Recent media coverage on our work
Links to selected media coverage are available below. Some articles require subscriptions to view.
Some of the Pacific Northwest’s Wolves Have Coastal Genes
August 10, 2018 – Hakai Magazine
Wolves are recolonizing Washington, Oregon, and California, but new genetic research shows there’s something odd about these new arrivals.
Agencies plan to take more time on grizzly decision
August 7, 2018 – The Omak Chronicle
“While our local staff, members and grizzly bear supporters will certainly be participating in any further public input opportunities, grizzly recovery in the North Cascades has languished for 30 years, and now is not the time for further delay,” said Joe Scott, international programs director and grizzly bear specialist for Conservation Northwest.
Study confirms that grizzly bears long inhabited North Cascades
July 29, 2018 – The SPOKESMAN Review
A National Parks Service report confirms that grizzly bears long inhabited the North Cascades.
Editorial: Despite concerns, bring back ‘the great bear’
July 25, 2018 – The Yakima Herald
To reject a gradual and strategic plan to reintroduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades based on fear of animal-hiker clashes or perceived threats to livestock on ranches outside forest boundaries is to reject data and fall back on emotion.
Amendment Defunding Grizzly Transportation To Washington Passes House
July 20, 2018 – Northwest Public Broadcasting / Earthfix
“Our Fish and Wildlife Service, National Parks Service and other wildlife professionals are the ones best suited to address endangered species issues,” Gunnell said.
House votes to block money to bring grizzlies back to North Cascades
July 20, 2018 – The Seattle Times
The Senate has yet to pass an appropriations funding bill for the Interior Department, so the bear and wolf measures would have to make it into the final legislation Congress sends to President Donald Trump.
Connelly: Grizzly bears, gray wolves big losers in House spending bill
July 19, 2018 – Seattle P.I.
It’s hard to see where Newhouse is coming from. Federal agencies have been doing just that (and consulting rural residents) for years as they study restoration of grizzlies to the North Cascades.
Rep. Newhouse leads fight to keep grizzlies out of North Cascades
July 19, 2018 – The Yakima Herald
“With all due respect to the congressman, this rider disregards scientific research, hamstrings wildlife professionals, ignores public opinion, and eschews the democratic process planning for the recovery of this endangered native wildlife species,”
Grizzly plan could move forward with new option
July 18, 2018 – The Yakima Herald
An alternative approach could give officials more flexibility in dealing with grizzly bears if they are reintroduced to the North Cascades.
RESEARCHER WAS AT WOLF PACK’S RENDEZVOUS SITE, NEAR DEN
July 13, 2018 – Northwest Sportsman Magazine
Federal wildlife overseers say the researcher who had to be rescued from wolves yesterday in Northcentral Washington was at their gathering site and also within half a mile of the Loup Loup Pack’s den.
Western Innovator: Helping ranchers deal with wolves
July 7, 2018 – Capital Press
Jay Shepherd runs the nonprofit Northeast Washington Wolf-Cattle Collaborative for ranchers, which is in its first season. He is also wolf program lead for the environmental group Conservation Northwest, managing its range rider program.
Washington conservationists are Scott free. Now what?
July 6, 2018 – Crosscut
“It’s pretty clear that pollution is a feature of the position, and will likely remain through this administration,” said Mitch Friedman, the founder and longtime executive director of Conservation Northwest. “Whether corruption was a bug or a feature, time will tell.”
Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf Scientist?
July 5, 2018 – The New York Times Magazine
Handled more deftly, the incident could have been a chance to talk more constructively about how to manage wolves better going forward, said Paula Swedeen, policy director of Conservation Northwest, whose group is trying to bring back wolves while bridging the divide with ranchers.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife names Kelly Susewind new director
June 22, 2018 – The Spokesman Review
Conservation Northwest noted that this is a key time in the state’s conservation history, with a “booming population and rapidly changing state” potentially stressing Washington’s wildlife and environment.
The Pearl Surrounding the Oyster Dome
JUNE 20, 2018 – Cascadia Weekly
At a well-attended meeting in Mount Vernon last week, the healthy future of Blanchard Mountain began to take shape.
Aerial Survey Flights Find Reintroduced Fishers Dispersing, Possibly Reproducing
June 6, 2018 – Earthfix / NW NPR
A reintroduction progress report says around two-thirds of the transplanted animals are alive.
Cattle producer says wolves cause breeding problems
June 6, 2018 – Chewelah Independent
Conservation Northwest said their goal is long-term wolf conservation that works for wolves, other native wildlife and people.
