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
A report from Mitch after his trip to D.C. advocating for national forests, wildfire funding and roadless areas. Wednesday 3/21 Update: Credible reports indicate that Congressional leaders reached a deal early Wednesday morning on a wildfire funding fix. It appears to not include the feared riders related to Alaska or roadless areas, but we await further … Continued
By Mitch Friedman, Executive Director “Dad, is it true that Blanchard Mountain might be logged?” It hurt to hear those words from my daughter almost two years ago, reflecting the buzz among her high school friends and so many in Northwest Washington who love and often visit the western Skagit County jewel that is Blanchard … Continued
Through the new Washington Public Lands Defense Network and partnerships with national allies, we’re standing strong to protect public lands. By Heather Hutchison, Public Lands Defense Organizer When the Trump Administration and Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke opened a “review” of more than two dozen national monuments, including Washington’s Hanford Reach, Americans were shocked. … Continued
By Chase Gunnell, Communications Director Thank you to our dedicated activists and members of the conservation community who have spoken loudly to protect the core of Blanchard State Forest from logging! Located south of Bellingham off Chuckanut Drive, Blanchard is a hugely popular recreation area visited by as many as 100,000 people each year. Managed … Continued
Washington Senator Maria Cantwell is a tenacious leader when it comes to conservation, speaking strongly on behalf of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, equitable access to national parks and public lands, and science-based forest restoration to improve wildlife habitat and protect communities from wildfire. Will you show that Washingtonians deeply appreciate her leadership by sending a … 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
Update on Colville National Forest Plan BY TIANA LUKE, CONSERVATION ASSOCIATE and COLVILLE FOREST FIELD STAFF The current Forest Plan on the Colville National Forest has been in place just a year longer than Conservation Northwest has been “Keeping the Northwest wild”, and we’ve been actively involved in its update from the beginning. National Forests … Continued