What 2020 taught me about ecological and emotional resilience

What 2020 taught me about ecological and emotional resilience

Just as an old-growth tree serves as the ecological backbone of a resilient forest, a strong emotional foundation can help people get through hard times. By Tiana Luke, Colville Forest Lead Much of my work as part of the Forest Field Team centers on ecological resilience. Whether that is increasing ecological resilience—so wildfires burn within … Continued

I-90 wildlife crossing restoration, recreation outreach and more; 2020 updates from the Central Cascades Watersheds Restoration program

Habitat restoration, forest and road surveys, responsible recreation outreach, state land transfers and continued collaboration toward restoring Gold Creek made for a successful year in the Central Cascades. By Laurel Baum, Central Cascades Conservation Associate Despite the various setbacks and hardships of 2020, our work in the field continued, especially to meet the needs of … Continued

Working for Wildlife in the Okanogan Valley

Decommissioning unneeded forest roads will open up quality habitat for Canada lynx, sharp-tailed grouse and mule deer in north-central Washington. By Michael Liu, Okanogan Forest Lead From virtual school and Zoom meetings to facemasks and social distancing, our world has changed significantly because of Covid-19. The global pandemic has put many aspects of our lives … Continued

Wildfires in the West: climate change, mismanagement, or both?

Forest management alone is not the cause for the severity and scale of today’s wildfires, climate change has exacerbated the problem. But we have tools to respond. *Editor’s Note: Michael Liu joined our staff earlier this year after a distinguished career with the U.S. Forest Service, including as Methow District Ranger. We are honored to … Continued

Objection to Colville National Forest’s San Poil project filed with Northeast Washington Forest Coalition

The San Poil project on the Colville National Forest falls short on its forest and aquatic restoration objectives and threatens to reduce wilderness quality lands. By Tiana Luke, Colville Forest Lead, Northeast Washington Forest Coalition Board Member The San Poil project on the Colville National Forest near Republic, Washington, aims to restore the forest and … Continued

Your support helps heal Northwest forests

Many Washington forests have been damaged by decades of abuse. You can help restore them back to health with a gift today! Imagine for a moment a scenic drive over Snoqualmie Pass, dense evergreen forests on either side of your car for miles and miles. Now what if I told you that much of this … Continued

Our work for incredible Northwest forests

Since 1989, our Forest Field Program has worked to ecologically restore our national forests. A flagship program since our founding, we advance the use of the latest scientific research and engage collaboratively with other stakeholders to promote landscape-scale restoration of forests and watersheds. Check out the map below to learn more about some of the … Continued

Prescribed fire in the time of COVID-19

Prescribed burns are postponed to protect vulnerable communities during COVID-19, but our collaborative work to restore ecological resilience continues. By Michael Liu, Okanogan Forest Lead Its springtime in the Methow—the wildflowers are blooming and the rivers are rising. If you have been able to get outside, you may have noticed the sky is a little … Continued

Response to final Snoquera Landscape Analysis decision

Years of stakeholder engagement on the Snoquera Project lays out a final plan for landscape-scale forest and watershed restoration in the Central Cascades. BY KATHLEEN S. GOBUSH, PH.D. and Laurel Baum, Central Cascades Watersheds Restoration Program In mid-March, after more than two and half years of planning, the U.S. Forest Service published its decision on … Continued

Central Cascades Watersheds Restoration season wrap-up

This year we had a record number of volunteers, put thousands of native plants in the ground, improved signage, and engaged with diverse partners to restore watershed health in the Central Cascades. By Laurel Baum, Central Cascades Conservation Associate From the vibrant slopes of Snoqualmie Pass near I-90 to the lush old-growth forests in the … Continued