Mike Liu: Community trailblazer
May 31, 2018 – Methow Valley News
Retiring Methow Valley District Ranger has been a good neighbor and forest advocate
Conversations With Chase Gunnell, Conservation Northwest
May 29, 2018 – 1077 The End
13-minute public affairs radio program with Conservation Northwest Communications Director.
Wolf attack draws new Washington group into fray
May 28, 2018 – Capital Press
A nonprofit organization funded by a state grant has range-riders watching cattle where a calf was killed by wolves.
What Really Caused Washington’s Cougar Attack?
May 23, 2018 – Outside Magazine
The experts’ take on what happened last Saturday when a mountain lion killed one cyclist and injured another outside of Seattle
Grizzlies Might Return to the Cascade Mountains
May 22, 2018 – Seattle Met Magazine
And for that we may have to thank…the Trump Administration?
Dispute Continues Over North Cascades Grizzly Plan
May 22, 2018 – NCW Life TV
A Chelan County Commissioner’s comments opposing plans to bring grizzly bears into the North Cascades Wilderness are being criticized as inaccurate by an official with the group, Conservation Northwest.
Ranchers Sour On Trump Administration Over Proposal To Bring Back Grizzly Bears
May 11, 2018 – NPR All Things Considered
In interviews, environmentalists in the Northwest say they were just as surprised by Zinke’s announcement as officials in Okanogan County. And they say there is plenty of room for a couple hundred grizzlies in a recovery zone that encompasses an estimated 10,000 square miles.
Breeding wolverine heralds comeback in Washington’s Cascades
MAY 9, 2018 – The Seattle Times
Wildlife advocates are thrilled to document a breeding female wolverine south of I-90 for the first time in modern times.
Video shows need for I-90 wildlife bridge at Snoqualmie Pass
May 3, 2018 – KREM 2 News
Currently, there are several options for wildlife to pass under the highway. Video shows everything from elk and coyotes to bobcat, deer and geese.
Take 5: ‘Cascade Crossroads’ chronicling I-90 wildlife bridge
May 4, 2018 – King 5 News
It will be North America’s largest wildlife crossings project and is expected to open in October of this year.
1st Wolverine Mother Found In Washington’s South Cascades
May 3, 2018 – EarthFix
For the first time in recent history, a mother wolverine has been spotted in the southern part of Washington’s Cascade Mountains.
Video shows need for I-90 wildlife bridge at Snoqualmie Pass
May 2, 2018 – KING 5 News
Currently, there are several options for wildlife to pass under the highway. Video shows everything from elk and coyotes to bobcat, deer and geese.
Grizzly bears could make a return to WA — for real this time
April 26, 2018 – Crosscut
If that really happens, then — 43 years after grizzlies were first listed under the Endangered Species Act — federal agencies can start bringing them back to the Cascades.
Ryan Zinke is right: Reintroduce the North Cascades grizzly bear
April 25, 2018 – The Seattle Times
Op-Ed by Conservation Northwest’s Joe Scott: Restoring grizzly bears to the North Cascades would be a huge conservation success story and point of pride for the Pacific Northwest.
Trump administration backs grizzly bear recovery in North Cascades
April 19, 2018 – Pique Magazine
Announcement delights conservationists and leads to call for B.C. to follow suit
Hey, how about we helicopter grizzly bears into this remote National Park?
April 7, 2018 – Mashable
Recovering a fallen icon of the American West is bold, expensive, and will inevitably have its opponents. But national parks are required to conserve these places as they naturally exist, and grizzly bears are an integral part of this environment.
Outdoor news: WDFW discuss relocating mountain goats, bringing grizzlies back
April 6, 2018 – Stanwood-Camano News
Scott Schuyler of the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe said he hopes that someday his children might see grizzly bears in the wild of the North Cascades.
Northeastern Washington duo team up to ease wolf conflicts
April 6, 2018 – Lewiston Tribune
Cattleman and biologist form cooperative to deter wolf attacks on grazing areas
Grizzlies Back on Track in the North Cascades
April 4, 2018 – Earth Island Journal
The North Cascades Ecosystem remains one of the wildest places in the Lower 48, with 6.1 million acres of mostly public lands connected to additional wildlands in British Columbia.
Editorial: Zinke an unexpected ally for Cascade grizzlies
April 3, 2018 – The Everett Herald
The Trump official has restarted a review of bear introduction plans; now he can help with outreach.
