The early 2000s brought uncertainty at the national level, both through the financial recession, and the horrific events of 9/11. River Network was no exception to this uncertainty. For 15 years, the land transactions arm of River Network had continued to grow, both in terms of the scale and complexity of its projects, and its national reputation. It became clear that an operation of this magnitude would benefit from its own governance and administration, and so in 2002, Western Rivers Conservancy was launched, with Phil Wallin at its helm.