Press Clips

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Northeast WA Gets Big Grant for Forest Restoration Feb 03, 2012 Public News Service: Getting the news was a big relief, says Mitch Friedman... because the competition for this funding is tough. "Together over the last eight years, our group has fostered more than two dozen successful, on-the-ground, quality forest restoration projects. That's what put us in good position to compete for this million-dollar grant."
Loggers and tree huggers united: feds rewarding cooperation in U.S. national forests Feb 03, 2012 KPLU: The federal government is relying more and more on the help of non-profit groups... groups such as Conservation Northwest, which is based in Bellingham. Its executive director Mitch Friedman says they’ve formed a coalition of forestry people, carrying out the same goals as the work that's funded with matching money from the feds.
Fish, Wildlife Commission appointments draw ire, fire from mid-state legislators Jan 30, 2012 Auburn Reporter: "I'm a life long hunter and I know what worries hunters have about wolves returning to our state, I talk with them everyday," Jay Kehne said. "I may not be anti-wolf like some people in Okanogan County, but then again, there are a lot of people all over Eastern Washington who have mixed views of whether wolves are good or bad."
Community richer for having Kehne Jan 25, 2012 Omak Chronicle: Letter to the editor: The talents of a good and highly qualified local man are being squandered by an unsavory push to divide and politicize. Our community is the richer for Jay Kehne's presence.
Wolves sighted near Malo Jan 23, 2012 Ferry County View: "It doesn't surprise anyone there are wolves in the Curlew area," [Department of Fish and Wildlife's Madonna Luers] said. "But confirming a pack or a breeding pair is another matter."
People are more of an impact Jan 18, 2012 Omak Chronicle: Letter to the editor: There are bigger challenges to us, as ranchers, than predation by wolves. Increased residential growth in land that has historically been in grazing creates all kinds of headaches. For instance, we are losing cattle to poachers.
The Worm Snowy owls, mis-sent missives, 120 years in 120 seconds Jan 14, 2012 The Wenatchee World: Speaking of wildlife: Okanogan County Commissioners last week sent a letter to state Sen. Brian Hatfield expressing their opposition to the appointment of Omak’s Jay Kehne to the Fish and Wildlife Commission. Only problem is, they sent their letter to the wrong committee chair, according to Hatfield....
A new blacklist Jan 14, 2012 The Wenatchee World: It looks to outsiders like a new blacklist. Are you now or have you ever sympathized with wolves or environmentalists? This overreaction and intolerance does Okanogan County's cause little good.
Wolves confirmed on Colville Indian Reservation Jan 12, 2012 The Wentachee World: Except for a small strip of land between the Okanogan River and Highway 97, wolves are not considered endangered by the federal government on the reservation. That means the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation — a sovereign nation — will develop its own plan for managing them.
Jay Kehne joins The Conversation Jan 12, 2012 KUOW: Jay Kehne, newly appointed commissioner to Washington's Fish & Wildlife Commission and Okanogan County outreach associate for Conservation Northwest, discusses Washington's wolves and more with KUOW's Ross Reynolds.
Wildlife photographer shares conservation goals Jan 12, 2012 KOHO 101.1 FM: A radio interview from Wenatchee: Paul Bannick loves to capture vibrant images of birds, and loves to learn the stories they tell about the natural world. He also works to conserve and connect wild lands with Conservation Northwest.
Okanogan County takes aim at environmentalist over wolf protection Jan 11, 2012 Crosscut.com: Conservation Northwest have been noted — and severely criticized — for their efforts to work with ranchers and loggers, to make everybody a winner, to compromise.
Proposed critical habitat for Selkirk Mountain caribou Jan 11, 2012 Bonners Ferry Herald: The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing that 375,562 acres be designated as critical habitat for southern Selkirk Mountain caribou.... It is estimated that there are about 46 caribou in the area, according to USFWS.... Human activities such as road-building and recreational trails can also fragment caribou habitat and facilitate movement of predators into the caribou’s range.
Why this winter's snowy owl visit captivates us Jan 10, 2012 Crosscut: Author Paul Bannick talks with Crosscut about the birds that have made an unusual winter appearance - an irruption - into the Northwest, their significance as an indicator species, and the power that owls have in the human mind.
Colville travel plan appealed by 3 regional conservation groups Jan 09, 2012 The Spokesman-Review - Outdoor blog: Getting no satisfaction from a letter of concern to the forest supervisor, three Washington-based conservation groups have appealed a Colville National Forest travel plan designating where ATVs, motorcycles and other off-highway vehicles can go at the south end of the 1.1 million acre forest.
Fish and Wildlife appointee criticized Jan 08, 2012 The Spokesman-Review: [Jay] Kehne, a longtime resident of Eastern Washington, said there is no conflict of interest in being an environmentalist and a member of the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Survey finds 3 pairs of breeding wolves Jan 08, 2012 The Bellingham Herald: A year-end survey of the state’s five confirmed wolf packs has found 3 successful breeding pairs totaling at least 27 wolves. The survey also found evidence of unconfirmed packs in the Blue Mountains of southeastern Washington and at Hozomeen in the North Cascades, as well as transient single wolves, according to Rocky Beach, the agency’s wildlife diversity program manager.
Fish and Wildlife appointee draws fire Jan 07, 2012 Seattle Times: The job of a Fish and Wildlife commissioner is to look at the best science possible and make a good decision for wildlife, Jay Kehne said. Politics and one's place of employment should not be involved. "Everybody works for somebody," Kehne said. "I've got degrees in wildlife biology and soil science and have had jobs for 31 years across Eastern Washington and California." [This AP story was widely published in Washington media]
Got Wolves? Washington Does Jan 04, 2012 KUOW.org: There are now three successful breeding pairs and at least 27 wolves in WA. A successful breeding pair means a mom, dad and at least two pups that make it past 6 months old.... Washington last month adopted a monitoring and management plan [calling] for 15 successful breeding pairs to be established before wolves can be removed from the state endangered species list.
Republicans push to oust newly appointed Wildlife Commissioner Jan 04, 2012 The Wenatchee World: Kehne said he sees no conflict in working for Conservation Northwest and serving on the Wildlife Commission, and said that he’ll join the commission for his first meeting this week. “I’ve lived in Eastern Washington most of my life, and recognize rural county values,” he said.
2011: Speedy pronghorns reintroduced into Washington Jan 01, 2012 The Spokesman-Review: Pronghorns reasserted themselves as the fastest land mammals in Washington in January, thanks to a sportsmen’s group that joined with the Yakama Nation for an end run around state bureaucracy and environmental red tape.
Wolf's entry into Calif. major environmental step Dec 30, 2011 San Fransisco Chronicle: "Whether one is for it or against it, the entry of this lone wolf into California is an historic event and the result of much work by the wildlife agencies in the West," said Charlton H. Bonham, director of the California Department of Fish and Game.
Year in Review No.8: Teanaway wolf pack confirmed Dec 27, 2011 The Daily Record: The gray wolf quickly rose to alpha status in Kittitas County news this year after researchers discovered the fourth of Washington's five confirmed wolf packs in the Teanaway area. WDFW and other groups, including Bellingham-based, nonprofit wildlife advocacy group Conservation Northwest who captured the decisive images, placed motion triggered cameras around the Teanaway following several reported wolf sightings in the area last fall.
US gray wolves rebound but face uncertain future Dec 21, 2011 The Bellingham Herald: "Wolves, next to people, are one of the most adaptable animals in the world," said Ed Bangs, a former Fish and Wildlife Service biologist who led the effort to return wolves to the northern Rockies. "The key with wolves is, it's all about human tolerance."
Grizzlies: no longer as elusive as sasquatch Dec 18, 2011 The Everett Herald: The powerful predators are so rare in Washington - best estimates are fewer than 20 bears - that for years belief in the Cascade grizzly's existence has required a childlike acceptance similar to that reserved by youngsters for Santa Claus.
Kittitas County conservation group Forterra buys 480 acres of forestland Dec 17, 2011 The Daily Record: The Mount Amabilis property was purchased to provide critical wildlife habitat and serves as an important piece of the long-range strategy to conserve habitat lands near the planned Interstate 90 wildlife bridges that will allow wildlife to cross I-90 safely.
Bearly hanging on in the North Cascades Dec 12, 2011 High Country News: "Natural recolonization for the Cascades will be slow and depend on protecting the [grizzly] bears in British Columbia and maintaining habitat connections," writes Joe Scott, international conservation director at Conservation Northwest.
OUTDOORS: Wolves now have a plan and future Dec 10, 2011 The Bellingham Herald: The goal of the plan is to foster a self-sustaining population of the often vilified apex predator ... to transition from current partial federal protection to a fully state-based system as with any other abundant wildlife species, giving them a rightful place here. [On related news] The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is again nine members strong with the recent appointment of...Jay Kehne, Omak.
Conservation easement purchased near Republic Dec 09, 2011 Omak Chronicle: “The Gotham Ranch is providing beef, timber and livelihoods in a way that is compatible with the needs of wolverine, lynx and other wildlife,” Conservation Northwest Mitch Friedman said. “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.”
Editorial: A wolf plan, for now Dec 08, 2011 Methow Valley News: Setting aside the questions of how many wolves, if any, should be allowed to roam Washington and how [Washington's wolf] plan will be managed as a practical matter, perhaps a more important long-term result is that the state is establishing its authority over the issue – rather than letting the federal government make all the decisions.
Omak man named to Fish and Wildlife Commission Dec 08, 2011 The Wenatchee World: Jay Kehne, an Omak hunter and conservationist, was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the state Fish and Wildlife Commission. “I’m excited,” said Kehne, who also serves as Okanogan County outreach associate for Conservation Northwest . “I’ve met several of the commission members, and for the most part, I think they do a good job.”
Easement protects working ranch and wildlife habitat near Kettle Crest in Ferry county Dec 08, 2011 Republic News Miner: 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.”
Critical habitat proposed for Selkirk caribou Dec 07, 2011 The Newport Miner: Woodland caribou have been on the endangered species list since 1984, and now the federal government is making steps to designate critical habitat to aid in their recovery in the southern Selkirk Mountains.
Controversial wolf plan approved Dec 07, 2011 Statesman Examiner: The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission was united last Saturday [Dec. 3] in its approval of a controversial management and recovery plan for wolves in Washington.
Wolf management plan OKed, but critics remain Dec 07, 2011 Methow Valley News: “Public lands are generally places where you have the best wildlife habitat and should be places where wildlife is allowed to thrive,” said Jasmine Minbashian, special projects director at Conservation Northwest. However, she added, allowing lethal control of wolves on public land “gives livestock owners another tool … and may increase social tolerance of wolves over the long run.”
Wolf plan raises some hackles Dec 06, 2011 Capitol Press: "It's not an easy decision for anyone. Everyone compromised. That's what made it successful," said Jasmine Minbashian. Changes were made to accommodate sportsmen and livestock owners, and the document provides good tools for managing wolves' impact on the state, she said. "Wolves are difficult animals to live with. This gives wolves a better chance of surviving."
KUOW's Weekday discusses wolf plan with Jasmine Dec 06, 2011 KUOW Radio: Jasmine Minbashian, special projects director at Conservation Northwest, talks to Weekday's Steve Scher about a huge success, the passing of Washington's wolf plan and what comes next.
Olympic Peninsula wolves could be part of management plan Dec 05, 2011 KONP Radio: Future wolf populations on the Olympic Peninsula could be part of a plan to recover the species approved by a state commission.
Washington’s state wolf plan gets official approval Dec 04, 2011 The Wildlife News: Political scientists believe that wolf recovery in Washington state might be less controversial because it is a competitive two-party state... In the historical sweep of American politics traditional economy, one-party states (whether Republican or Democrat) have been slow to innovate on economic or environmental policies. This article also references our press release, "Conservation Northwest applauds collaborative approach to wolf conservation."
Washington wolf plan approved Dec 04, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: After four years of development, public review and controversy, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission Saturday unanimously adopted a plan that will guide state conservation and management of gray wolves in the state.
New plan to enhance recreation and education opportunities to Ross Lake National Recreation Area Dec 04, 2011 The Seattle Times: "This final plan is the culmination of five years of planning and work with people that love the North Cascades," said North Cascades National Park Complex Superintendent Chip Jenkins in a news release.
Stressing Flexibility, Addressing Hunter, Livestock Concerns, WA FWC Approves Wolf Plan Dec 03, 2011 Northwest Sportsman: Conservation Northwest's Jasmine Minbashian said she was "not enamored" with the final plan - her organization was one member of the Wolf Working Group - but was happy otherwise, calling it a "true compromise" and adding, "It looks like we've learned lessons from the Northern Rockies," and looked forward to helping to finding and monitoring more wolves.
WA commission approves wolf management plan Dec 03, 2011 The Seattle PI: Derrick Knowles, an avid hunter who works for wildlife group Conservation Northwest, participated as a member of the wolf working group and congratulated the commission on the plan. "While it isn't any one special interest group's perfect plan, it's the right plan for Washington and I applaud the Fish and Wildlife Commission for their leadership today," Knowles said in a written statement.
U.S. seeks to protect old-growth forests to save caribou Nov 29, 2011 Reuters: Under the plan, roughly 375,000 acres of mostly U.S. Forest Service land in the Selkirk Mountains...would be designated as critical habitat for the reclusive [mountain] caribou.
Forest road plan aims at bear safety Nov 29, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: Keeping people away from grizzly bears is the goal of forest plan amendments for the Idaho Panhandle, Kootenai and Lolo national forests, which will restrict motor vehicle travel into prime grizzly habitat. Over the past decade, environmental groups have argued that the agency needed to do more to keep people and bears apart by restricting motor vehicle traffic into core grizzly habitat.
Feds propose habitat protections for Selkirk caribou Nov 29, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: The southern Selkirk Mountains caribou was listed as an endangered species in 1984. At last count, 46 caribou were surviving in the Selkirk Mountains of North Idaho, northeastern Washington and British Columbia.
Washington's wolf-management plan only a starting point Nov 28, 2011 The Seattle Times: My hope is that all Washingtonians get the chance to hear and know the songs of wolves resonating across the land. To me, they are a powerful voice of wilderness, a sign that nature is restoring its lost balance.
New Forest Plan Amendment Sets Grizzly Bear Habitat Standards Nov 28, 2011 Coeur d'Alene KXLY: After nearly fifteen years of debating the science of Grizzly Bear habitat, Northern Rockies Forests have finally set up a new amendment that sets the standards for forest planning. Map included!
Commission will consider wolf proposal next weekend Nov 27, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: On Dec 3, the Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission will consider adopting a plan for managing wolves. Since 2009, WDFW's proposed plan has been the focus of 19 public meetings, written comments from nearly 65,000 people, a scientific peer review, and recommendations from the 17-member citizen Wolf Working Group, formed in 2007 to advise the department in developing the plan.
Plan gives OHV riders legal access to more routes Nov 27, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: Off-highway vehicle riders have more routes for legally riding their ATVs and motorcycles on the Colville National Forest, according to a plan approved this month.
Mountain caribou captive breeding program unveiled Nov 25, 2011 BC Local News: Officials from the federal government and the Alberta and B.C. governments joined Parks Canada and Calgary Zoo officials at that zoo on Nov. 25 to announce a new captive breeding program for threatened mountain caribou...the caribou will be bred in captivity and eventually released into the wild to augment smaller herds.
Appeals Court Keeps Yellowstone Grizzlies on Threatened List Nov 23, 2011 The New York Times: ...decline of the forests [and white-bark pine, grizzly bear food source] should not be underestimated. "It is the single largest ecological change in our lifetime."
Reward offered for info on B.C. grizzly poacher Nov 22, 2011 Montreal Gazette: The Pemberton Wildlife Association is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone who has information about the poaching of a grizzly bear in the Pemberton, B.C., area on Nov. 17.
Forget Sasquatch: The elusive Cascade Grizzly Nov 21, 2011 Crosscut: Biologists have been stalking grizzlies in the Cascades for years... A recently verified photograph has reinvigorated the research team, but the fight for funding to protect the white whale of the Cascades goes on.
Wind project in Pacific County killed Nov 17, 2011 Vancouver Columbian: Radar Ridge was controversial from the beginning.... The only significant patch of murrelet habitat remaining in Southwest Washington is a 13,748-acre swath of old forest on state trust land known as the Nemah block.
Wolf killing delayed again Nov 16, 2011 The Bulletin: The Oregon Court of Appeals extended a stay on the state's planned killing of two wolves from the Imnaha pack in Eastern Oregon.
