradation of wildlife habitat formed the North Okanogan Sportsmen’s Council. The group obtained non-profit status, held bingo fundraisers, and conducted some hands-on conservation efforts in the north county throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s.

In late 2001, after learning about conservation easements and the work of land trusts, the group decided to revise their bylaws and re-form as a land trust under the name the Okanogan Valley Land Council. OVLC took on its first conservation easement in 2003 and has added to its portfolio of conserved properties ever since.

The organization was renamed as Okanogan Land Trust in 2011. Previously based in Tonasket, OLT moved its office to Okanogan in 2015, while continuing to serve the same vast and beautiful region as before.