A landscape of change

It was encouraging to read about collaboration between conservation and timber interests in Arizona,  where officials released a collaborative agreement about how and where to thin for wildfire management on 1 million acres ponderosa pine forests. Taking a big step away from the "timber wars" of the past, where unsustainable practices led to extensive legal battles and gridlock for local economies, they have created a workable plan for the future of public lands and the communities around them.

We, too, are part of such an innovative effort that has created a balanced solution in our own northeastern Washington forests. The Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition is a groundbreaking collaboration in the Colville National Forest, creating a groundswell of support for a balanced plan that ensures healthy forests and local economies, sustainable timber supply for local mills, working ranches, abundant recreation opportunities, safe and secure habitat for fish and wildlife, and protected wilderness. A video released today takes you on a walk through the landscape of change on the Columbia Highlands, and the destination is in reach!

You can help the Highlands today by taking action on-line, joining the crowd over at the Columbia Highlands Wilderness Facebook fan page for chat about your favorite places, enjoy a stunning slide show of the lands, and share the news with your friends!