Conservation Northwest

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

"(Conservation Northwest's Mitch) Friedman said one of his greatest joys, honours, and privileges of his career and life has been his relationship with the LSIB. 'This is a beautiful community blessed to live in and steward a most beautiful landscape. I hope that the LSIB and its Similkameen territory remain strong and healthy for thousands of years to come, and that CNW’s support and impact last for many of those years.' https://lnkd.in/gQa7ySmM

Building on our 25-year partnership, Conservation Northwest is honored to fund the Lower Similkameen Indian Band's acquisition of 157 acres of ancestral lands and critical sagelands habitat. This collaborative support will also advance protection efforts in the Similkameen and Ashnola River Valleys and support negotiations for a National Park Reserve in Canada. Working with Indigenous partners like the LSIB deepens our commitment to conservation and cultural stewardship, safeguarding these lands for generations to come. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gWrrcySV

If you're headed out to the trails to enjoy these last few beautiful fall weekends, remember how your presence there impacts wildlife and their habitat. “Outdoor recreation can pose some challenges for wildlife, especially during critical times of the year or in important habitats. Public lands are not playgrounds but living landscapes that need respect,” said Kurt Hellmann, Conservation Northwest’s wildlife recreation coexistence senior coordinator." Learn more about recreating with respect in this great article by the Washington Trails Association: https://lnkd.in/g6ScmD2W