Yellowstone to Yukon: Freedom to Roam

 

Award-winning photographer Florian Schulz has devoted the last decade to documenting one of the last intact mountain ecosystems in the world. His photography showcases the beauty and importance of the wildlife and wildlands stretching from Yellowstone to Yukon, including the Columbia Highlands in northeastern Washington. Conservation Northwest has teamed up with The Mountaineers Books to bring Florian and his outstanding multi-media slideshow to Bellingham and Spokane this March! Join Florian for a photographic journey through the wild heart of North America.

In Bellingham: Thursday, March 2nd, 7:00 pm, free. WWU Campus, CF115 (Communications Bldg-south campus, next to Environmental Studies Bldg). For more info: (360) 671-9950

In Spokane: Tuesday, March 7th, 7:00 pm, free. Gonzaga University, Globe Room in Cataldo Hall, 427 E. Boone Ave. For more info: (509) 747-1663

Island Marble Butterfly Deserves Protection

 

A rare species of butterfly in Washington, the island marble butterfly, could warrant Endangered Species Act protection according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Feb 13th decision comes after a petition was filed by Conservation Northwest, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Center for Biological Diversity, and Friends of the San Juans.

 

Of the few, remaining butterflies, most have been found at American Camp, a national historic park on San Juan Island. Loss of native prairie habitat to development and herbicide use pose threats to survival of the butterfly. The agency has until November 2006 to decide whether the island marble butterfly deserves special protection.

Salvaging the Truth?

 

It's not fair to say that the Bush administration doesn't care about the latest scientific research about the environment.

When it comes to cutting-edge research on critical forestry issues they seem to care plenty--enough to censor the science they don't like. This year, the Bush administration tried to suspend funding for Oregon State University research about salvage logging of the Biscuit fire in southern Oregon. That study found that logging at Biscuit killed more than three-quarters of naturally regenerated seedlings and actually increased the chance of future wildfire.

One of a Kind Rainforest Photo Contest

 

In the interior of the Pacific Northwest survives the world's only inland temperate rainforest, stretching from northern Washington and Idaho northward into central British Columbia. Within this lush rainforest thrives the rare mountain caribou and many other animals, and conservation of the Inland temperate rainforest is today a major landscape focus for Conservation Northwest.

And now, the Mountain Caribou Project members, including Conservation Northwest, announce a new photo contest. For the next four seasons, let us see what you see! Enter your photos into the One of a Kind Rainforest photo contest. They could be prize winners!

"Garden Wise" on Invasives

 

Half of the plants on the state weed list are garden escapees, so making wise garden choices is an excellent step in controlling invasive plants. Conservation Northwest has teamed up with other members of the Washington Invasive Species Coalition, The State Noxious Weed Control Board, and the Washington Nursery and Landscape Association to create "Garden Wise: Non-invasive choices for your garden." A big hit at the recent Northwest Flower and Garden Show, this 32-page booklet, with over 75 color photos, helps you identify invasive garden plants and replace them with easy-to-find, non-invasive plants for your garden.

For more, visit the Invasive Species Coalition online.

Heads up for March Membership Madness!

 

Members like you are essential partners in our work to keep the Northwest wild. Individual gifts count for more than 75% of our annual revenue. Supporters also take action on a variety of forest and wildlife issues. We'd like to improve this winning team adding 300 new Conservation Northwest supporters by the end of March!

Please ask your friends and family to join us. Need a little incentive? Each new member will be put into a raffle for prizes from Patagonia, REI and others, plus you get one raffle entry for each person you've referred who joins. How to participate: Reply to this email, or call us at 800.878.9950 x10, with the names and addresses of the people you'd like us to send membership information to. Next month we'll provide you a direct link to our membership form on our brand new web site.

Thanks in advance for strengthening the Conservation Northwest team!