Introduction by Matt Danielson, Colville Forest Manager In the early 2000s, the American West began experiencing large, unprecedented wildfires energized by a century of fuel accumulated from fire suppression. Understanding a new paradigm shift was needed, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) set an ambitious goal to fund the prescribed burning on its … Continued
BY JEN SYROWITZ As federal disruption reshaped how partnerships functioned and limited what agencies could carry forward, Conservation Northwest and our allies kept stewardship moving in ways that delivered real benefits for wildlife and communities. The forests and waterways of Washington’s Cascade Crest boast incomparable beauty and habitat for a multitude of key wildlife species such as black … Continued
BY LAUREL BAUM, CENTRAL CASCADES WATERSHED MANAGER As federal disruption reshaped how partnerships functioned and limited what agencies could carry forward, Conservation Northwest and our allies kept stewardship moving in ways that delivered real benefits for wildlife and communities. Dispersed Recreation Improvements Coming out of the spring we had a continuing project to improve site conditions at numerous dispersed recreation camp … Continued
By Matt Danielson, Okanogan Forest Sr. Coordinator The state of the Forest Service in 2025 left communities behind while land management pressed forward with shifting priorities. Across fire-adapted landscapes in Eastern Washington, federal changes reduced the capability of local Districts teams to extinguish wildfire near life and property and to ignite prescribed fires to reduce … Continued
The Community Wildlife Monitoring Program is seeking a handful of diverse and enthusiastic individuals with an interest in fieldwork to join our ranks as apprentices.
This summer, Conservation Northwest’s Wildlife Ambassador Project returned for its third year season, reaching hikers and campers at some of Washington’s most popular trailheads and campgrounds. From June 28 to August 31, our volunteers and staff were out in the field for 59 days of weekend outreach and engaged thousands of people on how to coexist safely with wildlife and low-impact recreation.
By Kurt Hellmann, Wildlife Recreation Coexistence Manager Conservation Northwest’s Wildlife-Recreation Coexistence Program (WREC) has led a new effort to address growing black bear conflicts near Leavenworth’s popular Ski Hill: the purchase and installation of a bear-resistant dumpster in the main parking lot. This project grew out of close working relationships with the local Washington Department … Continued
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