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
Learn to respect wildlife this winter while enjoying the outdoors!
Conservation Northwest recently completed its pilot outreach project based near North Bend, WA. Dubbed as the Wildlife Ambassador Project, this effort connects people to the information they need to recreate with respect to wildlife across public lands. Conservation Northwest’s Seasonal Wildlife-Recreation Specialist was out in the field with volunteers each weekend from July 1 to September 3 to conduct outreach at the Middle Fork trailhead and campground. Below are her reflections on her summer working for Conservation Northwest.
Diverse stakeholder group met throughout 2021 to discuss the emerging issue of electric-powered bicycle access on Washington’s public lands BY KURT HELLMANN, ADVOCACY ASSOCIATE AND WILDLIFE-RECREATION COEXISTENCE PROGRAM LEAD Electric-powered bicycles (e-bikes) are a rapidly growing form of recreation in the outdoors. While great for carbon-free transit up steep city streets, where else can e-bikers … Continued
State acquisition of TransAlta property in Lewis County offers opportunity for public land access and wildlife habitat By Brian Stewart Over the last few months we have heard the opinions and fears of prominent Lewis County residents rejecting the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s proposed land acquisition of the degraded TransAlta Centralia Mine property. … Continued
The recently-signed Great American Outdoors Act and a new report show the numerous benefits healthy public lands provide to Washingtonians By Keiko Betcher, Communications and Outreach Associate A recent report by the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) found our state’s outdoor recreation economy to be on par with its aerospace industry. That’s a big … Continued
Legislation moving through Congress offers optimism for the economy, public health and conservation. By Mitch Friedman, Executive director We all know we’re living through a historic time. But did you know that amid the trauma related to public health, economic fallout, and the struggle for racial justice, we’re also experiencing historic conservation success and opportunity? I … Continued
Washington state should manage its public forests to benefit all the people. BY MITCH FRIEDMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR We made a promise more than 20 years ago that we’re working to fulfill. Last month we filed a legal complaint in response to a county and timber industry lawsuit. That complaint, Conservation Northwest v. Hilary Franz (in … 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
Land grab politicians have misjudged the American people in their attempts to undermine national monuments and other public lands By Chase Gunnell, Communications Director There are lots of articles, editorials and calls to action going around this week regarding President Trump’s Executive Order to “review” national monuments, a blatant move to undermine the 111-year-old … Continued