Conservation Northwest

Conservation at Risk – We Must Act Layoffs. Funding cuts. Weakening protections. 2025 has brought unprecedented threats to Washington’s wildlife and wild places. Public land agencies are losing staff, conservation funding is unstable, and rural economies are at risk. As our Executive Director Mitch Friedman says, “AI cannot patrol for poachers, restore a stream, or manage a wildfire.” We must act. Conservation Northwest is doubling down—adapting, reinvesting, and fighting to protect our landscapes and communities. Stay tuned for our blog series on what’s happening, what’s at stake, and how you can take action. Over the coming weeks, we’ll share a blog series diving deep into these challenges—what’s happening, what’s at stake, and how YOU can take action. We need your voice. Your support. Your advocacy. Together, we can ensure the wild places we cherish remain protected for generations to come. Read the first blog in our series and stay tuned for ways to take action: https://lnkd.in/gBThVgFc

ALERT: Trump Administration Slashes Protections, Paves Way for Logging in National Forests The Trump administration has just signed an executive order fast-tracking logging in our national forests—weakening environmental protections, cutting Forest Service staff, and putting our public lands at risk. What’s at Stake? Weakened Wildlife Protections – This order limits the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), crucial laws that safeguard wildlife and ecosystems. Increased Wildfire Risks – Research shows that industrial logging can make fires worse, not better. Reduced Access & Recreation – Fewer rangers and resources mean degraded trails, unmaintained roads, and fewer visitor services. Learn more about how this Executive Order will harm our forests and wildlife: https://lnkd.in/gdZ7jYF3

A month in already, but happy new year! ?? Rather than colorful animations to see your most-played songs and artists from the year, we wanted to do our own spin of it by highlighting some key moments and progress made here at Conservation Northwest. Check out our 2024 Wrapped!

Last year, we formed a partnership with the Spokane Tribal Network to support their vision in demonstrating culturally relevant agroforestry on the Spokane Reservation. In just one week, we planted 1,000 trees in 4000 sq. ft. with the goal of establishing an eventual 4000 acres on the banks of the Spokane River. Through these projects with ?e?nélix?s: Spokane Tribal Food Sovereignty and Community Gardens, we can begin to restore lives, families, cultural traditions, ecosystems, and hope within our communities in Northeast Washington.

Imagine you're snowshoeing through a secluded, snow-covered landscape. A shadowy figure darts past you just over the trees. What was that? You wonder. Well, it's our job to find out! We are excited to renew our volunteer apprenticeship with our community wildlife monitoring program for another winter season to support diverse learners in the conservation field. Apprentices will have an opportunity to earn a professional wildlife track and sign certification in addition to supporting wildlife research and monitoring across the state. Multiple slots are available. Applications received by Nov 22 will be given priority. Catch this link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/dKBDCSVU

Our Executive Director, Mitch Friedman, is digesting all the impacts of last week’s election on our goals and mission to protect, connect and restore wildlife and wildlands in Washington. This election provides us with a mix of opportunities and threats, and we are well-positioned and experienced for both offense and defense. Our job as citizens now is to continue expanding our collaborations at all levels and to be steadfast for our rights and our future.? Read his letter: https://lnkd.in/gKYRErTe

"Our forested state lands have value not just as a revenue stream. These forests sustain healthy streams for endangered salmon populations. They can be a low-cost source of fresh water for people and agriculture. They provide critical habitat for wildlife. They store carbon and mitigate the impacts of climate change.?As they clean air, and offer places of respite and recreation, they create a public health benefit for all the people of Washington." https://lnkd.in/g9CJQWn2?

Our Senior Policy Coordinator tirelessly works to get our state lawmakers to make the best decisions for Washington's forests, wildlife, water, and air. So she knows how critical it is for all of us to get those ballots in TODAY! Don't delay, your vote is too important!

Over ten weekends this summer, our Wildlife Ambassador Project connected with trail users to discuss wildlife safety and responsible recreation in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. With over 3,700 conversations centered on wildlife and habitat protection, our dedicated volunteers are transforming how we interact with and care for wild places. This work was made possible with generous support from The River Network and in partnership with many agency, Tribal and volunteer partners as part of the Recreate with Respect initiative. https://lnkd.in/gk4ht6zi

“This is a great occasion made possible by the partnership of Conservation Northwest with the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, not only for the sm?lqmíx, but for anyone wishing to return a balance to tmix? (all living things)," said Chief Keith Crow. "The sm?lqmíx have significant history on the lands from before contact and before any border was made, as we know and as our Okanagan and Colville family know." https://lnkd.in/gysMQDpP