WildLinks Conference
Bringing together scientists, Tribal and First Nations leaders, land managers, and conservation practitioners to advance ecological connectivity across the Pacific Northwest.
Our Approach
Convening the experts and communities working to protect and restore the Northwest’s ecological networks.
WildLinks is the Pacific Northwest’s annual gathering for the scientists, Tribal and First Nations leaders, land managers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners working to keep our region’s landscapes connected.
Current Focus
Work We’re Doing to Achieve WildLinks Conference Goals
Convening Science & Knowledge
Convened by Conservation Northwest, the conference links ecological science with the political, cultural, and social dimensions of connectivity.
The conference creates a space where research, traditional knowledge, and management needs can inform one another.
Collaboration & Future Gathering
WildLinks helps shape shared priorities, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate the strategies needed to protect, connect, and restore habitat across the region.
This collaboration is essential for ensuring wildlife can move, adapt, and persist in a rapidly changing world.
Save the Date! The 2026 WildLinks Conference will be held Oct 6-8, 2026, in Grand Mound, Washington. Please contact Jen with interest or questions: jsyrowitz@conservation.org
Impact & Results
A History of Forest Habitat Goals
Our forest habitat management strategy is rooted in collaboration with federal, state, and regional conservation leaders and strategy. Together, we aim to conserve diverse forest habitat through science-based work and community partnerships.
Engaging in major forest planning frameworks
Supporting Washington’s 20 Year Forest Health Strategic Plan
Shaping restoration and management across Washington’s forest landscapes
Engaging in major forest planning frameworks
Work in forest habitat is anchored in the Northwest Forest Plan and related federal and state planning processes that shape how mature forests, old growth, and critical wildlife habitat are managed across Washington. Engagement focuses on ensuring these plans protect ecological integrity and maintain habitat connectivity.
Supporting Washington’s 20 Year Forest Health Strategic Plan
Participation in the state’s long term forest health strategy helps guide restoration, thinning, and fire adaptation work across eastern Washington. The emphasis is on science based treatments that improve forest resilience and sustain habitat for species that depend on these landscapes.
Shaping restoration and management across Washington’s forest landscapes
Staff engage broadly across Washington’s forest plans, collaboratives, and project level processes - from the Okanogan Wenatchee to the Colville, Mt. Baker -Snoqualmie, Gifford Pinchot, and state managed forests. This includes involvement in multi stakeholder groups, commenting on forest plans and projects, and supporting restoration that improves habitat quality and connectivity across the state’s diverse forest ecosystems.
Impact & Results
Our Key Accomplishments for WildLinks Conference
From protecting critical landscapes to advancing collaborative forest restoration, these efforts deliver lasting benefits for wildlife, habitat connectivity, and climate resilience.
2025 WildLinks Outcomes
Building Shared Infrastructure for Lasting Connectivity Implementation in Washington
The 2025 WildLinks gathering centered on building the shared infrastructure needed to make connectivity implementation durable in Washington, giving partners space to celebrate the release of the Washington Habitat Connectivity Action Plan, align around feasibility needs, and strengthen momentum for coordinated action. A comprehensive summary of the meeting can be read here, and additional conference resources are compiled here.
2023 WorkingLinks Launch
Launching a Statewide Connectivity Strategy Through Collaborative Planning
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Additional Resources
Media & Archive Resources