Collaborative effort: A Washington cattleman and biologist are working to reduce wolf-livestock conflicts
March 29, 2018 – The Spokesman Review
A fifth-generation cattleman and a wildlife biologist are teaming to help northeastern Washington ranchers coexist with the state’s growing number of gray wolves.
Wolf management proposal floated by Spokane-based conservation group asking ranchers to graze cattle on lower Colville National Forest allotments met with suspicion, hope
March 24, 2018 – The Spokesman Review
Jay Shepherd, the wolf program lead for Conservation Northwest, sees the project as a good long-term solution, but not one that will solve this season’s conflicts.
Zinke throws support behind grizzly bear restoration
March 27, 2018 – The omak chronicle
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke has thrown his support behind grizzly bear restoration efforts in the North Cascades.
Zinke Supports Restoration of Grizzlies in North Cascades
March 23, 2018 – Associated Press
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke says the federal government is moving forward with plans to restore grizzly bears in the remote North Cascade Mountains of Washington state.
Zinke backs grizzly bear recovery in N. Cascades
March 23, 2018 – Seattle P.I.
Connelly: Interior secretary surprises conservationists
Zinke gives support to grizzly bear restoration plan
March 23, 2018 – Skagit Valley Herald
SEDRO-WOOLLEY — U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced Friday his support for restoring grizzly bears in the North Cascades.
Zinke supports bringing grizzlies to N. Cascades
March 23, 2018 – Yakima Valley Herald
“The grizzly bear is part of the environment, as it once was here. It’s part of a healthy environment,” said Zinke, speaking at the park’s administrative headquarters in Sedro-Woolley with a stuffed grizzly behind him.
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke throws support behind grizzly bear recovery in North Cascades
March 23, 2018 – The Seattle Times
In a surprise announcement the secretary of the interior announced in Sedro-Woolley his full support for grizzly bear recovery in the North Cascades.
Roadless areas in Washington could have been endangered by federal funding bill, conservation groups say
MARCH 22, 2018 – THE SPOKESMAN REVIEW
On Wednesday, reports emerged indicating that a deal was reached that did not include the Alaska exemption. Conservation Northwest praised the news in a statement.
Wolf population continues to grow
March 29, 2018 – The Chewelah Independent
Those 122 wolves make up 22 packs and 14 successful breeding pairs, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said.
State’s wolf-population growth slows
March 25, 2018 – The Seattle Times
Not all conservation groups were disappointed by the 2017 numbers.
State’s wolf population grows to 22 packs
March 20, 2018 – The Omak Chronicle
The state’s wolf population continued to grow in 2017 for the ninth straight year, according to the results of an annual survey conducted by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
State wolf count includes Skagit for first time
March 20, 2018 – The Skagit Valley Herald
The number of gray wolves in the state continues to grow, the state Department of Fish & Wildlife announced Friday.
Wolves stick to northeast Washington
March 20, 2018 – Capital Press
Conservation Northwest Executive Director Mitch Friedman said in a statement that he was happy to see the population continue to grow and that the number of breeding pairs increased.
Washington’s gray wolf population increases for ninth consecutive year
MARCH 17, 2018 – THE SPOKESMAN REVIEW
Washington’s gray wolf population increased for the ninth consecutive year, according to an annual statewide survey, but the increases continue to be primarily in the wolf-rich northeastern quarter of the state.
Wolf numbers continue to grow in Washington
MARCH 16, 2018 – NORTHWEST SPORTSMAN MAGAZINE
Tolerance for wolves in the rural areas where they reside is essential for long-term recovery. Forums including the state’s wolf advisory group are leading to an increased understanding of wolf issues on all sides.”
State grants will help two Methow Valley ranchers in keeping the wolves away
MARCH 9, 2018 – METHOW VALLEY NEWS
Efforts to focus on non-lethal deterrence
Bill that may have encouraged Washington to sell state forest lands amended
Feb 27, 2018 – The Spokesman Review
A section of a bill that would have studied the economic benefit of selling some state forest lands to counties and timber companies was scrapped after conservation groups raised concerns.
DNR Lands Study Bill Amended After Outcry; Now Includes Looking at Rec, Enviro Values
FEB 21, 2018 – Northwest Sportsman Magazine
Part of a bill that would have studied turning certain Washington DNR lands over to counties, leasing them to private timber companies and considered their value as “higher revenue-producing assets” was dropped following outcry from a sportsmen’s group and others.
