By Dave Werntz, Science and Conservation Sr. Director For nearly a quarter of a century, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, commonly referred to as the Roadless Rule, has been a foundational component of American conservation policy. It protects habitat for wildlife, preserves carbon-storing forests in the face of climate change, and offers solitude and clean … Continued
By Jen Syrowitz, Conservation Programs Sr. Manager A family of geese use I-90 wildlife undercrossing. WSDOT. I first fell in love with animals through story, specifically, Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White. I read those books until the pages fell out! Fast forward to one year between undergraduate … Continued
Conservation Northwest teams up with WDFW to help students safely coexist with black and grizzly bears By Kurt Hellmann, Wildlife-Recreation Coexistence Program Manager & Alycia Scheidel, Wildlife-Recreation Specialist “Who here has seen a bear?” Nearly every hand shot up. Dozens of middle schoolers wriggled in their seats, eager to share their encounters. “In the woods!” … Continued
By Brian Stewart, Cascades to Olympics Program Manager When the world changes, survival depends on more than just resilience—for people and wildlife, it means having the freedom to move. Movement has always been a vital part of adaptation, allowing species to leave behind harsh or unlivable conditions in search of better ones. Throughout history, this … Continued
The holistic impact of budget cuts, staff reductions, and diminished morale will deteriorate our shared resources BY LAUREL BAUM, CENTRAL CASCADES WATERSHED RESTORATION MANAGER Federal mass firings are just the beginning… If you’ve been following the news and updates of the Federal workforce, you may know some of the following: good, hard-working, dedicated, civil servants … Continued
Cutting the federal government has always meant cutting our communities By Matt Danielson, Okanogan Forest Sr. Coordinator I used to work for the Forest Service in Okanogan County. It was 2014, and the economy was just starting to show positive signs of recovery from the Great Recession. I was concerned about my ability to get … Continued
Beyond the Headlines: Why Federal stewardship is critical for our collective well-being Federal actions are threatening the stability of our economy, environment, and essential public services. Public lands and the agencies that manage them are not just recreational spaces or bureaucratic institutions- they are the foundation of thriving communities, healthy ecosystems, and sustainable industries. When … Continued
As society grapples with a rapidly changing sociopolitical landscape, what does that mean for our natural world? Across Conservation Northwest, certain words appear over and over in recent emails—layoffs, reductions in force, chaos, uncertainty. Thus far in 2025, we are witnessing unprecedented disruptions to our mission and communities: deep staffing cuts across public land agencies, … Continued
By Jen Syrowitz, Sr. Manager, Conservation Programs Last week, on behalf of Conservation Northwest, I testified at a Kittitas County Planning Commission meeting to oppose a land use rezone on 150 acres that would increase already unsustainable recreation effects in a critical wildlife corridor. Decades of landscape-scale watershed restoration and animal crossing investments have … Continued
Learn to respect wildlife this winter while enjoying the outdoors!