Letter to the editor: Wolves not a threat to healthy humans Nov 16, 2011 Methow Valley News: One afternoon three or four [wolves] appeared in the brush beside me, then followed me closely for a few miles. I remember them as sleek and beautiful. I also remember that I was scared half to death. But I needn’t have been. As my dad had told me, and repeated that evening, wolves won’t hurt you unless you are down and injured.
'Living with Wolves' set for tonight at YVCC Nov 15, 2011 Yakima Herald-Republic: "You’re much more likely to be attacked by a cougar than wolves," Jay Kehne says. "I’ve never had a fear of wolves, in any of the times I've been out there. Maybe it's because I know enough about wolves, their habits, their hunting habits. Most of the stories (about wolves) you see on hunters’ websites are just crazy talk."
The forgotten North Cascades grizzly bear Nov 14, 2011 High Country News: "The Cascades grizzly bear has always been the red-headed stepchild of the grizzly bear recovery program," says Joe Scott of Conservation Northwest, the leading local advocacy group for grizzly recovery. "It generally gets the hand-me-downs, leftovers and pocket change."
Wolf hunt will stay open in Chilcotin; too many wolves threaten horses, caribou Nov 13, 2011 Winnipeg Free Press: "You can't just kill wolves. You have to deal with the ultimate causes that put these animals in danger in the first place," said Joe Scott of Conservation Northwest, citing habitat damage from human activity. "Wolves have a key role to play in a balanced ecosystem."
Ski resort approval poses Jumbo issue for Christy Clark Nov 13, 2011 The Globe and Mail: ...the Jumbo Glacier Resort... [is] an international environmental fight supported by celebrities such as hockey legend Scott Niedermayer and singer Bruce Cockburn. Both of them are part of a campaign to keep the wilderness area undeveloped.
Measure Seeks to Give Border Patrol Power to Circumvent Environmental Laws Nov 13, 2011 The New York Times: “Compared to the southern border, it is an infinitesimally small number. It is like one in a year, not thousands,” said Chip Jenkins, superintendent of North Cascades National Park, who says he believes the current laws are fine for his area of Washington State.
Letter to the editor: Support wolf recovery Nov 12, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: Barrett Lindsey of Spokane attended the recent Fish and Wildlife hearing to express his support of Washington's wolf plan.
Advocates seek stop to Idaho, Montana wolf hunts Nov 08, 2011 Seattle PI: Wildlife advocates appeared in federal court seeking to stop gray wolf hunts that are already well under way in the Northern Rockies, arguing that Congress overstepped its authority in stripping federal protections from the canines.
On the trail of the wolf known as OR-7 Nov 06, 2011 Mail Tribune: A wolf that split Sept. 10 from its northeast Oregon pack and is now wandering in southwest Oregon followed a path seemingly scripted from some Jack London knock-off documentary about how the first wolf in Western Oregon in 65 years might have gotten here.
After Years of Conflict, a New Dynamic in Wolf Country Nov 04, 2011 The New York Times: So a handful [of conservation orgs] began reaching out to ranchers, offering them money and tools to fend off wolves without killing them. And some ranchers, mindful that tough federal restrictions could be reimposed if wolf numbers dwindle again, have been listening.
Wolf Controversy in Spokane Nov 04, 2011 KXLY.com: "Wolves provide an important balance in the ecosystem because they control other predators that can cause problems," Tim Coleman, who attended the Fish and Wildlife Commission hearing in Spokane yesterday, said.
Panel considers wolf plan Nov 04, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission deliberated on a wolf management plan with dual goals of re-establishing wolves across the state while building public support for the top-line predators.
State's wolf plan meeting today Nov 03, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: The management plan for Washington's wolves that will be voted on in December includes compensation to ranchers for livestock lost to wolves.
As A Federal Agent, Carter Niemeyer Killed Wolves For A Living Nov 03, 2011 Wildlife Art Journal: Says Niemeyer: "I think what's going on is a clash of cultures. The truth as I see it is that livestock losses attributed today to wolves and other predators are being exaggerated because of this clash."
As the climate changes: The forests of the future Nov 03, 2011 Oregon Public Broadcasting: Oregon State University has released a new study that says climate change, insect attacks, diseases and fire are causing huge migration of trees across the West.
Wash. wolves plan gets public meeting in Spokane Nov 02, 2011 Tricity Herald: "No one has ever reintroduced wolves to Washington," Madonna Luers of WDFW said. "There is no reason to. They are naturally returning to this area on their own."
Big hearing on Washington State wolf plan Nov. 3 in Spokane Nov 02, 2011 The Wildlife News: The Washington plan calls for more than 15 breeding pairs ... and a wolf distribution requirement. Five breeding pairs would be required in Eastern Washington, four in the North Cascades and six in the South Cascades or Northwest Coast. This is innovative and should reduce the claim by some that "our area has to bear the entire burden of having the wolves."
Migrating wolf enters southwest Oregon Nov 01, 2011 Mail Tribune: A young wolf migrating out of a northeast Oregon pack this fall has reached northeastern Douglas County, becoming the first confirmed wolf in Western Oregon in 65 years.
Proponent of wolves tell Port Angeles area chamber animals would help ecosystem, local economy Oct 31, 2011 Penninsula Daily News: David Graves, [National Parks Conservation Association's] northwest program manager, said the loss of the predator has lead to higher bank erosion along the Hoh River due to overfeeding by elk populations.
County may downsize plans for Lake Whatcom land transfer Oct 30, 2011 The Bellingham Herald: Mitch Friedman, executive director of Conservation Northwest, said he thought election-year politics were affecting deliberations on the [park lands reconveyance within LakeWhatcom]. "My hope is that after the election, cooler heads will prevail," he said.
Nature's 'Greatest Comebacks': Eagles, grizzlies lead the way Oct 27, 2011 SeattlePI.com: The list includes the gray wolf and the gray whale. One is a controversial predator that is repopulating the Cascades and the Selkirk Mountains of northeast Washington. Last year... a grizzly was photographed on a ridge in the North Cascades National Park.
Plea agreements possible in Whites' case Oct 26, 2011 Methow Valley News: A trial date in the state's wildlife violations case against Twisp residents was continued to Feb. 13 following a status hearing in Okanogan County District Court. The Whites also face trial in January in a federal case, which charges the Whites with shooting at least two endangered gray wolves.
US appeals court upholds roadless rule in forests Oct 22, 2011 Seattle Times - Outdoors: A federal appeals court has upheld a rule prohibiting roads on nearly 50 million acres of land in national forests across the United States, a ruling hailed by environmentalists as one of the most significant in decades....U.S. Forest Service Chief Thomas Tidwell also applauded the decision.
Conservation, Recreation and Preservation Generate $1 Trillion Per Year for U.S. Economy Oct 12, 2011 Fly Rod and Reel: In 2006, the combined spending effect of hunting, fishing and wildlife watching associated with National Forest Service land totaled $9.5 billion in annual retail sales, supported 189,400 jobs and provided $1.01 billion in annual federal tax revenues.
Grizzlies expanding their range, could come to North Shore Oct 11, 2011 The Vancouver Sun: Rare footage from the Pitt River valley is evidence of grizzly bears' expansion in southwestern BC.
State board tables Lake Whatcom land transfer Oct 11, 2011 The Bellingham Herald: For the second time, the Washington Board of Natural Resources has tabled a land reorganization measure that would have cleared the way for transfer of about 8,000 acres of the Lake Whatcom watershed to Whatcom County for parks.
Wolf letter to the editor Oct 11, 2011 Chewelah Independent: A letter to the editor of the Chewelah Independent expressing support for wolves in Washington and the wolf recovery plan.
Can ecological corridors heal fragmented landscapes? Oct 10, 2011 Yale environment 360: Scientists are taking a closer look at just how well wildlife corridors are working and what role they might play in a warming world.
Lake Whatcom land exchange back on agenda at Board of Natural Resources Oct 07, 2011 The Bellingham Herald: “It’s one of the most cost-efficient things we can do to benefit the lake,” said Mitch Friedman. A much-discussed plan to transfer state land around Lake Whatcom to Whatcom County for management as park land is back on the agenda of the state’s Board of Natural Resources on Monday, Oct. 10 in Olympia.
Judge allows evidence in Whites' state [poaching] case Oct 05, 2011 Methow Valley News: Update on the poaching of wolves in WA's Lookout pack: Evidence obtained in a police search of a FedEx package that was leaking blood, and other evidence gathered through subsequent search warrants, will be allowed in the state’s wildlife violations case against Twisp residents William and Tom White.
Kill order for two grey wolves halted Oct 05, 2011 The Oregonian: In October, the hunt for the alpha and young male wolves of the Imnaha pack in northeast Oregon was temporarily halted.
Federal wildlife service will decide if 26 Pacific Northwest snails and slugs deserve endangered species designation Oct 04, 2011 The Oregonian: The creatures may not look appealing, but they are important to the forests and streams of the Pacific Northwest, said Tierra Curry, a conservation biologist with the Center for Biological Diversity. "They're part of the food web, they're important for nutrient cycling, they eat decaying matter and they're unique to the Pacific Northwest -- they're not found anywhere else," she said.
Research suggests Pacific Northwest forests might not be as healthy as they look Oct 03, 2011 The Oregonian: The researchers particularly question logging in old-growth forests and salvage logging after fires or storms. They called for more attention to natural processes and restoration of the broad range of forest structures needed to maintain the original ecosystem.
Environmental group sues to protect pygmy rabbit Oct 03, 2011 The Columbian: An environmental group is suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over its decision that the tiny pygmy rabbit does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.
WWU professor works to help protect mountain goats in the Cascades Oct 02, 2011 The Bellingham Herald: "How could mountain goat populations possibly be in trouble?" wondered [David] Wallin, an environmental science professor at Western Washington University....Over-hunting in the past turned out to be one reason. A newer culprit is Interstate 90, which runs east from Seattle and cuts across the Cascades.
Simply killing wildife is not a solution Oct 02, 2011 The Columbian: Our wildlife populations must include predators in order to keep the landscape diverse and balanced. The complete removal of one species hurts the overall health of those remaining.
Kent Molgat on the snake population Oct 01, 2011 CTV News: Environmental groups want BC to enact legislation to protect the 1,900 species at risk in this province. It's the kind of law that's already in place in all other parts of the country except Alberta.
Editorial: Wolves under fire Sep 29, 2011 The Register-Guard: Wolves no longer may enjoy federal endangered species protections across most of the West, but their status can best be described in one word: endangered.
Magistrate recommends vacating Ore. logging plan Sep 29, 2011 The Houston Chronicle: Very large old trees and wildlife protected in Oregon with the downfall of WOPR, a Bush-era plan which would have doubled old growth logging on some public lands. "The judge confirmed what everyone's been saying for years — that BLM took an illegal shortcut to avoid scientific scrutiny," said Kristen Boyles of Earthjustice.
Wolf plan heads wildlife panel's Oct 6. agenda Sep 28, 2011 The Spokesman-Review - Outdoor blog: For Washington's wolves, a pending Wolf Conservation and Management Plan will be the focus of a special state Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting Oct. 6 in Olympia.
Letter to the editor: Management plan must address rancher issues Sep 28, 2011 The Seattle Times: "The return of this native species will have many ecological benefits for the state." An Olympia resident writes supporting the pending wolf plan and addressing complaints ranchers have about wolves.
Caribou are at a crossroads Sep 21, 2011 BCLocalNews.com: One endangered caribou herd in Alberta’s tar sands region west of Fort McMurray is at great risk of disappearing. Clear-cutting and no-holds-barred oil and gas exploration and development have affected more than 60 per cent of the habitat of the Red Earth caribou herd, leaving little undisturbed forest where it can feed, breed, and roam...
Council weighs competing interests in caribou snowmobile closures Sep 21, 2011 Revelstoke Times Review: Coun. Antoinette Halberstadt urged support for the closures. “It seems to me each time the city has commented on the closures, we only focus on the short-term economic impact,” she said, adding that “long-term sustainability” was often overlooked, calling the stance “short-sighted.”
Letter to the editor: Welcome home, wolves Sep 18, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: Support for a Washington wolf plan voiced by Larry Whitesitt from Fairfield, WA, one of many who attended the Aug. Fish & Wildlife Commission public hearing in Ellensburg.
See grouse and goshawks in remote Pend Oreille wilderness Sep 08, 2011 The Seattle Times: Salmo-Priest Wilderness, at the extreme northeastern corner of Washington in the Colombia Highlands, is on Audubon's "Palouse to Pines Loop."
Dramatic rumors stoke wolf fears Sep 08, 2011 The Capitol Press: Myth-busting on wolves: People are talking about wolves since they returned to our county a couple of years ago. If you believe everything that is being said about wolves at public meetings, coffee shops and on the Internet, you may not be getting the whole story...
Delighted to hear of wolves’ return Sep 07, 2011 Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle: A letter to the editor in support of Washington wolf recovery, arguing regulation for ranchers and landowners, not wolves.
Appreciated the tapeworm info Sep 07, 2011 Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle: A letter to the editor discussing why tapeworm is a scare tactic and not a reason to eradicate wolves.
Can a shaky conservation plan protect Washington's wolves? Sep 07, 2011 Crosscut: The latest on the Washington state wolf plan: While Conservation Northwest's Derrick Knowles thinks that elk hunters' fears are based largely on fantasy, he says that ranchers have "some legitimate concerns," although experience in the Rockies suggests that "wolves take out way fewer livestock than domestic dogs."
Wolves and grizzlies: two rare creatures are making a comeback in the Cascades Sep 06, 2011 Washington Trails: “All these pieces have come together to form one of the largest, most protected areas in the country. It’s a very successful story that’s been authored by hundreds of people, from governments, to conservation groups, to individuals, to private groups," said Conservation Northwest's Joe Scott.
Proposed Methow Valley powerline sparks controversy Sep 06, 2011 Cascadia Weekly: "Commissioner Goldmark is attempting to defend the state's trust lands from harmful and poorly conceived development," Dave Werntz explained. Werntz is the science and conservation director at Conservation Northwest. "We're pleased that the commissioner will have his day in court."
Supreme Court orders AG to represent Goldmark Sep 02, 2011 Methow Valley News: “As Commissioner of Public Lands, I have an obligation to manage the state’s trust lands sustainably for future generations, and I will continue to fight for what I know is right,” Goldmark said. The environmental group Conservation Northwest had already filed an appeal in the condemnation lawsuit.
Court: McKenna must appeal Okanogan PUD power line case Sep 02, 2011 Wenatchee World: Maeyowa of People for Alternatives, Conservation & Education, said her group is watching closely. “Our hope is still that the PUD is going to come up with one of the alternatives that is more reasonable, and it can be a win-win,” she said.
What to do with wolves Aug 31, 2011 KUOW: Jasmine Minbashian, special projects director at Conservation Northwest, joins The Conversation to weigh in on wolf recovery and a Washington wolf plan.
Ranching, hunting, wildlife groups pack meeting on wolves Aug 29, 2011 King 5 News: Coverage from the Ellensburg wolf hearing: “Some are going to have to be taken out when they really start causing problems and I think that the quicker the hunting community, the cattlemen’s community realize that a lot of conservation organizations like us recognize that, then we’re really not all that far apart,” said Jay Kehne of Conservation Northwest.
Wolf management topic of another public meeting Aug 29, 2011 The Bellingham Herald: On Mon Aug 29 in Ellensburg, the WA Fish and Wildlife Commission meets to discuss a plan for managing Washington's gray wolves in the state.
Commission questions Wash. areas for wolf recovery Aug 29, 2011 Associated Press: "Wolves are about understanding the facts and the real data and not letting fear overshadow your judgment," said Jay Kehne, who lives in Omak and represents Conservation Northwest, urging the commission to support the plan. The number of wolves required for delisting under the plan is based on science, he said.
Wolf management plan has many howling over state's efforts to control population Aug 27, 2011 Yakima Herald-Republic: Conservation NW's Jay Kehne: "You go to these meetings and because 40 guys show up in camo and cowboy hats, you think everybody's against wolves," he said. "Well, sometimes there's the more quiet contingent that maybe is a little intimidated by those sessions and don't show up or don't speak."
Wolf management debate comes to Kittitas County Aug 27, 2011 Daily Record: "There's plenty of room for wolves. The issue is: Are humans going to let them come back to the landscape?" said Conservation Northwest's Jasmine Minbashian. And per Executive Director Mitch Friedman: "The wolf's return to the Cascades is an important milestone for restoring the wildlife heritage of these wild mountains. Wolves play an important role in maintaining a balance of predator and prey that has trickle down benefits for all sorts of wildlife from eagles to bears."
Feds give $3.5 million for Methow Valley habitat Aug 26, 2011 Wenatchee World: The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program funding helps protect private land easements in the Methow, a critical route for connectivity for North Cascades wildlife.
Dawson ranch will get 'working ranch' protection Aug 17, 2011 Statesman Examiner: "This conservation easement is a great program that won't work for everybody, but it worked for us," says John Dawson. "It's good for wildlife and helps the economy of ranching communities."
Protect special places Aug 16, 2011 Spokesman review: A letter to the editor about why proposed wilderness areas such as Kettle Range need to be preserved.
Wolfpacks of North Cascades, though elusive, very divisive Aug 15, 2011 King 5 News: Three members of a Twisp-area family are under indictment in connection with the killing of two or more wolves from the Lookout Pack. [VIDEO]
Wolf packs are natural Aug 12, 2011 Spokesman review: A letter to the editor describing the ecological benefits and beauty of gray wolves.
Colville National Forest meeting made irrelevant Aug 11, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: Rudeness has been stifling the Colville National Forest meetings set to inform the public about proposed revisions to the forest’s management plans. The meeting at Colville two weeks ago was, as one Spokane man put it, “a freak show” of conspiracy theorists who essentially commandeered the evening with insolence... Let’s insist the Forest Service and elected officials recognize this and pay more attention to the thoughtful comment that will be trickling in.
There's more to the wolf story Aug 10, 2011 Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle: Conservation Northwest's Jay Kehne discusses wolves in Washington, addressing some of the myths that prevent people from understanding and accepting wolves.
Wilderness and hunting Aug 07, 2011 Spokesman review: A letter to the editor about Kettle Range wilderness designation.
Washington’s fifth wolf pack confirmed Aug 07, 2011 Wildlife Extra: The gray wolf is protected throughout Washington as a state endangered species. In the western two-thirds of Washington, the species is also federally protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), making it illegal to harm or harass them.
Management plan finalized for wolf recovery in Washington Aug 03, 2011 KUOW: This KUOW radio news interview discusses wolf recovery in Washington state.
Explore The Kettle River Range Aug 02, 2011 Out There Monthly: Conservation Northwest's Derrick Knowles discusses hiking in the Kettle River Range of the Colville National Forest.
Saturday Soapbox: Wolves benefit habitat, and there are ways to aid ranchers Aug 01, 2011 Yakima Herald-Republic: After Conservation Northwest's remote cameras caught footage of the Teanaway wolf pack, people are learning why wolves are worthy of protection.
Whatcom executive candidates differ on watershed land transfer Aug 01, 2011 The Bellingham Herald: Two of four candidates support a transfer of lands to create a proposed new Lake Whatcom Forest Preserve.
Taking aim at wolf recovery Okanogan County commissioners Aug 01, 2011 Seattle PI: Joel Connelly reports on a resolution calling for removal of all Washington wolves from state endangered species protections. Mitch Friedman, of Conservation Northwest, finds it curious that Okanogan County Commissioners would be taking aim at wolves — and not at the alleged human beings who killed the animals cold blood.
Wide-open wilderness Washington groups set to chime in on national forest debates Jul 31, 2011 Spokesman review: Mike Peterson of The Lands Council is quoted: “By working with timber companies and the Forest Service, we have found agreement on a sustainable plan that provides jobs in the woods, as well as all the other benefits the Colville forest can provide.... Supporting new wilderness in the Kettle Range of Ferry County was an important part of reaching that agreement.” As well, the Washington Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers supports many of the wilderness proposals.
Wolf management plan review focus of special commission meeting Stevens County home to newest wolf pack in state Jul 31, 2011 The News Tribune: On Thurs Aug 4 the state Fish and Wildlife Commission will discuss a proposed wolf management plan during a special meeting.
Are grizzly bears back in Washington? Jul 28, 2011 King 5 News: Biologist Scott Fitkin is interviewed on King 5 news about the recent confirmed grizzly bear sighting in the Cascades. Conservation Northwest works to protect grizzly bears in the North Cascades and beyond.
Colville forest lays out plan Jul 27, 2011 The Miner: Conservation Northwest was hoping to also include as wilderness an area known as Twin Sisters in the Kettle Crest and Thirteen Mile south of Republic. Heflick said those areas provide connectivity for wildlife and habitat for threatened species such as lynx.
Volunteers keep eye on wildlife along Interstate 90 Jul 26, 2011 Daily Record: "This coyote was just literally trying to eat dinner," MacKay said. "Then - bam! He's gone." A story interviewing Paula MacKay of Western Transportation Institute (MSU) on the importance of wildlife bridges along highways. Conservation Northwest is one of the pioneering forces behind promoting connectivity and wildlife safety along I-90.
Nakusp council hears VWS caribou park presentation Jul 26, 2011 Arrow Lakes News: The mountain caribou, their habitat, and the connectivity that Conservation Northwest tries to sustain is to be heard by the local Nakusp Village Council in BC, Canada.
A wild week in Washington Jul 25, 2011 High Country News: Recent grizzly bear and wolf discoveries put the wild back into Washington.
Area wolf poaching case to trial in September Jul 24, 2011 Spokesman review: The family accused of poaching wolves and smuggling their hides will have their federal trial in September.
The case for large predators Jul 23, 2011 Oregon Live: As predators disappear, ecosystems suffer: New research adds insight to the debate over wolves and cougars in Oregon and a video helps tell the tale.
In brief: Wolf pack confirmed in Stevens County Jul 23, 2011 Spokesman review: Letter to the editor about Washington's fifth wolf pack, the Smackout pack in Stevens County.
Biologists confirm a fifth wolf pack in Washington Jul 23, 2011 Seattle Times: For the second time in a month, a new gray wolf pack, the Smackout pack, has been found living in Washington, this one in the state's northeast corner. Fish and Wildlife is putting the finishing touches on a plan to manage the state's wolf populations.
Pygmy rabbits breeding in Columbia Basin Jul 22, 2011 The Columbian: For the first time in a decade, the endangered Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit appears to have successfully bred in its historic range.
Proposal would add thousands of acres to wilderness Jul 19, 2011 Wenatchee World: The Wenatchee World on the Okanogan-Wenatchee proposed revised forest plan: The Forest Service proposal adds only 3 percent of the forest to new wilderness.
The predators' peak and life below it Jul 18, 2011 The New York Times: Editorial by the NYT: It is now clear that biological diversity increases when top predators are present. The pyramid is healthiest when its peak is still present and when humans aren’t the only top predators around.
A long road for recovery of Washington's grizzlies and wolves Jul 15, 2011 The Seattle Times: Written by Paula McKay, special to The Times, of the Western Transportation Institute. WTI, alongside Conservation Northwest, participates in the Citizen Wildlife Monitoring project and is likewise one of the members of the Washington Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Working Group.
Photo confirms first grizzly bear spotting in 15 years Jul 15, 2011 Yahoo News, Live Science: Live Science online reports on hiker Joe Sebille's Cascades grizzly bear photo.
Forests, oceans acting as huge carbon 'sink' they're sucking up half of our fossil fuel emissions Jul 15, 2011 The Vancouver Sun: The amount of carbon added to Canada's managed forests each year was "reduced by half" over the 17-year study period, largely due to wildfires and insects such as the mountain pine beetle that destroyed huge swaths of forest.
Study: Forests absorb much more greenhouse gas than previously known Jul 15, 2011 The Christian Science Monitor: Worldwide, forests absorb almost 9 billion tons of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide every year, according to a new study published Thursday in the journal Science
Colville forest plan up for comment Jul 13, 2011 The Miner: Wilderness is a necessary and important component of a balanced forest plan for the Colville, but the proposed plan also includes areas where restoration and timber harvest would occur, areas for motorized and backcountry recreation, and other things the local community has asked for,” said Derrick Knowles with Conservation Northwest. “It’s nobody’s perfect plan, but it’s got a little of something in it for everybody.
Tests confirm fourth Washington wolf pack Jul 08, 2011 Capital Press: Confirmed Teanaway wolf pack discovered by Conservation Northwest volunteers.
Editorial: Wolf pack no surprise for many Jul 08, 2011 The Ellensburg Daily News: People have reported wolf sightings in Kittitas County for years, but search in Kittitas County started with reports from citizens and state and federal agency personnel. Remote, motion-triggered cameras were set up by several agencies and private groups, and images were captured on camera by the group Conservation Northwest.
Discoveries encouraging Jul 08, 2011 The Seattle Times: Letter to the editor of the Seattle Times regarding wolves and grizzlies in Washington State.
Call of the wild: wolves and grizzlies in Washington state Jul 07, 2011 Seattle Times: Editorial from The Times: A new gray wolf pack and a rare grizzly bear, oh my. State biologists said this week that a new pack of gray wolves is living in our state in Kittitas County...
I-90 project to ease flow of traffic, wildlife east of Snoqualmie Pass Jul 07, 2011 Seattle Times: "This underpass is going to facilitate movement for everything from bull trout in Gold Creek, to mountain goats, and maybe we'll be recovering wolverines," said Jen Watkins, outreach coordinator for the I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition.
Finding should be celebrated Jul 07, 2011 Seattle Times: A letter to the editor: "I couldn’t be happier to hear about the Teanaway wolf pack, and the presence of a lactating female."
Agreement requires surveys for listed plants and animals when federal agencies plan old-growth timber sales Jul 07, 2011 The Oregonian: A federal judge has signed off on an agreement between conservation groups - including Conservation Northwest - and federal forest agencies that requires surveys for rare and even obscure species when planning timber sales in old growth forests.
Cle Elum wolf pack sighting Jul 07, 2011 Seattle Times: Two recent letters to the editor, "Act will benefit many" and "Time to fight for protection"
Forest’s wild areas may get protection Jul 07, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: "People are going to look back and thank us that we had the foresight to protect places for traditional activities and wildlife as our region continues to grow," said Derrick Knowles, director of Conservation Northwest’s Columbia Highlands campaign.
Rare grizzly confirmed in North Cascades Jul 06, 2011 Cascadia Weekly: This is the first report vertified by photographic evidence of a grizzly bear in the North Cascades ecosystem since 1996, according to Joe Scott, a conservation director for Conservation Northwest in Bellingham.
First confirmed grizzly sighting in 15 years in North Cascades National Park Jul 06, 2011 Methow Valley News: “Grizzly bears are considered an umbrella species, since they are wilderness-loving animals with large home ranges and need lots of roadless wild areas to thrive. A number of other animals as well need those kinds of security,” Joe Scott of Conservation Northwest said.
Teanaway wolf pack is fourth in the state, WDFW says Jul 06, 2011 Daily Record: Conservation Northwest ED Mitch Friedman is quoted in response to the Teanaway wolf pack discovery: “It’s inspirational. It was definitely good news that after the tragedy of poaching of the Lookout Pack that there are still wolves in the Cascades."
State's fourth wolf pack identified in Teanaway area Jul 05, 2011 Yakima Herald-Republic: "Because of these types of stories," said Mitchell Friedman, Conservation Northwest's executive director, "it was clear the Teanaway was something to check out." Bellingham-based Conservation Northwest had been reading anecdotal reports of wolves in the Teanaway on hunters' blog-sites for at least two years.
New wolf pack confirmed — a short drive from Seattle Jul 05, 2011 Seattle Times: "Wolves need abundant food and lots of security, and the Teanaway has both," said Mitch Friedman, with Conservation Northwest, which helped confirm the pack's existence. The new wolf group, dubbed the Teanaway Pack, is the fourth wolf pack in Washington. Article appeared as "Wolf pack found near Cle Elum" on front page of July 6, Seattle Times.
A new wolf pack in Washington Jul 05, 2011 Blog SeattlePI.com: "The wolf’s return to the Cascades is an important milestone for restoring the wildlife heritage of these wild mountains: Wolves play an important role in maintaining a balance of predator and prey that has a trickle down benefit for all shorts of wildlife from eagles to bears," said Mitch Friedman of Conservation Northwest.
Debate over wolves unfolds in Pacific Northwest Jul 03, 2011 Associated Press: There's plenty of room for wolves. The issue is: are humans going to let them come back to the landscape?" said Jasmine Minbashian, who manages the wolf program for Conservation Northwest. This AP story was picked up by outlets around the country including, Seattle & Olympia (WA), San Jose & Lompoc (CA), Austin, Kansas City, Philadelphia, St. Louis.
Grizzly photographed in North Cascades Jul 01, 2011 SeattlePI.com: “It’s a relief after years of waiting...” said Mitch Friedman of Conservation Northwest, which has championed grizzly and wolf recovery.
Bear experts confirm North Cascades bear was grizzly Jul 01, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: “We welcome this confirmation that grizzly bears still roam the North Cascades,” said Joe Scott, Conservation Northwest’s director of international conservation. “But it doesn’t change the fact that their foothold in these mountains is as tenuous as that of a climber on crumbling rock.... It will not recover without pro-active strategies to boost the population....”
Hiker snaps rare bear - a North Cascades grizzly Jul 01, 2011 Seattle Times: "We've talked about this for 20 years, and over time the sightings have gotten fewer and fewer to the point where I worried the bears had blinked out altogether on our watch," Mitch Friedman of Conservation Northwest said. "So I'm incredibly relieved. But this is a clarion call on the federal government to fulfill its obligation to recover the species." [Article appeared front page, July 2, Seattle Times]
Rare grizzly bear photographed in North Cascades Jul 01, 2011 Seattle Times: "The federal agencies 20 years ago determined that the habitat was exceptional and could support a stable population of bears," said Mitch Friedman, with Conservation Northwest. "But as the years passed without photos, I came to wonder if North Cascades grizzlies were like vampires and wouldn't show up in photos. I'm relieved to know the bears are there."
Twisp family denies killing gray wolves Jul 01, 2011 Wenatchee World: Twisp family members accused of illegally killing endangered wolves from the Methow Valley’s Lookout Pack and attempting to smuggle one of the pelts to Canada can continue to have guns and hunt while their case is pending, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Federal plan targets barred owls to save spotted owls Jun 30, 2011 Reuters: Kristen Boyles, attorney with Earthjustice, said blaming barred owls is not a winning strategy. "We need to keep the focus on increased habitat protection; that's the key to the owl's survival," she told Reuters.
Poached past the brink? Jun 18, 2011 Wenatchee World: This article on the North Cascade's Lookout pack written by KC Mehaffey of the Wenatchee World was picked up by the Seattle Times, Seattle PI, Kennewick Tri-City Herald, The Olympian, The Bellingham Herald, The Kitsap Sun, The Everett Herald, The Tacoma News Tribune, and The Oregonian.
Conflict Over Northern Rockies Delisting for Wolves Extends to Pacific Northwest Jun 16, 2011 Greenwire: The New York Times reports on the heating up of wolf issues in the Pacific Northwest as Washington and Oregon strive to manage small but growing packs.
Twisp residents indicted for poaching wolves, smuggling Jun 15, 2011 Methow Valley News: Reporter Ann McCreary reports in-depth. Biologists hold that even if the Lookout pack dies out because of the illegal killings, the territory they inhabited may attract new wolves. Conservation Northwest's Mitch Friedman is quoted, "...a poaching like this is a blow to us all."
States work conservation into trust lands management Jun 13, 2011 High Country News: Blanchard Mountain exemplifies a clash common to Western state trust lands. As state economies expand beyond resource extraction and taxpayers seek more from public lands than just pay dirt, the trust-land mandate is being challenged in new ways. Conservation Northwest ED Mitch Friedman is quoted...
Mercy killing?: Plan would kill barred owls to save spotted owls Jun 13, 2011 Yakima Herald-Republic: “There’s no clear, compelling science that points out, ‘Here are the exact problems that barred owls are creating for spotted owls and here are the answers,’” says the Seattle Audubon’s Cantrell. “We support scientific evaluation of what the (spotted and barred owl) interactions are and identifying potential solutions.”
Climate change menaces the future of lynx Jun 13, 2011 Crosscut: In-depth report on Washington's wild cat: "The lynx, like the wolverine, is highly dependent on a persistent snowpack," says Dave Werntz, science and conservation director of Conservation Northwest. Lynx' future in the Kettle Range and beyond depends on habitat connectivity to Canada and a combination of refuges and connections that will enable them to survive until the trees grow back in burned areas.
Senseless slaughter of wolves Jun 11, 2011 Edmonton Journal: Alberta has a policy of killing wolves to protect caribou. It’s not working. Caribou biologist Stan Boutin is adamant that wolf control alone is not going to be the salvation of caribou. Like the boreal forest ecologists who contributed to the West Central Alberta Caribou Landscape Plan, he believes that cutlines, well sites and roads that favour wolves need to be reforested. Habitat also has to be set aside and protected from development.
Cattlemen want cap on number of Wash. wolves Jun 09, 2011 Associated Press: Said Conservation Northwest's Jasmine Minbashian: "I know there are people who aren't happy with the numbers. I'm going to respect that opinion....If the numbers go below 15 breeding pairs, this plan won't have public support and it's going to fall apart. Maybe that's what some people want, but I don't think that's a good option for the state and for the overall goal of delisting and recovery."
North Cascades Wolves Hit Hard By Poachers; Indictments Filed Jun 09, 2011 National Public Radio: The long prison terms looming over three people indicted this week for killing wolves could send a message to poachers. But it won't bring back the first wolf pack to re-establish in Washington state. That pack of endangered wolves is now down to "remnants."
Some panelists say population cap needed for wolves in state Jun 09, 2011 Yakima Herald-Republic: From the wolf working group's panel meeting in Ellensburg: "...ecosystems are not vending machines," said Bob Tuck of Selah, a former state wildlife commissioner, "I don't need to put in my quarter -- ka-chunk -- and have a trophy elk pop out. That's not what this is all about."
Twisp Family Shot 5 Wolves, Tried To Poison More, Feds Say Jun 08, 2011 Northwest Sportsman's blog: The editor of Northwest Sportsman covers indictments handed down in the case of illegal killing of members of the Lookout wolf pack. He quotes Mitch Friedman of Conservation Northwest: “Poachers who deliberately try to wipe out a population of endangered wildlife need to be held accountable.”
Methow Valley ranchers indicted in wolves' deaths Jun 08, 2011 Seattle Times: "People who kill wolves are flat out poachers — people with disrespect for the law and for wildlife," said Mitch Friedman, of Conservation Northwest. "It's critical that we come down on them hard, and I'm glad to see that we are."
Charges filed in wolf poaching case Jun 08, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: A federal grand jury has indicted a Twisp, Wash., man for illegally killing two wolves near his property and trying to ship one of the pelts to Canada. The wolves killed were from the Methow Valley’s “Lookout Pack,” which was Washington’s first documented wolf pack. The poaching case has drawn national attention.
Whites charged with killing up to five wolves Jun 08, 2011 Methow Valley News: The Methow Valley News breaks the story: A federal grand jury has handed down a 12-count indictment against three Twisp, WA, residents accused of killing at least five endangered gray wolves, including wolves in the Lookout Pack near the North Cascades.
Connelly: Has twilight come for America's wolves? Jun 05, 2011 Seattle Post Intelligencer: Joel Connelly of the Seattle P-I laments the recent removal of wolves from federal protection and the misconceived fear that has long followed these animals and Conservation NW's Jasmine Minbashian is quoted on poaching of the Lookout pack.
Logging, nesting failures put northern spotted owls on brink Jun 03, 2011 Vancouver Sun: The Vancouver Sun reports on the BC government allowing companies to log old-growth forest in Wildlife Habitat Areas established to protect spotted owls, which today are all but wiped out in southwestern BC.
Draft wolf plan sets bar too low, say some Jun 01, 2011 Methow Valley News: A Methow Valley News article by Ann McCreary on revised wolf management plan with quotes from Jasmine Minbashian of Conservation Northwest.
Draft raises questions — on both sides Jun 01, 2011 Wenatchee World: Wenatchee World article by KC Mehaffey on differing perspectives on revised wolf management plan, with quotes from Jasmine Minbashian of Conservation Northwest.
State unveils new wolf plan Jun 01, 2011 The Wenatchee World: After 19 public meetings and more than 65,000 public comments, the state released its revised plan to recover gray wolves in Washington that should both please and upset cattlemen, hunters and conservationists.
Letter to the editor - About that wilderness in Kettle Range May 31, 2011 Colville Statesman Examiner: Former Chief of the Forest Service Dale Bosworth addresses concerns of cattlemen on wilderness and applauds the collaborative Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition: "Even as a strong believer in multiple use and resource extraction, I feel that wilderness is an important part of balanced management and ought to be represented in the Kettle Range."
Letter to the editor: Wilderness the greatest hurdle with CHI May 31, 2011 Colville Spokesman Examiner: Adoption of a Columbia Highlands Initiative is in the best interest of everyone, urges the letter writer to the Colville Statesman-Examiner: Rep. McMorris Rogers needs to take leadership and get the negotiating process back on track.
Op-Ed: Forestry coalition proposes wilderness area May 27, 2011 Ferry County View: Lots of progress has been made since 2002 when the timber industry and the conservation community buried the hatchet and started to work together. The Columbia Highlands Initiative is testimony to the power of collaboration. In the words of Dick Slagle: ”The Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition has changed the way many of us think about the national forest here in Ferry County. We can work together to make a better future for our children and grandchildren, support good timber jobs and protect special places like the Kettle Crest.”
Scientists push for national park reserve in the south Okanagan May 26, 2011 The Vancouver Sun: The scientific community urges the Canadian government to create a national park reserve in south Okanogan.
Washington works on new wolf plan May 23, 2011 Capital Press: Though the wolf is no longer protected as an endangered species in Washington, the state presses forward for a new plan.
Fifty B.C. faith leaders urge politicians to protect environment May 14, 2011 The Vancouver Sun: A message of unity for wildlife and habitat from Canada's faith leaders is sent to Premier Christy Clark.
Feds start review of Northwest gray wolves May 11, 2011 Methow Valley News: From the Methow Valley News: "We welcome a robust scientific review of wolves in the Pacific Northwest as long as it’s done well with scientific integrity and not done with D.C. politics," said Jasmine Minbashian of Conservation Northwest, which that has been involved in documenting the return of wolves to the Cascade Mountains. "We hope that the review will bring attention to rampant poaching - one of the biggest obstacles to recovery of our wolves."
Status quo on Lake Whatcom not good enough May 08, 2011 The Bellingham Herald: Bellingham's daily newspaper editorial board urges citizens to speak up for creating a Lake Whatcom Forest Preserve. "...leaving the land in logging is a mistake. This land transfer is good for the community and we urge [the Whatcom County Council] to support it."
Removal of wolf protection affects part of Washington state May 05, 2011 The Seattle Times: Craig Welch of the Seattle Times overviews the implications of the gray wolf's removal from the endangered species list. "Without a state management plan, we lack goals and strategies for what we want for wolves anywhere in this state," says Mitch Friedman.
Bears Of The Last Frontier: Grizzly, Polar And Black Bears In The World Landscape May 05, 2011 KUOW: #bearmonth Bear ecologist Chris Morgan & acclaimed radio journalist Steve Scher get into the subject of North Cascades grizzly bears and more.
Bears of the Last Frontier: A Q&A with Bear Biologist Chris Morgan May 05, 2011 Thirteen: Inside Thirteen with Chris Morgan of the Grizzly Bear Outreach Project as he reveals some of the secrets behind his new documentary.
Wash. bear researcher: 'I've got huge respect for these animals' May 05, 2011 KOMO News: An interview with Chris Morgan about his documentary Bears of the Last Frontier: "My mantra is, 'What's good for bears is good for people' - and it's so true. We all need clean air, fresh water, natural resources - we all need it, whether you watch from your armchair or hike in it every weekend."
Feds say they will review gray wolf status in NW May 05, 2011 Tri-City Herald: The Tri-City Herald reports on an upcoming wolf status review following delisting of some Northwest wolves. Since 2008, the Lookout Pack has fallen from as many as 10 animals to 2, said Jasmine Minbashian of Conservation Northwest, who have helped document the wolves' return to the Cascades.
Q&A: Wolves Off The Endangered List In Eastern Oregon And Washington May 04, 2011 Oregon Public Broadcasting: Oregon Public Broadcasting: "...a listing decision would stop people from poaching Cascades wolves. And it would separate the wolf issues in the Northwest from the ones we've heard so much about in Montana and Idaho."
Public’s input on wildlife needed Apr 28, 2011 The News Tribune: A reporter calls upon hunters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts to comment on and help improve a new draft national forest management rule.
Take steps now to limit conflicts with bears Apr 22, 2011 The Everett Herald: Some good springtime tips for possible bear encounters from Chris Morgan of the Grizzly Bear Outreach Project. Give bears space, make noise, and don't surprise them!
First time in recorded history: Wolverine tracks confirmed in Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains Apr 22, 2011 The Columbia Basin Bulletin: The tracks of a wolverine are found in the Wallowa Mountains, for the first time! The researcher followed the tracks for about a mile until they left the river bottom and headed into the high country.
Coming to Terms with Bears: A conversation with Chris Morgan Apr 22, 2011 KPLU: Reporter Liam Moriarty of KPLU sits down with conservation scientist Chris Morgan to chat about North Cascades bears and his new book and documentary, Bears of the Last Frontier.
Sportsmen better prepare for higher license fees Apr 21, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: Rich Landers reports on the wrapping up of the Washington Legislature, on issues from cougar hunting with hounds to hunting and fishing license fees.
Politics has no place in state wildlife and habitat programs Apr 21, 2011 The Olympian: The Olympian editorial board urges legislative support for continued funding for Washington's important wildlife and recreation program.
Delisting of wolves will not affect Methow pack Apr 20, 2011 Methow Valley News: Ann McCreary reports on the status of Washington's wolves following delisting of Northern Rockies wolves. “Congress has never taken a specific action on any listed species… not even the spotted owl,” said Friedman. “That’s where this is unprecedented and dangerous.”
Okanagan river most endangered in province Apr 18, 2011 Global BC: Thanks to development and agriculture, for the second year in a row the Kettle River east of Osoyoos has been named the most endangered river in British Columbia.
How federal budget-makers cut wolves from the endangered-species list Apr 14, 2011 Crosscut: Reporter Daniel Jack Chasen dives into the darker side of the "historic" budget deal some weeks ago.
State lynx population dwindles Apr 12, 2011 The Statesman-Examiner: "Bunny CSI" and more... A wildlife biologist's update on a statewide lynx study project cooperatively underwritten by state agencies, Conservation Northwest, and others.
Poll: Voters Give Nod to WA's Colville Forest Collaboration Apr 07, 2011 Public News Service: A new poll shows voters support collaborative efforts between Conservation Northwest, its allies, and the timber industry.
Poll shows support for wilderness in Colville National Forest Apr 06, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: A recent poll of northeastern Washington voters shows support for new wilderness designations on the Colville National Forest when they’re packaged with stepped-up timber harvests in other areas of the forest and new trails for off-road vehicles. In this poll, even though support from ORV riders was less than that from hunters, hikers, and others, as a whole ORV riders still supported wilderness as part of a balanced proposal. Currently, just 1% of the state's wilderness is in the Columbia Highlands.
Enviro groups urge Senate to abandon delisting rider Apr 04, 2011 E&E News: A dozen environmental groups, including Conservation Northwest, today sent a letter to the Senate urging lawmakers to abandon plans to remove Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves, arguing that such a move would undermine the law and threaten biodiversity.
Editorial: Bid to solve cougar hunt conundrum impressive Apr 02, 2011 Spokesman Review: An editorial in the Spokesman Review commending Rep. Joel Kretz and Conservation Northwest for finding common ground on cougar management.
Burke Museum's owl show opens a door to a larger view Apr 01, 2011 Crosscut: Seattle Times' Danel Chasen interviews photographer Paul Bannick, who serves as development director for Conservation Northwest, on the ecology of owls and woodpeckers, and a new exhibit. "The area of northern Washington, for which Conservation Northwest is pushing a Columbia Highlands Initiative, probably has the highest owl density in the state."
A new brand of trust land? Mar 31, 2011 High Country News: Conservation Northwest's director Mitch Friedman testified for the Community Forest Trust bill, which would protect working forests on state-managed lands around fast-sprawling urban areas.
Landers: Deer recommendation based on misinformation Mar 31, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: At a recent WA Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting, Spokane hunter and NE WA Forestry Coalition board member Derrick Knowles delivers some fact: proposed wilderness protection in the Columbia Highlands closes no roads. The coalition’s board is comprised of some of Stevens County’s major employers as well as conservation groups, a partnership that has endured since 2003.
Hound-hunting deal in the works Mar 30, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: Truce? An agreement struck this week between Conservation Northwest and an Eastern Washington legislator should should lead to fewer cougars being hunted, more controls on how the big cats are taken each year, and a focus on science-based management.
Stop the grasslands war: co-operation is the key Mar 27, 2011 The Boundary Sentinel: Mar 27 - Collaboration was the message of a forum discussion about the BC Boundary ecosystems, featuring the forests of the Columbia Highlands and Tim Coleman of Conservation Northwest. "It involves a lot of collaboration between community leaders," explained Coleman. "It's a story about how we went from fighting to co-operation."
Wildlife managers use kid gloves to keep critters safe Mar 23, 2011 Methow Valley News: Mar 23 - Methow Valley News on the ins and outs of wildlife research. Says Jasmine Minbashian of Conservation Northwest, "...collaring can help us keep track of the animals and provide a disincentive to poaching."
Paul Bannick's photos at the Burke salute beauty, importance of owls and woodpeckers Mar 21, 2011 Seattle Times: Photo exhibit through Aug 7: As you'll learn in this remarkable exhibition, owls and woodpeckers perform yeoman service in maintaining biological diversity, and they are especially important indicators of habitat health.
Burke Museum goes to the birds for new photo exhibit Mar 18, 2011 SeattlePI.com: Joel Connelly on Paul Bannick's The Owl and the Woodpecker traveling exhibit showing at the Burke Museum through Aug 7. The message, "that we need habitat for both great mammals and small birds . . . that their preservation does not require great sacrifice by humankind, only a modest use of intelligence."
Editorial: County must calculate benefit, cost of trade off Mar 16, 2011 Ellensburg Daily Record: March 16-Conservation Northwest is one of nine groups supporting a collaborative agreement for water storage, forests and habitat in the YakimaBasin's TeanawayValley. The price tag, $5 billion, comes off as a bargain compared to the $7.7 billion estimated price tag for the alternative: the Black Rock reservoir proposed east of Yakima, which lost favor as a solution to water storage problems due to its cost.
Poachers and political damage Mar 10, 2011 Wenatchee World: Mar 10 - Wenatchee World on wolves and poaching, "The problem with predators is us. How do we deal with them? The answers are mostly political. The divide is large. It should be remembered that Washington's wolves are not optional...and...the law protects them."
Canada lynx collared near Eightmile Mar 09, 2011 Methow Valley News: Mar 9 - Biologists begin a study of the Canada lynx in the Methow Valley to help "land managers better understand what is needed for the continuation of the species in the North Cascades ecosystem."
Wrestling with wolves Mar 07, 2011 High Country News: A High Country News writer weighs in on anti-wolf legislation circulating through Western states, including Washington State, and in Congress.
Rewards increased for wildlife poaching Mar 06, 2011 The Omak-Okonogan County Chronicle: Mar 6 - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife expands its reward fund for apprehending wildlife poachers with contributions from Conservation Northwest.
Would Washington legislature try to ease protection of gray wolves? Mar 03, 2011 Crosscut: Mar 3 - Politicians in the NW have been trying for some time to free the states of the burden of obeying ESA protections for the gray wolf. Now, bills in Olympia would give the legislature a chance to play to the anti-wolf crowd.
Third wolf poaching was near Rainy Pass Mar 02, 2011 Methow Valley News: Mar 2 - The investigation of the last year's wolf killing near Rainy Pass continues, with suspects identified. The dead wolf was discovered by state wildlife enforcement officials from a tip about the poaching incident.
$7,500 for information on wolf killing Mar 02, 2011 Methow Valley News: Mar 2 - The compensation for information is higher because wolves, including those in the Methow, are at a fragile state of recovery, says Mitch Friedman, Conservation Northwest’s executive director.
Conservationists boost rewards for bagging poachers in Washington Mar 01, 2011 The Spokesman-Review - Outdoors blog: Turning in a poacher in Washington can be rich experience, thanks to a commitment announced by Conservation Northwest.
Fate of state's first gray-wolf pack unclear Feb 27, 2011 Seattle Times: Feb 27 - "We're starting to see that we already have a pretty serious poaching problem," said Jasmine Minbashian, with the environmental group Conservation Northwest. "It's just such a tragic story. A few years ago we were filled with so much hope. Now we're seeing this."
Why isn’t the wolverine better protected in the Northern Rockies? Feb 25, 2011 New West: Feb 25 - New West writer Dennis Higman ruminates on the rare privilege of seeing a wolverine in the wild and wonders how we might better protect them.
Exploring the wild frontier of Jumbo Valley, B.C. Feb 18, 2011 The Globe and Mail: For more than 20 years, determined developer Glacier Resorts Ltd. has battled fervent local opposition to a proposed billion-dollar, year-round glacier-skiing resort at the head of the valley.... Now, two recent developments - a groundbreaking grizzly bear census and the Ktunaxa Nation's declaration that it will do everything within its power to protect the land - have changed the landscape of the battle.
Skinned corpse of wolf discovered, but state won’t say from which pack Feb 16, 2011 Methow Valley News: Feb 16 - Methow Valley News reports on a new gray wolf poaching incident in Washington State.
B.C. needs endangered species legislation Feb 15, 2011 The Vancouver Sun: Feb 15 - A conservation biologist tells all: "Super, natural British Columbia is awesome, with more than 4,373 known forms of life. Currently, B.C. is without endangered species legislation and 1,900 species are at risk from local extinction or extirpation. This is unacceptable... "
Conserving working ranches topic of fundraiser Feb 14, 2011 The Spokesman-Review: Coville-area rancher John Dawson is featured at a Spokane event to promote the virtues of working ranches.
Forest planning rule uses collaboration to cut lawsuits Feb 11, 2011 The Spokesman Review: Will changes in national forest planning rules proposed by the government improve forest management and foster collaboration? Mike Petersen, The Lands Council director and member of the Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition, said the new rules could weaken wildlife protections.
Lookout Pack dwindles in size Feb 09, 2011 Methow Valley News: Feb 9 - The Lookout Mountain wolf pack is down to 2-3 wolves, and wildlife officials are trying to determine whether there is a breeding female among them.
Lawmakers sniff out a solution for cougar hunting Feb 07, 2011 sportsyakima.com: But biologists are questioning a pair of bills that would make permanent Washington state’s pilot program on using hounds to hunt cougars. Two-thirds of citizens responding to a WDFW survey were against the use of hounds in recreational hunting of cougars.
Report: Killing predators considered to help owls Feb 06, 2011 SeattlePI.com: Wildlife officials on the precipice of a decision to kill barred owls to help protect a dwindling spotted owl population.
Grizzly Bears Are Vanishing from North Cascades National Park Feb 02, 2011 Bloomburg: Biologists are on the trail of the rare North Cascades grizzly bear. “As more time goes by, you have to wonder what’s happening to the few bears we have left,” says Bill Gaines, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Forest Service.
State wants deer protection Feb 02, 2011 Wenatchee World: Highway underpasses proposed at a wildlife bottleneck in the Okanogan will help deer and people, reports the Wenatchee World. Conservation NW's Jay Kehne says the project could pay for itself in 3-4 years.
Wolf Foes Turn to Congress and Legislatures Jan 28, 2011 OPB news: Proposed legislation threatens protection of Northwest wolves. Conservation Northwest calls Rep. Taylor's bill Taylor's bill extreme and unnecessary and an invitation to wolf poaching.
Environmental groups oppose proposed Glacier-area hydro projects Jan 20, 2011 Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Fores The Bellingham Herald: Conservation NW joins local groups to protect fish and fish habitat and stop proposed new hypdroelectric dams on creeks in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF near Glacier.
WA Wolf Bills ‘Spectacular In Their Awfulness’ Jan 19, 2011 Northwest Sportsman: Andy Walgamott of Northwest Sportsman blogs on wolves, hunters, and three recently introduced bills harmful to wolves. "Conservation Northwest’s tack appears to be to work towards common solutions that benefit, among others, hunters."
Wildlife underpass proposed for highway Jan 18, 2011 Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle: Conservation Northwest is raising public awareness for a potential wildlife underpass under US Hwy 97 to keep the highway safe for drivers and wildlife. "Just about the only people who don’t stand to gain from this might be auto body repair shops," said Jay Kehne
Our backcountry bank Jan 17, 2011 Barriere Star Journal: Snowy Mountain Alpine Tours in BC, Canada, reflects on the wonders of the North Thompson valley, including mountain caribou, and our part in preserving them.
Feds drop appeal on lynx habitat, will revise plan Jan 17, 2011 Seattle Times: Wildlife officials have agreed to protect critical habitat for Canada lynx by mending an earlier, flawed proposal. There are likely fewer than 1,000 lynx across the lower 48 states, with 100 to 200 animals in Washington, including in the Loomis State Forest.
Feds drop appeal on lynx habitat, will revise plan Jan 17, 2011 The Seattle Times: Wildlife officials drop their appeal of a ruling that blocks any further action on protecting lynx habitat. New areas open up for possible designation.
Room for wildlife in state budget? Advocates push to continue I-90 project Jan 05, 2011 Seattle Times: Jan 5, 2011 - In a new year for Cascades wildlife, the Seattle Times spotlights wildlife bridges and the I-90 Project. Surely for animals, moving ahead on the project would be a good thing, said Charlie Raines of the Cascade Chapter of the Sierra Club.
Cameras help hunters, conservationists alike Jan 01, 2011 Wenatchee World: Jan 1 - Conservation Northwest also wants to know what wildlife are out there. “People get out there every year and put cameras in some pretty far-flung places. And they love it,” says Jasmine Minbashian.
Remote cameras: Eyes in the woods Jan 01, 2011 Wenatchee World: Jan 1 - Motion-triggered remote cameras let scientists and others get close to wildlife without undue stress to the animals.
Wolverines making comeback in Washington state? [Video] Dec 15, 2010 King 5: Dec. 15- King 5 news brings us great video of wolverines in the North Cascades, where this endangered weasel tenaciously makes a home.
Wolverine protection a matter of priorities Dec 13, 2010 The Yakima Herald: The Yakima Herald - According to one recent study, said Dave Werntz, science and conservation director of Conservation Northwest, "If things stay the same, wolverines will lose up to 60 percent of their habitat by the end of the century. That would be a challenge for any species." Federal wildlife officials believe the species deserves protection under the Endangered Species Act, but with this caveat: Wolverines are going to have to get in line.
Wolverines judged needy of Endangered Species protection Dec 13, 2010 The Spokesman-Review - Outdoors blog: Outdoors blog - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says that the wolverine, known for its strength and determination, should be listed as a candidate species.
Keeping ranch intact a boon to whitetails Dec 12, 2010 Colville The Spokesman-Review: The Spokesman Review reports on a group effort to keep a Colville-area ranch intact for the benefit of the family, wildlife, and the public.
Wilderness trails get attention Dec 09, 2010 Newport News Miner: 12/9/10. Newport News Miner. Volunteer trail work crews cleared downed trees, debris and brush from trails and made improvements to trail features to ready them for hikers, hunters, and equestrians. Using traditional hand tools such as crosscut saws, Pulaskis and shovels, volunteers and Forest Service workers built and repaired trail bridges and cleared a winters worth of downed trees and branches off the trail.
Commission restricts the use of lead fishing tackle on lakes with loons Dec 06, 2010 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved restrictions on the use of lead fishing tackle at 13 lakes with nesting common loons during its Dec. 2-4 meeting in Olympia.
Agencies increase caribou protections Dec 03, 2010 The Spokesman Review: The state is ramping up patrols in an effort to protect highly endangered mountain caribou, who make the Selkirks their home. During the winter, caribou depend almost entirely for food on lichens hanging from subalpine firs or snags above the snowline. Snowmobiles can chase caribou out of important feeding areas or cause them to use up valuable energy reserves by moving away from motorized traffic, wildlife biologists said.
The Columbia Highlands on KUOW's Weekday with Steve Scher Nov 22, 2010 KUOW Weekday: KUOW's Steve Scher interviews Conservation Northwest's Mitch Friedman and author Craig Romano about a special corner of the state between the Kettle River Range and the Selkirk Mountains that many of us hardly know.
Animal trackers read dramas in the snow Nov 17, 2010 The Seattle Times: Nov 17, 2010, wildlife tracking in the Northwest woods. "The snow creates a blank slate and these animals come and write their stories onto it," said Dave Moskowitz, author of the recently published tracking field guide, Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest.
Rural Legislators Question WDFW’s Wolf Info, Land Plans Nov 08, 2010 Northwest Sportsman Magazine: Sportsman reporter Andy Walgamott covers wide-ranging ground in this piece, including an interview he had with Mitch Friedman of Conservation Northwest.
New website lets drivers track wildlife along stretch of I-90 Nov 06, 2010 The Seattle Times: November 2010 heralds the launch of www.i90wildlifewatch.org, where drivers can report all wildlife they see along the interstate from North Bend to Easton.
New Project To Document Wildlife Sightings Along I-90 Nov 05, 2010 Federal Transportation Issues: The I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition launches a new citizen-based wildlife monitoring project for I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass, as reported by the Washington Department of Transportation in their online blog.
Drivers encouraged to report wildlife on I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass Nov 04, 2010 Seattle Times: As of Nov. 4, 2010, drivers traveling over Interstate 90 Snoqualmie Pass are asked to report wildlife and roadkill sightings as part of the national “Give Wildlife a Brake” week.
We're losing the battle for diversity of life Nov 03, 2010 Vancouver Sun: British Columbia has no law protecting species at risk of extinction, and the laws we do have aren't working.
Cattleman's association denounces wolf killing Oct 22, 2010 Wallowa Valley Online: Decrying the recent wolf killing in Wallowa County, the chairman of the Oregon Cattleman's Association's wolf committee, Ron Childers, speaks out for wolves.
Judge agrees to halt Lewis-McChord cross-base highway suit Oct 22, 2010 The News Tribune: A lawsuit filed by Conservation Northwest and allies against the Cross-Base Highway (proposed across rare oak-woodland prairie) is halted as parties come to an agreement.
Province needs to protect ecosystems that cross borders: Study says Oct 13, 2010 Osoyoos Times: A study looking at the vulnerability of “transboundary” species in B.C. included a case study on the importance of the antelope-brush ecosystem and grasslands of the South Okanagan-Similkameen.
Wolf hunts unsustainable, analysis says Sep 30, 2010 Associated Press: A scientific study found that Montana stands to lose approximately 50 percent of its gray wolves under a hunting proposal submitted in mid-September 2010 to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, "...above a sustainable level,” says one of the study's authors.
Washington's Skokomish Watershed: Exemplar of the Legacy Roads and Trails Initiative Sep 27, 2010 Road RIPorter: The Skokomish is both a fascinating case study of successful collaborative watershed restoration project and a politically crucial testing ground for large-scale road decommissioning in the national forests.
Ranchers sell development rights to preserve way of life Sep 23, 2010 Capital Press: Dawson and his wife, Melva, recently made a move to preserve their Colville, Wash., cattle ranch under the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Farm and Ranch Protection Program. The nonprofit Inland Northwest Land Trust of Spokane filed the application in partnership with the Dawsons and Conservation Northwest.
BC wildlife needs more protection, study says Sep 22, 2010 Vancouver Sun: An inadequate patchwork of laws and policies in British Columbia puts an estimated 1,900 species of wildlife at risk of extinction according to a new study, On the Edge: BC's Unprotected Transboundary Species.
Report calls for BC endangered-species law Sep 21, 2010 Victoria Times Colonist: Sept. 21, 2010, Global BC video coverage of a new report on BC wildlife at risk by the David Suzuki Foundation, Ecojustice, and Conservation Northwest.
Stevens Pass bike park clears final hurdle Sep 21, 2010 The Wenatchee World: With Forest Service permit appeals resolved, ski area officials plan to build facility next spring
Spotted owls get a hand from Obama, but is it enough? Sep 20, 2010 Crosscut: The Obama administration has pushed aside a weak Bush-era protection plan. But the owl is in precarious condition.
Breaking down barriers along I-90 Sep 18, 2010 Yakmia Herald: A groundbreaking research project assesses the migration habits of animals to reduce the likelihood of tragic collisions along the planned I-90 expansion near Snoqualmie Pass.
In Search of the Grizzly (if Any Are Left) Sep 16, 2010 New York Times: The New York Times documents story of the most ambitious effort ever to document whether grizzlies still exist in the North Cascades of Washington. “If these bears are to have a future,” said Joe Scott, the international program director for Conservation Northwest, “the United States and British Columbia governments must do their job — boost Cascades bears with a small number of young animals from areas where grizzly bears are more numerous.”
Study of Tripod fire reaffirms the value of thinning forests Sep 01, 2010 The Wenatchee World: WINTHROP — A three-year U.S. Forest Service study confirmed what fire managers already knew: Wildfires are not nearly as deadly for trees in areas previously thinned and burned.
Wolf caught on camera in Pine Creek area Aug 21, 2010 The Omak-Okanogan Chronicle: TONASKET - State wildlife officials say a wolf caught by a game camera in the Pine Creek Road area is a mystery.
Methow power-line fight turns into Supreme Court showdown Aug 08, 2010 The Seattle Times: The fight over the future of the shrub-steppe grasslands above the shimmering Methow River has become what few could have predicted: a constitutional feud between the heads of two state agencies.
Initiative forges unexpected alliance Aug 05, 2010 Capital Press: A Capital Press article by Mathew Weaver on the Columbia Highlands Initiative.
Partnership draws on ranching, timber, and conservation interests Aug 04, 2010 The Statesman-Examiner: Statesman-Examiner article on the Columbia Highlands Initiative.
Group proposes wilderness areas Aug 04, 2010 The Miner: The Miner article by Janelle Atyeo covering the Columbia Highlands Initiative.
Environmentalists and Loggers Find Common Ground Aug 02, 2010 Open Range: Radio segment by Susan Allen on Open Range on AgInfo.Net website.
Whirling into the forest primeval Jul 31, 2010 The Wall Street Journal: Heli-hiking in Canada has become a way to take in the beauty of the terrain. However, conservation groups such as Conservation Northwest wonder what effect this activity will have on the wildlife of the area.
Wilderness, logging proposal pushed Jul 29, 2010 The Seattle Times: Seattle Times local section story by Jill Kimball on Columbia Highlands
Wilderness being sought by coalition Jul 29, 2010 Spokane Public Radio: Spokane Public Radio radio story by Steve Jackson on Columbia Highlands press conference in Spokane (aired on KUOW as well)
Proposal for Colville National Forest a collaborative effort Jul 29, 2010 The Spokesman Review: Spokesman Review article on Columbia Highlands by Becky Kramer
Wash. alliance aims to aid economy and environment Jul 28, 2010 Associated Press: Associated Press story by Nicholas Geranios on Columbia Highlands Initiative
Environmentalists, loggers push new wilderness deal in Northeast Washington Jul 28, 2010 The Seattle Times: A Seattle Times news story by Craig Welch on the Columbia Highlands Initiative
Funding sought for farm preservation Jul 18, 2010 The Chronicle: Conservation Northwest has submitted an application to the Forest Legacy Program on behalf of Ferry County ranchers Bryan and Debra Gotham.
Powerline appeals caught in volley between agencies Jun 23, 2010 Methow Valley News: While DNR has announced its “intention to appeal” a ruling allowing the PUD to condemn state land for its powerline, it remains unclear whether the agency will be able to argue the case in a higher court. Conservation Northwest has filed a notice of appeal in the situation in order to give the state additional time to sort out what they plan to do.
Three things Blanchard needs Jun 09, 2010 Cascadia Weekly: Mitch Friedman, the Skagit Land Trust, Friends of Blanchard Mountain, the Back Country Horsemen, and others have worked with the government to protect Blanchard Mountain. If Blanchard Mountain is to be protected further, it will take hope, time and a willingness to work with others.
Tulalips protest Stevens Pass bike trails plan Jun 08, 2010 HeraldNet: A plan for a large mountain bike park at Stevens Pass won’t be approved easily. The Tulalip Tribes and two environmental groups, including Conservation Northwest, have filed appeals against the plan, which the Forest Service approved in April 2010.
Appeals Court OKs logging on Blanchard without environmental study Jun 02, 2010 The Bellingham Herald: The state Court of Appeals overturnsa lower court's decision that would have required the state Department of Natural Resources to do an environmental study of Blanchard Mountain before allowing logging.
Response to "At loggerheads on Blanchard" Jun 02, 2010 Cascadia Weekly: Letter the to Editor, run in the Cascadia Weekly, by Mitch Friedman on Blanchard Mountain.
Five-state wolf plan panelists divided May 30, 2010 Spokesman-Review: Rich Landers of the Spokesman-Review reports on the different tactics of five western states, including Washington, all working to deal with the return of gray wolves. The Department of Fish and Wildlife is close to finishing a management and conservation plan for managing wolves returning naturally to the Washington State.
Obama administration extends time-out on roadless decisions May 28, 2010 The New York Times: The New York Times reports that Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has renewed for another year a policy giving himself sole power to approve logging or road projects on tens of millions of forested acres while the Obama administration decides how to handle the controversial Clinton-era roadless rule.
At loggerheads over logging May 26, 2010 Cascadia Weekly: The Cascadia Weekly reports on the latest in protecting the forests and wildlife habitat of Blanchard Mountain in the Chuckanuts, where the Cascades meet the sea. A judge rules that a collaborative strategies agreement put together by the state DNR is proper and should stand.
Seattlest volunteer spotlight: Conservation Northwest May 19, 2010 Seattlest: Volunteers Amy Tsui and Mike Webb are recognized by Seattlest for their outstanding work with Conservation Northwest's citizen wildlife monitoring Program.
Seattlest volunteer spotlight: Conservation Northwest May 19, 2010 Seattlest: Volunteers Amy Tsui and Mike Webb are recognized for their outstanding work with Conservation Northwest's wildlife monitoring program.
Wind farm project 'kind of in limbo' at Clallam PUD May 18, 2010 Peninsula Daily News: Port Angeles--A Clallam County Public Utility District plan to join the Radar Ridge wind farm project in Pacific County is losing power as permit costs escalate. Conservation Northwest opposed this project because it was placed on a high ridge in the best coastal marbled murrelet habitat in southwestern Washington. Biologists held that many murrelets could be killed on their twice daily foraging trips from sea to forest.
Experimental Washington state grazing program put on hold May 17, 2010 Seattle Times: Whiskey Dick in eastern Washington is one of the state wildlife lands where a controversial cattle-grazing program has been put on hold for the 2010 season after a sharp rebuke by a Superior Court judge.
Judge: PUD may condemn state land May 13, 2010 Methow Valley News: Grazing on state lands is a public use, but one not incompatible with the PUD’s transmission line, ruled Okanogan County Superior Court Judge Jack Burchard on Tuesday (May 11).
Forest peace plan has promise May 11, 2010 Spokesman-Review: Serena Carlson writes a thank you for the publication of Dan Hansen's op-ed on the Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition.
Habitat, not hunting, may be the limiting factor May 06, 2010 Sightline Daily: Jennifer Langston reports that last year was the first in which sport hunters were allowed to legally shoot the gray wolves that were first reintroduced to Montana and Idaho in the 1990s. So how did the wolves fare?
Wolves in the Methow: a predator/prey relationship May 05, 2010 Methow Methow Valley News: Opinion by Gary Ott from Beaver Creek, Washington. Studies of wolf predation on deer in other states indicate that wolves each take approximately 15 or 16 deer per year, a level of predation nearly the number that we take out with our cars and not even close to the numbers taken by hunters.
Model tames timber fights May 01, 2010 Spokesman-Review: In a guest column, former Spokesman-Review reporter and editor Dan Hansen writes about changing times, the power of compromise, and the progress of the Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition.
Hair rub technique appears to yield cheaper, more accurate data on grizzlies Apr 27, 2010 Washington Post: How hair snag stations are used to collect genetic and population information on grizzly bears in the wild.
Little left to celebrate at B.C. Forest Service Apr 21, 2010 The Times Colonist: The public is beginning to wonder if British Columbia's Forest Service will make it to its centennial year due to the job cuts throughout the past couple years. These cuts will effect more than just the employees. The thin spreading of still remaining employees will cause less time for fieldwork, essential in protecting the public interest.
USFS scans backwoods for grizzlies Apr 14, 2010 The Wenatchee World: WENATCHEE — Scientists this summer will launch the first large-scale effort to find evidence of grizzly bears in the North Cascades, setting out 75 to 100 hair snags and a few dozen remote cameras.
Stevens Pass bike trail wins approval Apr 14, 2010 The Everett Herald: The Everett Herald reports on a wildlife corridor at Stevens pass, "The Highway 2 corridor is important to both people and wildlife, and this process did not take a holistic approach in providing the public a chance to engage in a discussion of the full plans for the Stevens Pass Resort that are tied to this first phase," said Jen Watkins of Conservation Northwest.
LEED green-building standards must not be diluted Apr 12, 2010 The Seattle Times: The U.S. Green Building Council sets standards for environmentally superior buildings and must not dilute the value of its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design label, writes guest columnist to The Seattle Times, Denis Hayes.
Fired up about fuel reduction Apr 04, 2010 Forest Service Today: How landowners, conservation organizations, and local, state and federal partners are making a difference in the Chumstick Watershed
'It’s a girl!' Biologists snare first female lynx Apr 04, 2010 Wenatchee World: K.C. Mehaffey of the Wenatchee World reports on the first female lynx trapped by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists, as part of an ongoing study of the state’s largest population of the elusive cats in Okanogan County.
Wooden Nickels Apr 02, 2010 Seattle Business: As Weyerhaeuser mulls a transformation in its corporate structure, the future of the state’s timberlands—as forests and as investments—is at stake.
Wolf pelt investigation leads to unrelated charges Mar 31, 2010 The Wenatchee World: K.C. Mehaffey reports on a Twisp rancher and his son, who have been charged with hunting violations unrelated to the investigation in their homes last year regarding a bloody wolf pelt.
Female wolverine put in some miles, biology data suggests Mar 26, 2010 Wenatchee World: The latest capture in the North Cascades’ first wolverine study has embarked on a journey that is surprising even the wildlife biologists who are studying her.
Earth Hour: How about endangered species hour Mar 26, 2010 The Christian Science Monitor: The Christian Science Monitor on endangered species: Just as Earth Hour can pressure governments on global warming, so can consumers push politicians to protect endangered species such as bluefin tuna, several kinds of sharks, and corals, all of which were abandoned at a UN wildlife conference.
Climate: Adaptation will be key to preserving wildlife Mar 25, 2010 E & E: Climate change may be altering fish and wildlife habitat throughout the country, but state wildlife officials can lessen those impacts with a host of adaptation measures -- if the federal government provides enough funding to implement them, according to a report issued by a coalition of sportsmen's groups this week.
Gray wolf’s not ready to come off list, two scientists say Mar 19, 2010 Wenatchee World: Two of three scientists asked to review a draft plan for recovering the endangered gray wolf in Washington say the state should require higher numbers before taking them off the endangered list.
A great state of carbon caches Mar 16, 2010 The Register Guard: U.S. federal forests store 9.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide on 19 million acres. With about 5.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide being released yearly by fossil fuels some see this storing ability as yet another reason to refrain from cutting the forests.
Wolverines might be making a comeback Mar 14, 2010 The Olympian: “With the camera techniques, we know there are three or four times more wolverines than have been detected by trapping alone. There are a lot more wolverines than we thought,” [wildlife biologist Keith] Aubrey said, but still fewer than 25 in the North Cascades.
Many steps can be taken to improve Lake Whatcom Mar 06, 2010 Bellingham Herald: The Bellingham Herald looks at the many thing landowners in the Lake Whatcom Watershed can do to protect the water quality of the lake.
Pacific Northwest forests act as massive carbon banks Mar 04, 2010 Los Angeles Times: A new study shows that the thick, wet forests of the Pacific Northwest are the carbon storage powerhouses of the U.S., storing more than 1-1/2 times as much carbon as the entire amount of carbon dioxide burned in fossil fuels throughout the country each year.
Conservation Area Planned for Blanchard Mountain Mar 01, 2010 KGMI: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is working to create a conservation area around Blanchard Mountain.
New effort to prevent elk collisions Feb 23, 2010 KING 5 News: KING 5 news highlights the importance of creating corridors to help elk and other animals cross the highways safely.
Obama decisions on wildlife raising environmentalists' ire Feb 21, 2010 Mercury News: Mercury News reports on some of the decisions related to species on the endangered animals list that President Obama has made during his first year in office.
Last batch of fishers released in Olympic National Park Feb 20, 2010 Peninsula Daily News: Tom Callis of the Peninsula Daily News reports on the final fisher release.
Biologists to release 13 Fishers in Olympic National Park Feb 19, 2010 Sequim Gazette: The Sequim Gazette reports on the final 13 fishers that were released into the Olympic National Park on February 20th.
About a dozen fishers to be released in final chapter of Olympic park reintroduction efforts Feb 17, 2010 Peninsula Daily News: The last group of fishers will be released in the Olympic National Park over the weekend. Some will be released in the Elwha area, and some on the west side of the park.
New report debunks myth of “catastrophic wildfire” Feb 03, 2010 New West: Matthew Koehler discusses the report by the John Muir Project (JMP) stating that there is no such thing as "catastrophic wildfire" in our forests.
Half of B.C. must be protected as hedge against climate change, report says Jan 27, 2010 Vancouver Sun: Forest ecologists are recommended an additional 35% of the land base in B.C. be set aside as protected areas according to the Vancouver Sun.
Wolf sightings on rise in Oregon Cascades Jan 15, 2010 OregonLive.com: There is evidence that wolves in Oregon are extending their range to include the southern Cascades and Ochoco Mountains.
Environmental group seeks to join state in PUD's condemnation suit Jan 13, 2010 Methow Valley News: Reporter Marcy Stamper with the Methow Valley News reports on Conservation Northwest motion to join a state suit against the Okanogan PUD's plan to build a new powerline through the biggest remaining block of state-owned shrub-steppe mule deer habitat in the Methow.
New rules for mining will impact caribou habitat Jan 10, 2010 Vancouver Sun: Companies in BC will be allowed to explore without requiring Environment Ministry exemption. The newly allowed exploration includes newly protected habitat for the critically endangered caribou.
Interior Department's decision imperils wolves, Endangered Species Act Jan 01, 2010 Washington Post: Jamie Rappaport Clark of the Washington Post criticizes the decision to remove federal protection for the gray wolves in the Northern Rockies.
More fishers released in bid to reintroduce species to Washington state Dec 24, 2009 Peninsula Daily News: 16 Fishers are released into the Olympic National Park bringing the total number of fishers relocated there to 65.
Forest Service may close off-road area to snowmobiling Dec 20, 2009 The Spokesman-Review: The Colville National Forest is considering closing Harvey Creek Road, the road is sometimes used illegally by snowmobiliers to access parts of Molybdenite Ridge which is winter caribou habitat.
Olympic National Park to reintroduce additional fishers Dec 20, 2009 Peninsula Daily News: Peninsula Daily News article about the third and final year of fisher reintroductions.
Judge upholds surveys for species before logging Dec 18, 2009 Seattle PI: A federal judge in Seattle ruled that forests be examined for ecologically important species like snails, mosses and mushrooms before logging can occur.
Volunteer wildlife cams open experts eyes [Video] Dec 16, 2009 King 5 News: King 5's Gary Chittim talks to Conservation Northwest's Jen Watkins about the Cascades Citizens Wildlife Monitoring Project.
Are there grizzly bears in Washington state? Dec 13, 2009: A piece by Joel Connelly from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer that discusses the current status of grizzly bears in Washington and why they are important.
Disaster leads to chance for giant park in Whatcom County Dec 08, 2009 Crosscut: Crosscut gives an update on the 8,400 acre land transfer agreement between Whatcom County and the Department of Natural Resources.
Ghost Cat Dec 01, 2009 Nature Conservancy Magazine: This article from the Nature Conservancy Magazine looks at a historic land deal that may protect lynx habitat
Eastern Oregon wolves again star in video, this time with youngsters Nov 19, 2009 OregonLive.com: OregonLive.com shares a video by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife of at least 10 wolves in a forest east of Wallowa County.
Frogs Nov 18, 2009 KUOW.org: KUOW News reports on the spotted frogs that were raised at the Oregon Zoo and Cedar Creek Corrections Center and then released at Fort Lewis
Frogs return to the wild of Fort Lewis Nov 17, 2009 The News Tribune: An article in the News Tribune reports on 70 endangered frogs that were released near Dailman Lake on Fort Lewis.
Whatcom County moves forward with land transfer Nov 16, 2009 The Bellingham Herald: The Bellingham Herald reports on a decision by the City Council to progress with the land transfer near Lake Whatcom.
These wolves are not optional Nov 14, 2009 The Wenatchee World: The Wenatchee World Editorial Board supports a conservation plan for wolves in Washington.
Few Fear the Big, Bad Wolf Nov 11, 2009 Sequim Gazette: The majority of people in attendance at the Wolf Conservation and Management Plan meeting in Sequim spoke out in favor of having wolves on the Olympic Peninsula as covered in the Sequim Gazette.
Wolf team gets earful at Okanogan forum Nov 11, 2009 Methow Valley News: Methow Valley News reporter Joyce Campbell covered the Wolf Conservation and Management Plan meeting in Okanogan where over 100 people came to share their opinions.
Wolf foes outnumber friends at Fish and Wildlife hearing in Wenatchee Nov 11, 2009 The Wenatchee World: The Wenatchee World's Rachel Schleif reports on the Wolf Conservation and Management Plan meeting in Wenatchee.
Washington Wraps Up Wolf Management Plan Hearings Nov 11, 2009 KPLU: KPLU summarizes some of the controversy over how many breeding pairs of wolves should be required before they are no longer considered endangered.
Wolf opponents circle at Okanogan hearing Nov 10, 2009 Wenatchee World: K.C. Mehaffey of the Wenatchee World reports from Omak on public attendence at the near final public hearing on a draft wolf conservation plan for Washington.
Whatcom County Council considers watershed land-transfer deal Nov 09, 2009 The Bellingham Herald: Jared Paben of the Bellingham Herald reports on the status of the land transfer near Lake Whatcom and the effects the recent County Council elections could have on the transfer.
Wolf Management Plan Draws Big Crowd Nov 06, 2009 Peninsula Daily News: The Peninsula Daily News covers the Wolf Conservation and Management Plan meeting in Sequim.
Do Wolves Kill for Sport? Nov 05, 2009 Slate: No, but they do sometimes kill more than they can eat. Slate, an online magazine, looks at why wolves are sometimes connected with large kills.
The Wolf Plan: Control and Compensation Oct 28, 2009 Methow Valley News: The Methow Valley News looks at the alternatives offered in the Wolf Conservation and Management Plan and the compensation and control measures each alternative would allow.
Wolf hunt suspended in southern Montana Oct 26, 2009 Los Angeles Times: The Los Angeles Times reports on the cancellation of the wolf hunting season in Southern Montana, however hunting remains open in other parts of the state.
Tracking science: Biologist's findings show forest diversity, health influenced by wolves Oct 25, 2009 Missoulian: Michael Jamison of the Missoulian reports on the importance of wolves in maintaining a healthy forest and ecosystem.
350 species face devastation without quick climate action, conservationist group says Oct 22, 2009 The Oregonian: The Oregonian's Abby Haight discusses some of the species at risk from the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Planning for wolf recovery- zero is not an option Oct 21, 2009 Methow Valley News: The Methow Valley News discusses the Wolf Conservation and Management plan and informs people of the importance of attending a public meetings on the issue.
Global Warming Could Spur Growth in Northwest Forests- Study Oct 20, 2009 The New York Times: The New York Times published an article on a new study which shows that the rise in temperature could cause productivity of high elevation forests, such as those in many parts of Washington, to also increase.
The great wolf debate comes to Yakima Oct 19, 2009 Yakima Herald: The Yakima Herald's Scott Sandsberry looks at the controversy surrounding the Wolf Management Plan in preparation for the upcoming forum in Yakima to discuss the plan.
Wash. offers payments for wolf kills of livestock Oct 18, 2009 Seattle Times: An Associated Press article covering the compensation plan for livestock killed by wolves which is outlined in the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife's environmental impact statement.
Endangered-species lists may be broadened Oct 07, 2009 Denver Post: Bruce Finley from the Denver Post discusses the Obama Administration's move to reevaluate species across the nation for endangered or threatened species status.
18 hours bags Kettle Crest Trail Oct 04, 2009 The Spokesman-Review: Four friends from Spokane hike the Kettle Crest Trail in a day, through roadless areas that could be protected as wilderness.
Judge Orders Yellowstone Grizzlies Back on Endangered List Sep 21, 2009 The Washington Post: The Washington Post reports that a federal judge in Montana has ordered that 600 grizzly bears near Yellowstone National Park be placed back on the endangered species list.
Predator film to screen in Twisp Sep 11, 2009 Methow Valley News: The public is invited to the screening of the new film, Lords of Nature: Life in a Land of Great Predators, in Twisp on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Twisp River Pub. Afterwards will follow a presentation and discussion with a panel of Northwest wildlife experts about the return of the gray wolf to the Methow Valley.
Judge faults removal of wolf from endangered species list Sep 09, 2009 The Seattle Times: Matthew Brown of the Associate Press looks at the controversy surrounding the hunting of wolves in Idaho and Montana
Group plans thinning, restoration around Packwood Aug 28, 2009 The Chronicle: Eric Schwartz discusses The Pinchot Partners' plan to create jobs in Lewis County while creating habitat for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife.
Shanker's Bend dam proposal draws opposition Aug 28, 2009 The Chronicle: Sheila Corson of The Chronicle looks at the proposed projects and the controversy surrounding the building of another hydroelectric dam on the Similkameen River outside of Oroville.
Where have all the salmon gone? Aug 25, 2009 Vancouver Sun: Stephen Hume of the Vancouver Sun reports on declining salmon population
Conservation groups seek to intervene in lynx case Aug 04, 2009 Wenatchee World: Wenatchee World reporter K.C. Mehaffey covers the news of conservation groups, including Conservation Northwest, filing papers in U.S. District Court in Wyoming on Monday to defend designated critical habitat for Canada lynx being challenged by snowmobile groups. "Washington's habitat — which includes parts of the Loomis State Forest and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest — must be protected for the survival and recovery of lynx," says our international conservation director Joe Scott.
New strategy to save forests: logging Aug 03, 2009 Seattle Times: Lynda Mapes of the Seattle Times reports on environmentalists are looking to loggers to fend off development of nearly 1 million acres of lush, low-elevation privately owned forest in Western Washington — some of the last places holding the Puget Sound ecosystem together. "We need to hug loggers the way we do farmers. Given the choice between a logger and a developer, I'm going to take the logger, even if that challenges some of the notions of my old friends." -Mitch Friedman
Environmentalists Seek to Intervene in Lynx Suit Aug 03, 2009 New York Times: The Associated Press reports on intervention by Conservation Northwest and others against a suit brought by snowmobile lobby seeking to stop critical habitat for Canada lynx. “We’re lucky that Washington is home to these magnificent and rare cats,” said Joe Scott of Conservation Northwest.
Gray wolves relisted as endangered in Great Lakes Aug 02, 2009 The Spokesman Review
The case of the disappearing rabbit Jul 25, 2009 Newsweek: Lily Huang of Newsweek reports in excellent detail on climate change and lynx. Canada lynx rely on snowshoe hares for nearly their entire diet. And the hare is being lost to climate change. As the hare goes, so goes the lynx....
The Case of the Disappearing Rabbit Jul 25, 2009 Newsweek: This Newsweek article by Lily Huang discusses the importance of the showshoe hare to the ecosystem in the backcountry of northwestern Montana.
Saving private forests - Old rivals unite Jul 22, 2009 seattle P-I.com: Conservation Northwest is part of a unique coalition supporting the Community Forestry Conservation Act of 2009. The bill will protect working forests and the jobs that go with them.
Lookout Pack has new litter; wolves confirmed in Pend Oreille County Jul 15, 2009 Methow Valley News: Joyce Campbell of the Methow Valley News reports on the latest in wolves in Washington, a new litter of pups for the Lookout Pack and a pack new to the state in Pend Oreille County.
Gray wolf pack is state’s second Jul 14, 2009 The Spokesman Review: The Spokesman Review's Becky Kramer reports on the second pack of wolves now confirmed in Washington state, as biologists elicit wolf calls from adults and pups.
Roadless bill would protect wild areas and save money Jul 11, 2009 The Bellingham Herald: Conservation Northwest conservation associate Seth Cool writes about the importance of protecting roadless areas in Washington, for wildlife, water, and future generations.
Signs of wolf pack found in Pend Oreille County Jul 10, 2009 seattle p-i.com
Court dismisses challenge to marbled murrelet protection Jul 08, 2009 AP - Seattle Times: The timber industry's suit is moot: AP environmental writer Jeff Barnard reports on appeals court dismissal of an attempt to deny protection of the marbled murrelet and its old growth home.
Pacific Northwest Forests Could Store More Carbon, Help Address Greenhouse Issues Jul 03, 2009 Science Daily: The Science Daily reports on some new findings which show that if forests in the Pacific Northwest were allowed to grow for another 50 years their potential to store atmospheric carbon would increase by 15%
Living among predators Jun 18, 2009 Methow Valley News: Experts and locals advise what you should do during rare encounters with big wildlife.
Anxiety grows as wolves rebound in Methow Valley Jun 06, 2009 The Seattle Times: Craig Welch of the Seattle Times reports on the coexistence of wolves and ranchers in the Methow. "Ranchers have been part of this community for generations, and a lot of them have been really great stewards," said Jay Kehne, with the environmental group Conservation Northwest. "When a wolf moves in, of course there's more concern. But just because there's a wolf pack in an area doesn't mean you can't ranch."
Hot lynx Jun 04, 2009 Missoula News: Matthew Frank of the Missoula News reports on a lawsuit filed to help protect lynx from the effects of climate change. "This is the first lawsuit that I know of that says when [FWS] designates critical habitat, they need to take into account the future of that habitat as it relates to global warming," say Sierra Club attorney Eric Huber.
Agency will study habitat of caribou Jun 04, 2009 The Spokesman Review: Becky Kramer of the Spokane Spokesman Review reports that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has agreed to study whether the alpine habitat for endangered US mountain caribou needs stronger protections.
Wolves in Washington slowly gain a presence Jun 04, 2009 KUOW: Doug Nadvornick reports on radio station KUOW on living with wolves in north-central Washington.
Weasel-like fishers make a comeback in Olympic National Park May 29, 2009 Peninsula Daily News: Lynda V. Mapes of the Seattle Times writes about a confirmed litter of four fisher kits in the Olympic National Park, a sign that the reintroduced animal once believed to be extinct in Washington is thriving.
Proof of wolf kill may elude investigators May 29, 2009 Methow Valley News: Joyce Campbell of the Methow Valley News reports that an investigation into whether a gray wolf was responsible for a dead cow near Twisp, which would qualify the cow's owner for compensation from Defenders of Wildlife, is inconclusive.
Discovery of babies of reintroduced species excites Olympic National Park biologists May 28, 2009 Peninsula Daily News: Peninsula Daily News article about the first babies, known as kits, of the fishers released into the Olympic National Park in a joint effort led by Conservation Northwest.
Groups challenge lynx decision May 27, 2009 The Seattle Times: Susan Gallagher of the Associated Press reports that a twentyfold federal increase in land designated as critical habitat for the Canada lynx falls short partly by leaving the cat, which is protected under the Endangered Species Act, at too much risk from climate change, four environmental groups contend in a lawsuit.
Wildlife agents investigate possible wolf-killed cow May 22, 2009 Wenatchee World: K.C. Mehaffey, Wenatchee World writer, on an investigation into a possible wolf depredation in the Methow Valley.
Okanogan officials balk at federal land buys May 22, 2009 Wenatchee World: K.C. Mehaffey reports on protecting both wildlife and ranchlands in the Okanogan and Similkameen valleys.
Consensus helps harvest May 21, 2009 The Capital Press: Capital Press article detailing how some of the pressure to over-harvest private lands has decreased due to the efforts of the Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition to promote federal timber harvests. The Colville National Forest has been designated a "model forest" by the USDA.
New project uses slash for power May 20, 2009 Wenatchee World: K.C. Mehaffey of the Wenatchee World reports that the US Forest Service has launched a pilot project to use woody debris from thinning projects to generate electricity instead of burning it, with a quote from Conservation Northwest's Tim Coleman.
Methow Valley residents adjust to living with wolves May 16, 2009 Wenatchee World: Wenatchee World staff writer K.C. Mehaffey reports on Methow Valley residents response to living with wolves as the new Lookout Pack settles in.
Interior secretary should repeal Bush's weakening of the Endangered Species Act Apr 21, 2009 The Seattle Times: The Seattle Times publishes as editorial opinion on the Endangered Species Act from Conservation Northwest's international conservation director Joe Scott.
Lookout pack's alpha female wolf appears pregnant Apr 15, 2009 Methow Valley News: Methow Valley News article by Joyce Campbell explores the history of wolf sighting in the North Cascades and reports that alpah female of Lookout pack appears to be pregnant.
Letters to the editor - About Poaching - Methow Valley News Apr 09, 2009 Methow Valley News: Residents near the wolves speak up.
Wolf case could take months to process Apr 08, 2009 Methow Valley News: A Methow Valley News article by Joyce Campbell on the legal timeline of the wolf poaching case and why the investigation into the poaching case of wolves in the Methow Valley may not be finished for some time.
Of wolves and politicians: A senator tries to make peace Apr 08, 2009 Seattle Post-Inteligencer: Reporter Joel Connelly reports on Montana Senator Jon Tester's push lto help ranchers living in wolf country.
U.S. Rep. Larsen releases earmark request list, Whatcom County could get more than $13M Apr 04, 2009 The Bellingham Herald: Washington's Rep. Rick Larsen has requested an appropriations earmark of $1 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to move forward with recovering endangered grizzly bears in the North Cascades.
Skinned wolf creates cross-border legal quandary Apr 03, 2009 Vancouver Sun: A Vancouver Sun article by Randy Boswell about the poaching of a wolf pup from Washington's Lookout Pack and its legal implications in Alberta.
Feds looking at three Twisp locals in wolf kill incident Apr 02, 2009 Methow Valley News: Story in the Methow Valley News by Joyce Campbell on the investigation into the death of one of the pups from Washington state's only wild gray wolf pack.
Obama won't defend Bush spotted owl plan Apr 01, 2009 The Oregonian: AP article in The Oregonian on the Obama administration's backing away from a tainted recovery plan for northern spotted owl.
Vehicles killing threatened mountain caribou herd Mar 31, 2009 The Vancouver Sun: The Vancouver Sun report on three recent deaths of threatened mountain caribou by cars on Highway 3 near Creston in Canada.
Survey: County residents want to protect farmland, grow in current urban areas Mar 31, 2009 The Bellingham Herald: The Bellingham Herald reports on the published results of a Whatcom County residents survey conducted by the Whatcom Legacy Project. A majority of those polled want to protect water and farmland and think builders should pay for development infrastructure.
Discovery of bloody wolf pelt prompts investigation Mar 28, 2009 The Wenatchee World: Wenatchee World news article by KC Mehaffey on wolf poaching incident
Bloody pelt in shipping box tips agents to wolf killing; ranching family's homes searched Mar 28, 2009 The Seattle Times: Full-length Seattle Times article by Warren Cornwall on wolf poaching incident with quotes from Conservation Northwest.
Officers look into gray wolf killing in eastern WA Mar 27, 2009 Associated Press: AP report by Phuong Le on the illegal killing of gray wolf in Okanogan county, published online in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Poaching of wolf investigated in north-central Washington Mar 27, 2009 Seattle Times: Seattle Times blurb on the poaching of a protected wolf in north-central Washington.
Investigators looking into wolf killing Mar 27, 2009 KING 5 News: King 5 News reports on the poaching of wolves in north-central Washington.
Wildlife Officials Investigating Wolf Poached In Washington Mar 27, 2009 OPB News - KUOW: KUOW radio news report on the gray wolf poaching in Washington.
Grizzlies using highway crossings Mar 12, 2009 Rocky Mountain Outlook: Cathy Ellis of the Rocky Mountain Outlook reports that grizzly bears are using wildlife bridges to cross the Trans-Canada Highway in Banff National Park in increasing numbers.
We don't have to destroy our forests to get soft toilet paper Mar 11, 2009 The Vancouver Sun: An editorial by Greenpeace Canada about Canada's "softwood," or conifer forest, logging. Sixty percent of the trees cut in Canada's forests are pulped for paper.
"I'm outta here!" Mar 11, 2009 Methow Valley News: A blurb in the Methow Valley News about a released Canada lynx.
Mountain caribou protection not good enough: coalition Mar 10, 2009 Williams Lake Tribune: An article by Erin Hitchcock of the Williams Lake Tribune about the Mountain Caribou Project's dissatisfaction with certain elements of BC's mountain caribou recovery plan.
Inside the search for Washington's wolves Mar 09, 2009 King 5 News: Gary Chittim of King 5 News reports on the return of wolves to Washington's Methow Valley and films a lone wolf traversing a snowy field.
Lynx critical habitat increases Feb 24, 2009 AP - Seattle P-I: One of the Seattle P-I's last stories: Lynx critical habitat increases, but some essential habitat is left out.
Cariboo's caribou threatened Feb 17, 2009 100 Mile House Free Press: Carole Rooney of 100 Mile House Free Press writes about British Columbia's Mountain Caribou Recovery Implementation Plan and a recent study that uncovers the unique ancestry of the mountain caribou.
"Grizzly Wars" is the saga of the "ghost bears" of the North Cascades Feb 05, 2009 Seattle Times: Seattle Times article by Tim McNulty gives a favorable review of David Knibb's "Grizzly Wars," a book that makes a convincing argument to recover the diminished North Cascades grizzly bear.
Shady Bush deal could see light of day Jan 25, 2009 Seattle Post Intelligencer: Seattle P-I columnist Joel Connelly writes that Obama's new freedom of information policy might allow previously withheld evidence to be used in a lawsuit against an allegedly illegal Bush Administration softwood lumber deal.
Can wolves restore an ecosystem? Jan 25, 2009 Seattle Times: Sandi Doughton of the Seattle Times reports that a team of Oregon State University biologists have just released a study that attributes significant ecosystem imbalances to the extinction of wolves in certain areas.
Funds available for Washington forest work Jan 24, 2009 The Oregonian: An article by Terry Richard of the Oregonian about funds allocated to fix forest roads, trails, and facilities to the benefit of wildlife and the public.
Western forests dying at an increased rate Jan 23, 2009 Seattle PI: Old-growth forests, particularly those in the Northwest, store large amounts of carbon, making them a resource in combating global warming," said Jerry Franklin, a professor of forest ecology at the University of Washington. "But as trees die, they decompose and give off carbon dioxide, contributing to the amount of greenhouse gases. Young forests store very little carbon, and it takes hundreds of years to replace old growth," he said
Methow wolverine project expands, is model for Canadian, west side studies Jan 20, 2009 Methow Valley News: Joyce Campbell of the Methow Valley News writes about the collaborative efforts to study Washington's sensitive-listed wolverine.
Fishers settle into their new home Jan 17, 2009 Kitsap Sun: A great Kitsap Sun news article by Christopher Dunagan on the reintroduction of Pacific fishers to the eastern part of the Olympic Peninsula.
Lookout Pack returns to lower elevations Jan 07, 2009 Methow Valley News: Methow Valley News article by Joyce Campbell on the return of the Lookout Pack, Washington's first confirmed wolf pack in 70 years, to the Methow Valley after a summer spent in the the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness.
14 fishers released in Olympic National Park Dec 24, 2008 The Port Townsend Leader: The Port Townsend and Jefferson County Leader reports that despite the snow and cold, biologists reintroduced 14 fishers on Dec. 22 within the Elwha and Sol Duc valleys of Olympic National Park.
Animals need bridges, too, photos show Dec 23, 2008 Seattle Times: Seattle Times article by Lynda V. Mapes about animals caught on remote cameras in areas where wildlife crossings are to be installed on I-90 from Hyak to Easton.
Fishers released in Olympic National Park Dec 20, 2008 The Oregonian: The Oregonian reports on 14 fishers were released at remote sites within the Elwha, Sol Duc and Hoh valleys of Olympic National Park, moving closer to the goal of establishing an initial population of 100 animals. "What a great holiday gift to Olympic National Park and the people of Washington," said Mitch Friedman, executive director of Conservation Northwest. "Fifteen furry fishers in an old-growth tree."
Santa's hooved helpers endangered Dec 20, 2008 Youth Radio: Luke Jones of Youth Radio reports on the perils facing mountain caribou, a species of reindeer, including logging, development, and climate change.
More fishers to be released into Olympic National Park on Sunday Dec 20, 2008 Peninsula Daily News: Paige Dickerson of the Peninsula Daily News reports that 15 fishers will be released into three areas of the Olympic National Park as part of a project to release 100 of the animals over a three year period.
Caught on camera: Rare and elusive Cascade animals Dec 04, 2008 Seattle Times: Phuong Le of the Seattle Times covers release of the new report documenting remote camera images garnered in 2008 by the Cascades Citizen Wildlife Monitoring Project.
Conservation groups challenge owl recovery plan Nov 25, 2008 The Associated Press: Associated Press article by Jeff Barnard on the lawsuit filed against the Bush administration for unjustifiably allowing old growth logging as part of the northern spotted owl recovery plan.
Wildlife study: Wolverines without borders Nov 15, 2008 Wenatchee World: Researchers from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and US Forest Service are working with Canadian biologists to track wolverines in the North Cascades.
Education funding should not have to rely on logging Nov 13, 2008 Bellingham Herald: Bellingham Herald opinion piece by Daniel Jack Chasen on the pitfalls of tying education to logging
Whatcom County Council approves watershed land-transfer deal Oct 22, 2008 Bellingham Herald: Jared Paben of the Bellingham Herald reports that the County Council voted to move forward on preserving roughly 8,000 acres of the Lake Whatcom watershed.
Biologists seek answers to grizzly bear migration roadblocks Oct 17, 2008 Seattle Times, originally published in The New York Times: Seattle Times article by Jim Robbins on the habitat fragmentation by roads that is preventing grizzly bears and many other species from reaching critical habitat.
Grizzly sighting is ‘pretty convincing’ Oct 15, 2008 Wenatchee World: Wenatchee World article by Michelle McNiel on a hopeful sighting of the elusive North Cascades grizzly bear.
Cameras a tool for biologists and conservationists Oct 15, 2008 Spokesman Review: Rich Landers of the Spokeman Review chronicles the effectiveness of remote cameras in wildlife conservation and biology, hails Conservation Northwest as a pioneer of remote camera use.
State puts up wolf signs to warn hunters Oct 09, 2008 Wenatchee World
County OKs ending watershed logging rules lawsuit Sep 24, 2008 The Bellingham Herald: Jared Paben of the Bellingham Herald reports that the County Council has unanimously approved a settlement to uphold the Lake Whatcom Landscape Plan in the Lake Whatcom watershed.
Wilderness draws tourism Sep 24, 2008 Spokesman review: A letter to the editor of the Spokesman Review regarding the protection of Colville National Forest.
Groups agree on wilderness proposals Sep 18, 2008 Spokesman Review: Spokesman Review article by Becky Kramer about the proposed Columbia Highlands roadless areas, featuring Dick Slagle's bittersweet account of his lifelong history near this untouched wilderness.
Feds retreat on Northern Rockies wolf hunting plan Sep 16, 2008 Associated Press: Associated Press article on the federal government's plan to withdraw a rule that would have removed gray wolves in the Northern Rockies from the endangered species list.
Old-growth retains carbon, study finds Sep 11, 2008 Associated Press: Jeff Barnard of the Associated Press reports on a new study that finds that old-growth forests play important role in retaining carbon.
City, environmental group at odds over logging-rules settlement Sep 10, 2008 Bellingham Herald: A news article in the Bellingham Herald by Jared Paben on a controversial settlement agreement regarding compensation for the Lake Whatcom Landscape Plan with quotes from Mitch Friedman.
Environmentalists sue over Canadian timber agreement Sep 08, 2008 Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Lisa Stiffler of the Seattle Post-Intellingencer reports on a lawsuit filed this week against the federal government alleging an illegal and unfair agreement with Canadian leaders to settle a dispute over timber sales.
Hopes fade for spotted owl Aug 13, 2008 The Seattle Times: Seattle Times environmental reporter Warren Cornwall on the continuing decline of the spotted owl, despite a 14-year-old ban on the logging of old-growth forests on most federal lands.
Biologist pick up wolf signal after week of silence Aug 13, 2008 Methow Valley News: Joyce Campbell, of the Methow Valley News, reports on new information about the Lookout Pack's whereabouts.
Unlike wolves, grizzly recovery is slow and arduous Aug 08, 2008 Wenatchee World: Wenatchee World guest column by Leroy Ledeboer on differences between recovery of wolves and grizzlies.
Wolf packs: How they work Aug 08, 2008 Wenatchee World: Wenatchee World sidebar by KC Mehaffey on the social structure of a wolf pack. Quotes from Conservation Northwest's Jasmine Minbashian.
Controversy of the wild: The return of the wolf Aug 08, 2008 Wenatchee World: Wenatchee World weekend feature by KC Mehaffey on the return of the wolf to Washington. Includes several quotes from wolf working group members, including Conservation Northwest's Derrick Knowles.
Scientists reject new spotted owl plan Aug 04, 2008 Associated Press: Associated Press article by Jeff Barnard on an independent scientific review of Bush administration's spotted owl recovery plan.
Taking (out) the high roads to save the Skokomish Aug 02, 2008 Kitsap Sun: Kitsap Sun article by Christopher Dunagan on Conservation Northwest's collaborative efforts to restore the Skokomish watershed on the Olympic Peninsula.
Re-emergence of gray wolves no cause for high hysteria Jul 31, 2008 The Seattle Times: Seattle Times columnist Ron Judd writes about the return of wolves to the Methow Valley and nearby resident's let-them-be attitude.
Cougar conundrum Jul 31, 2008 Yakima Herald-Republic: Yakima Herald article by Scott Sandsberry on a controversial expansion of cougar hunting in Washington. Quotes from Conservation Northwest's Joe Scott.
Reconveyance a great idea for Lake Whatcom watershed Jul 30, 2008 The Bellingham Herald: Bellingham Herald op-ed by Rand Jack on importance of creating a forest preserve for Lake Whatcom.
Are wolves a danger to humans? Experts weigh in Jul 29, 2008 The Wenatchee World: Wenatchee World article by KC Mehaffey on wolves and humans. Quotes from Conservation Northwest's Derrick Knowles.
Wolf monitoring indicates pack is doing well Jul 29, 2008 The Wenatchee World: Wenatchee World article by KC Mehaffey on wildlife biologists and volunteers monitoring Washington state's first wolf pack. Quotes from Conservation Northwest's Jasmine Minbashian.
Group dynamics: hikers join forces to enjoy, improve trails Jul 27, 2008 The Spokane Spokesman-Review: Work parties, including some led by Conservation Northwest, are becoming an increasingly popular way to learn about backcountry areas while maintaining trails.
DNA samples confirm gray wolves are back in Methow Valley Jul 24, 2008 Methow Valley News: Methow Valley News article by Joyce Campbell on confirmation of wolf pack in the Methow Valley and wolf pup photos by Conservation Northwest. Quotes from special projects director Jasmine Minbashian.
State's first purebred wolf pack since 1930s found in Methow Valley Jul 23, 2008 The Wenatchee World: Wenatchee World article by KC Mehaffey on confirmation of wolf pack in the Methow and wolf pup photos captured by Conservation Northwest. Quotes from special projects director, Jasmine Minbashian.
Biologists capture suspected wolves in Okanogan County Jul 19, 2008 Associated Press: Associated Press article by Shannon Dininny on capture and collaring of two suspected wolves in Okanogan County.
Howling survey may indicate wolf pack Jul 16, 2008 Methow Valley News: Methow Valley News article by Joyce Campbell on agency wolf howling efforts in Okanogan County.
Possible return of wolves sparks planning for their presence Jul 15, 2008 The Olympian: Olympian news article by Chester Allen on wolf management and conservation plan for Washington.
Judge to decide if wolverines will be protected Jul 13, 2008 The Everett Herald: An Everett Herald story by Bill Sheets on Conservation Northwest's effort to protect wolverine under the Endangered Species Act. Quotes from international conservation director Joe Scott.
Howls in Okanogan area signal of wolves' return? Jul 12, 2008 Seattle Times: A Seattle Times article by Warren Cornwall on the possible return of wolves to Washington State.
Forestry groups queried on U.S. funds Jul 09, 2008 Seattle Post-Instelligencer: Seattle Post-Intelligencer article by Robert McClure looking into controversial Bush deal that funneled million to timber groups. Quotes from Conservation Northwest's Joe Scott.
Wolverine advocates give notice of intent to sue Jul 08, 2008 Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Associated Press article by Susan Gallagher on Conservation Northwest's intent to sue to protect wolverines under the Endangered Species Act.
B.C. needs a law to protect it's endangered wildlife. Jul 08, 2008 the Vancouver Sun: An examination of the biological richness of B.C., and why it is important to legislate in favor of wildlife.
My, what wolf-like DNA you have, grandma... Jul 02, 2008 Methow Valley News: Methow Valley News article by Joyce Campbell on identifying wolves using DNA.
Wolves finding a home in north-central Washington? Jun 24, 2008 Wenatchee World: A Wenatchee World article by K.C. Mehaffey about recent wolf sighting near the Methow Valley.
Wyden plan protects old-growth, promotes sustainable logging Jun 19, 2008 Oregonian: Oregonian news update posted by Michael Milstein on Senator Wyden's proposal to protect old-growth forests.
Wild Sky event has unlikely guest Jun 01, 2008 Seattle P-I: Seattle PI column on Mark Rey, Undersecretary of Agriculture, being an unlikely guest at the Wild Sky Wilderness dedication. Conservation Northwest is referenced in the article.
Wild gray wolves could be protected in state Jun 01, 2008 Tri-city Herald: Tri-city Herald article about the proposed plan that would protect the gray wolves in Washington state.
Our view: A Wild Sky ride: after six years, Cascade wilderness finally reality May 13, 2008 Spokesman-Review: A Spokesman-Review editorial article about the Wild Sky bill establishing a new wilderness area in the Cascade range.
Wolf management plans being scrutinized May 08, 2008 Spokesman-Review: Rich Landers' Spokesman-Review article on the scrutiny of the Idaho and Washington fish and wildlife commissions over the removal of the wolves from the endangered species list.
Powerline EIS upheld on appeal May 07, 2008 Methow Valley News: A Methow Valley News article on how the Environmental Impact Statement was upheld for the Pateros-Twisp transmission line.
Wild Sky is a go at last: Murray's long crusade crowned by success Apr 30, 2008 Seattle P-I: Seattle PI column on Washington's newest wilderness area.
BLM nixes mining proposal near Mount St. Helens Apr 30, 2008 The Daily News: The Daily News article about the Colorado mining company stopping its plans to build a mine near Mount St. Helens after rejection from the BLM.
$1 billion timber slush fund or fair trade deal? Apr 29, 2008 Seattle Post-Instelligencer: Conservation Northwest was one of several environmental groups who together filed a Freedom of Information Act suit against the U.S. Trade Representative for the handling of public monies garnered from tariffs levied on Canadian softwood lumber (read, virgin old-growth conifer wood).
Draft owl plan "deeply flawed," panel says Apr 22, 2008 The Seattle Times: Seattle Times article on how the Bush administration's plan for assuring the survival of the northern spotted owl falls short.
Journey of a thousand steps: Desire to Protect wildlife, forests drives activist's work for change Apr 21, 2008 Bellingham Herald: Bellingham Herald ECO article recognizing Mitch Friedman, founder of Conservation Northwest.
Fishers Staking Out Territories in Olympic Peninsula Apr 18, 2008 Kitsap Sun: A Kitsap Sun article about the successful reintroduction and adaptation of the Fisher to the Olympic Peninsula.
A collaborative effort Apr 16, 2008 Statesman-Examiner: Statesman-Examiner article about the team effort that resulted in a grant for the Disabled Hunter Access Program
Investigators dig deep to find who destroyed meadow Apr 01, 2008 Wenatchee World: Wenatchee World article about the destruction of a Wenatchee meadow by four-wheel-drive trucks.
Feds host meeting on lynx habitat Mar 21, 2008 Wenatchee World: Wenatchee World article on lynx habitat meeting with quotes from Conservation Northwest Science Director Dave Werntz.
Is cougar hunting breeding chaos? Mar 18, 2008 The Seattle Times: Instead of reducing conflicts between cougars and humans, heavy hunting seems to make the problems worse, says a WSU researcher.
Environmental groups to challenge finding that wolverines aren't endangered species Mar 11, 2008 Associated Press: Wenatchee World article on wolverine ruling
Feds: Wolverine numbers low, but not endangered Mar 10, 2008 Associated Press: US Fish and Wildlife decided against using the ESA to protect rare wolverines.
Feds reverse plan to severely slash habitat for threatened sea bird Mar 06, 2008 Associated Press: Associated Press article on decision to abandon efforts to slash marblet murrelet habitat
Feds increase area of proposed critical habitat for lynx Mar 05, 2008 Methow Valley News: Methow Valley News article by Joyce Campbell on proposed critical habitat for lynx
Plan to protect lynx includes 2,000 square miles in NCW Feb 29, 2008 The Wenatchee World: Wenatchee World by AP and Michele McNeil article on lynx critical habitat
Feds propose extended lynx habitat - Kettle Range not included in plan Feb 28, 2008 The Spokesman Review: Spokesman Review article on lynx critical habitat
Fishers making comeback at Olympic National Park Feb 01, 2008 King 5 News: King 5 TV new story and video footage of fisher reintroduction in the Olympics
Blame ATV activists for problems, not the vehicles Jan 31, 2008 The Spokesman-Review: An article by Rich Landers published January 31, 2008, in The Spokesman-Review on growing ATV use in the West
Weasel-like fisher back in state after many decades Jan 28, 2008 The Seattle Times: Seattle Times coverage of fisher reintroduction
Rare fishers released into Olympic National Park Jan 28, 2008 Peninsula Daily News: Peninsula Daily News coverage of fisher reintroduction
Can elusive fishers stage a comeback in Olympic National Park? Jan 27, 2008 Tacoma News Tribune: Tacoma News Tribune article by Susan Gordon on fisher introduction
Biologists study the shy wolverine in the North Cascades Jan 17, 2008 Everett Herald: "The North Cascades is one of the few places in the U.S. where you can still find wolverines," said Jasmine Minbashian, a spokeswoman for Conservation Northwest, a Bellingham-based wildlife conservation group. "We have a responsibility that they don't disappear under our watch."
Endangered Species: Political assault Dec 02, 2007 Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Canada lynx is one of the species that could benefit from an agency review of politically influenced decisions that disregarded important critical habitat for the wild cat.
A Timber Truce in Northeast Washington Nov 12, 2007 KUOW Radio: KUOW local news highlight on the Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition and a blueprint for the Colville National Forest.
BC announces caribou plan Oct 19, 2007 Spokane Spokesman-Review: Conservation Northwest of Bellingham was one of 10 environmental groups that worked with the B.C. government to develop the plan to protect mountain caribou habitat in the Inland Temperate Rainforest.
Reviews hoot down Administration's spotted-owl science as "seriously flawed" Aug 14, 2007 Dateline Earth, seattlepi.com: Decisions about protecting the spotted owl made under a now-disgraced Bush administration appointee in the Interior Department are "seriously flawed," says one of two scientific reviews published August 17, 2007.
A Good Read Aug 01, 2007 North Columbia Monthly: The North Columbia Monthly reviews the book, Columbia Highlands: Exploring Washington's Last Frontier.
Gray wolves are coming; state plans to be ready Jul 30, 2007 Seattle Times: The state is preparing a management and conservation plan in preparation for their return.
Corner of State Sets Pace to Save Forests Jul 26, 2007 Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Seattle P-I columnist Joel Connelly talks about the Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition's new blueprint for forest management, which has identified over 300,000 acres of wilderness-quality lands, as well as thousands of acres of restoration forests and responsible management areas, in the Colville National Forest.
Blanchard Mountain on KPLU Jun 25, 2007 KPLU 88.5 fm: Radio news piece on the Blanchard agreement and its larger context of working timberlands versus development in the front country. The piece leaves out the key piece of the agreement: that the state will be buying $12 million worth of nearby private timberland to prevent sprawl in the foothills of the Chuckanuts.
Send Roads Package to Voters Sans Cross-Base Highway May 30, 2007 TheNewsTribune.com: Tacoma News Tribune editorial board says Cross-Base Highway should be rejected.
Howls, Prints Herald Return of Wolves to Washington Jan 12, 2007 Spokane Spokesman Review: The Spokane Spokesman Review reports on the expected return of wolves to Washington and a panel created to develop a management plan for their return.

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