Tracking Down Fishers — But Not For Their Furs
Feb 21, 2018 – KCTS9/EarthFix/OPB
Public agencies and the non-profit Conservation Northwest have been working for 10 years now to bring the fisher back in Washington.
Animal overpasses on I-90 will grant safe passage to Washington wildlife
Feb 19, 2018 – KIRO 7 News
In an effort to keep animals out of harm’s way, the state has invested millions of dollars into creating animal overpasses that stretch over busy roadways.
A long-planned project, designed to reconnect two isolated habitats, is now visible to westbound I-90 travelers
Feb 17, 2018 – The Spokesman Review
The construction, which is part of the larger billion dollar project, will connect two important animal habitats.
Fishers are back in Washington — but can they survive?
Feb 1, 2018 – Crosscut
Following the lead of successful recovery plans in other parts of the country, nonprofit Conservation Northwest hired licensed trappers to collect fishers in British Columbia.
Once-Vanished Fishers Are Making Their Comeback In Washington
Jan 30, 2018 – KUOW
The project began in 2008 on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. In 2015, the group took its campaign to the South Cascades, releasing 69 of them.
This Mountain Was Saved
Jan 24, 2018 – Cascadia Weekly
Blanchard Forest agreement nears completion
Area projects to proceed with passage of state budget
Jan 23, 2018 – Skagit Valley Herald
A group of organizations including the Skagit Land Trust and Conservation Northwest have been working with the state, which manages the forest on Blanchard Mountain, and Skagit County, which gets revenue from timber logged on Blanchard, to preserve a 1,600-acre portion of the forest.
‘Exultation and relief’ as state OKs money to protect this beloved forest and playground
Jan 22, 2018 – The Bellingham Herald
Conservationists are celebrating now that the recently approved state capital budget includes money to protect all of a 1,600-acre “core” of Blanchard Mountain in Skagit County from logging – capping an effort that has lasted for years.
Critics hit feds’ plan to end protection for lynx
Jan 18, 2018 – Methow Valley News
State officials say species requires more ‘recovery action’
Feds propose revocation of Canada lynx protections
Jan 16, 2018 – The Omak Chronicle
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to draft a rule to revoke federal protections for the Canada lynx.
Why Did the DOI Kill the North Cascades Grizzly Plan?
Jan 10, 2018 – outside magazine
A plan to bring some 200 bears to Washington’s North Cascades was reportedly stopped by the Department of the Interior, jeopardizing the species’ recovery.
Federal government’s step toward delisting Canada lynx surprises Washington wildlife biologists
jan 11, 2018 – THE Spokesman REview
A species of snow-loving big cats found in Washington and Idaho may lose federal endangered species protection.
Ranches With Wolves
Dec 12, 2017 – The Planet Magazine
Ranchers and conservationists learn how to live in coexistence with wolves that are returning to Washington.
LTE: Public lands: ‘Save treasured places’
Dec 29, 2017 – The Seattle Times
By shrinking two national monuments in Utah (Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante) by some 2 million acres, Trump and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke are effectively giving wilderness that belongs to all Americans to extractive industries.
Proposal to return grizzlies to N. Cascades apparently on hold
DEc 28, 2017
– Methow valley news
Unclear how decision to delay process came about.
Bill in Congress Would Protect Species Before They’re Endangered
DEC 18, 2017 – Public News Service
What if states had the resources to prevent animals from ending up on the Endangered Species list?
Grizzly bears in the North Cascades? Not unless Washington, D.C., makes a move
DEC 18, 2017 – The Yakima Herald
A decision on whether to bring grizzly bears back to the North Cascades won’t be made as soon as planned.
Conservation group raises concerns about proposed Wolf Creek logging
DEC 14, 2017 – methow valley news
Conservation Northwest isn’t opposed to the sale, but the design needs to be consistent with forest-improvement guidelines and leave enough trees to provide long-term income for the school trust
Reward offered in poaching cases of two Washington wolves, including survivor from Profanity Peak pack
DEC 12, 2017 – The Seattle Times
Paula Swedeen, policy director for Conservation Northwest, which offered $10,000 toward the reward, called the illegal killings “sad and tragic.” The nonprofit has worked extensively in ranching country to build acceptance for wolves.
$20,000 Reward Offered In Eastern Washington Wolf Poaching Cases
DEC 12, 2017 – KUOW/NW News Network
Conservation groups are offering a hefty reward for information leading to the poachers who killed two protected wolves in northeastern Washington state.
