Globally Unique

The Inland Temperate Rainforest, stretching from the headwaters of the Fraser and Columbia Rivers to the northern extremes of Washington, Idaho, and Montana, is the only place on earth where temperate rainforests are found so far from any ocean.

Here, weather systems from the Pacific collide with the Columbia Mountains to create lush interior forests, important habitat for many unique plants and animals including the endangered mountain caribou. Mountain caribou rely exclusively on extensive unbroken tracts of old-growth rainforest for food and security from predators.

Conservation Northwest works closely with Canadian and US allies to protect Canadian old-growth forests and trans-border wildlife. Together we use outreach, education, collaborative efforts, and, when necessary, industry and government accountability.  Our work is intended to maintain a landscape that supports wide-ranging species such as mountain caribou, grizzly bears, lynx, and bull trout.

Moving to sustainable forestry for wildlife

British Columbia exports two-thirds of the wood products from its old-growth forests to customers in the US. Although we support a vibrant timber industry and lumber trade between our two countries, we work to ensure that the industry is ecologically sustainable. To that end we encourage Americans and Canadians to buy wood products that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.