Connecting Alpine Lakes to Mount Rainier

Conservation Northwest has long been active in protecting Washington's Central Cascades. In 2000 we spearheaded The Cascades Conservation Partnership, an innovative project that raised nearly $16 million in private donations and $68 million in public funds to protect key forest lands from logging and development.

Lands protected ranged from the Cooper River north of Cle Elum, to Snoqualmie and Stampede Pass along I-90, to Manastash Ridge southwest of Cle Elum and Sawmill Creek in the Green River watershed.

In four years during the course of the campaign, The Partnership inspired more than 16,000 people to protect nearly 45,000 acres of natural lands. These nearly 60 square miles, now protected as public lands managed by the US Forest Service, enhance a wildlife corridor linking the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area to Mount Rainier National Park. The Parnership's mission in acquiring new public land was always twofold, public access and wildlife habitat; and thanks to the support of thousands of people through this innovative and effective partnership, lands on both sides of Interstate 90 now feature old-growth forests, critical wildlife habitat, and well-loved hiking trails.

"The Partnership campaign now takes its place in the history of Cascades conservation. As we worked to link the north and south Cascades of Washington State ecologically, we were also linking past to future. The campaign is both a tribute to earlier efforts, such as the epic campaigns that led to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and Northwest Forest Plan, and also a challenge to fulfill and extend the promise of our achievements in land acquisition." –Partnership Director Dave Atcheson

Today, another remarkable coalition is building off The Cascades Conservation Partnership's work to protect a thriving wildlife corridor. Learn more about this productive collaboration that includes Conservation Northwest at I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition.