About
In the fall of 2007, an application to the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program resulted in a Technical Assistance Award to utilize RTCA's expertise in facilitating and organizing a public planning process with the 
goal of developing an open space plan for the Mid-Columbia Region. The award, initially for a one-year period, was extended for an additional year.
A steering committee that became known as the Ridges to Rivers Open Space Network of the Mid-Columbia was established to coordinate the planning process. The steering committee met monthly. New members were added as the process continued, with participation at the time this plan was written consisting of: Cities of Richland, 
West Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and Benton City; Benton and Franklin Counties; Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau; Benton Franklin Council of Governments; Washington Health Foundation; Benton Franklin Community Health Alliance; Tapteal Greenway; Friends of Badger Mountain; Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society; Native Plant Society; Ice Age Floods Institute - Lake Lewis Chapter; Open Space Coalition; Fun, Fit, and Over Fifty; and the Inter-Mountain Alpine Club.
Vision, mission, and goal statements were agreed to as follows:
The Vision:
A network of natural features, open spaces, and connecting trails that complements residential and commercial development in the Mid-Columbia Region and
- Enhances our ability to attract and retain people and businesses that sustain our economy
- Provides access and connection for recreation, education, and health
- Preserves natural and aesthetic values
The Mission:
Design and implement a plan to support our communities in identifying and preserving the unique natural features and open spaces of the Mid-Columbia. The plan will focus on creating an integrated system of open space and trails connecting the land and water features that are most important to the people living here.
The Goals:
- Preserve the unique regional identity and sense of place that our ridges, rivers, and other natural features provide to the public.
- Promote a citizen-designed Ridges to Rivers Network that boosts economic development in the region.
- Enjoy and increase use of the outdoors.
