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
Getting to know our Forest Field Program and its place in the landscape and community of northeast Washington. BY KEIKO BETCHER, COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH ASSOCIATE, AND MATTHEW BROUWER, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR As two staffers based in Conservation Northwest’s Seattle headquarters, it’s not often that we get the chance to spend time enjoying the landscapes we work … Continued
In our continued push for wilderness protections in northeast Washington, we made several objections to the Forest’s final management plan. by Tiana Luke, Conservation Associate, Colville Forest Field Staff The 15-year process of updating the Colville National Forest Management Plan is coming to its culmination. We have been striving since 2004 to help forge a … Continued
We led a field tour with congressional staff and representatives from several groups to demonstrate the need for forest and watershed restoration in the Central Cascades. BY Laurel Baum, Central Cascades Conservation Associate The Central Cascades, spanning from the Alpine Lakes Wilderness to Mount Rainier National Park, is a beautiful landscape that includes important habitat … Continued
We’re working to help a vulnerable bighorn sheep herd and restore a critical landscape in north-central Washington. BY George Wooten, okanogan conservation associate *Editor’s Note: George is retiring next month after more than a decade working as our Conservation Associate and Okanogan Forest Field staffer based in Twisp. Among other roles, he previously worked for … Continued
We’re part of a new collaborative effort to restore forest health near Lake Wenatchee and reduce wildfire risks for nearby communities. By Jen Watkins, conservation associate A flagship effort since Conservation Northwest’s founding, for thirty years our Forest Field Program has used science and collaboration to promote the restoration of wildlands in Washington and beyond. We … Continued
The revised Plan recommends wilderness protections for only three areas, leaving most quality lands without permanent protection. By Tiana Luke, CONSERVATION ASSOCIATE, COLVILLE FOREST FIELD STAFF Last week, the Colville National Forest released its Revised Forest Plan after 15 years of work to update the guidelines by which our public lands are managed for wilderness, wildlife, … Continued
Finding common-ground on the Mission Project in north-central Washington By George Wooten, Conservation Associate and Okanogan Forest Field Staff In the Methow Valley, a forest project is moving ahead with conservation guidelines, benefits for both forest health and local economies, and our support thanks to common-ground reached through collaboration. My personal involvement in the landscape … Continued
An update on the Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition from our Forest Field Program. BY TIANA LUKE, CONSERVATION ASSOCIATE and COLVILLE FOREST FIELD STAFF While divisiveness grows rampant in many parts of the world, there’s still a place in the northeastern corner of Washington state where those of different viewpoints work together to promote each other’s … Continued
Perspective on the 2017 fire season from Dave Werntz, our Science and Conservation Director, who works out of our Twisp field office. Research shows that fire suppression and old-growth logging have transformed our fire-prone forests, increasing the risk of uncharacteristic fire events, especially under a changing climate. A combined approach of strategic thinning and prescribed … Continued