December 2011

Wolf Plan Approved! A Legacy Gift to All of Washington

On December 3rd the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved a new state wolf plan. That's tremendous news for Washington's wolves on the edge of recovery and for our state's ecosystems.

Conservation Northwest led the charge from plan initiation, through public hearings, and to final approval. It wouldn't have happened without your support, persistence, and inspired letters and testimony at public hearings. Thank you!

"There is clearly a lot of support for a balanced wolf recovery plan in Washington," says Jasmine Minbashian, who directs Conservation Northwest's wolf program. "Finding the middle ground on what is a polarizing issue – I'd call it a big success."

[Watch "Lords of Nature" on Jan 17 in Yakima] ~ [Celebrate with a wolf T-shirt!] ~ [How we are helping to stop poaching]

Share the Love, Give to Wildlife

Times are challenging, but with successes like the wolf plan, we know our hard work ‒ and your steadfast support ‒ pays off. This season, you can do more than ever for wildlife and wild lands! Our online store has great gear and gift memberships, perfect for friends and family. Or click here to visit our special REI.com portal and 5% of your purchases are donated to Conservation Northwest.

Your donation recovers wildlife like wolves, connects habitats, protects the places you love, and ensures a wildlife legacy for your family. We promote understanding among stakeholders and long-lasting wilderness in northeast Washington. And, as ever, we use science smartly to keep the Northwest wild.

[2011: Read about our successes] ~ [Donate today for wildlife] ~ [Monthly gifts go farther: Be a Wildland Partner!] ~ [Sponsor a wildlife monitoring team this winter]

Ranch Easement for Heritage and Wildlife

Conservation Northwest successfully purchased a conservation easement on 300 acres of the Gotham Ranch near Sherman Pass in the Columbia Highlands. This easement will protect open space, wildlife habitat, and continued agricultural use next to proposed wilderness.

Bryan and Deb Gotham said, "Our dream is for generations of our family to raise cattle, horses, and timber in this beautiful country. Selling the development rights helps us today without compromising our dream for the future. We're very happy."

This effort is part of our program to collaboratively protect wildlife habitat on public and private lands in northeast Washington. Mitch Friedman, Conservation Northwest's executive director, said, "The Gotham Ranch is providing beef, timber, and livelihoods in a way that is compatible with the needs of wolverine, lynx, and other wildlife. Nestled right up against the Kettle Crest and the potential wilderness lands there, this represents a great balance that I think a lot of people can get behind."

[Raised on good stewardship] ~ [Riding herd] ~ [Paths to protection]

 

Environmental Priorities for a Healthy Washington

Conservation groups in Washington decide together each year the top environmental priorities. 2012 priorities — Toxic-Free Kids, Fulfill Our Clean Energy Initiative, and Pollution-Free Prosperity — are a solid base for all the work we do keeping the Northwest wild. They are advances we know we can all make together.

Join in a dynamite "how to" lobbying workshop with the state's leading environmental organizations, Sat., Jan. 7, 9:30 am - 2:45 pm, at the University of Washington. You will build your community and skills as an activist and prepare for lobby day, Feb. 15. Email kit@conservationnw.org to learn what more you can do for a healthy Washington!

[Lobby day register online] ~ [Learn about 2012 Priorities]