2 wolves shot in Eastern Washington; poachers feared
DEC 10, 2017 – THe Seattle Times
Two wolves were killed last month in northeastern Washington; conservationists offer $10,000 reward.
Poachers kill two wolves in northeast Washington, at least one in Stevens County
DEC 11, 2017 – The Spokesman Review
Two wolves were illegally killed in northeast Washington last month, according to a nonprofit conservation group.
Two wolves shot dead in Eastern Washington
DEC 9, 2017 – KING 5 News
Wildlife officials so far have no leads for suspects. Conservation Northwest is offering a $10,000 reward for information in the wolf killings.
Gift idea: Get a close-up look at wildlife with a critter cam
Dec 6, 2017 – The Seattle Times
Whether you’re camping or have a cabin, a wildlife camera can help you get a look at creatures that visit while nobody’s looking.
Guest opinion | Collaborative forest restoration is addressing wildfire risks
nov 29, 2017 – tHE wENATCHEE WORLD
Our forests need quality restorative management. A vibrant middle ground is showing the way. By using careful management to improve forest resilience, safely employing fire as a tool, and increasing community preparedness, we can protect homes, improve habitat, and create quality jobs
Blanchard Mountain in danger of deforestation
Nov 10, 2017 – kgmi
Mitch Friedman with Conservation Northwest said state Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz has stepped in to temporarily protect the area from logging. But he says he’s optimistic that the Capital Budget will finally pass now that Democrats have a majority in the Senate.
Extreme Athletes Are Braving the Harshest Environments on Earth For Science
Nov 2, 2017 – Earther
Conservation Northwest’s Citizen Wildlife Monitoring Project began by teaching citizen scientists how to install and monitor camera traps. Now, it also manages a snow-tracking program for volunteers to follow wolverines and gray wolves along the I-90 corridor through the Pacific Northwest, monitoring wildlife underpasses and overpasses on the interstate.
How to fight Northwest wildfires? Bill would focus on most at-risk forests
Oct 22, 2017 – the bellingham herald
The U.S. Forest Service would get new rules to help fight wildfires in some of its most at-risk areas under a bipartisan plan introduced Thursday by Northwest senators.
Forests most likely to burn would be thinned under Cantwell proposal that’s backed by Idaho’s senators
Oct 20, 2017 – The Spokesman Review
Announcement of the bill included support from Russ Vaagen of Vaagen Timbers in Colville, the American Forest Resource Council, Conservation Northwest and the National Wildlife Federation.
Proposal would open 368 miles in north county to ATVs
Oct 19, 2017 – Methow Valley News
The Methow Valley Citizens Council and Conservation Northwest filed a lawsuit in 2014, which successfully argued that the county was required to look at conditions on individual roads, such as proximity to wetlands or fragile ecosystems.
Wolf recovery is something a divided WA can get behind
Oct 6, 2017 – Crosscut
Gray wolf numbers in Washington have grown rapidly over the past few years, prompting collaboration with stakeholders.
Fisher Baby Spotted at Mount Rainier a Good Sign for Recovery
Sept 26, 2017 – Washington Trails Association signpost Blog
A young female fisher, called Lily, was photographed this summer by a trail camera while carrying her baby, called a kit, down a tree in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Plan to bring fishers to North Cascades delayed
sept 22, 2017 – Skagit Valley herald
A plan to restore fishers, a mammal related to otters and wolverines, to the North Cascades has been delayed.
Wildfires delay efforts to return fishers to North Cascades
Sept 23, 2017 – The spokesman review
A state-led effort to return the weasel-like fishers to Washington’s North Cascades has been delayed because of the massive wildfires in British Columbia.
Rural communities can coexist with wolves. Here’s how.
Sept 20, 2017 – High Country News OP-ed by mitch friedman
The success of Washington’s collaborative wolf management is seldom celebrated.
Washington continues to kill wolves that prey on livestock
Sept 5, 2017 – High Country News
The state’s increasing wolf population is creating a tangle between advocates, ranchers and politicians.
Second wolf pack targeted by Washington state after more cattle deaths
Aug 26, 2017 – The Seattle Times
A ranch owners aid his family’s cattle operation has lost at least nine calves so far this summer to wolves. The family leases federal grazing allotments in the Colville National Forest and operates one of the largest cattle operations in the state.
Officials try to blame eclipse, tides for Atlantic salmon spill in Puget Sound
Aug 22, 2017 – KUOW
Officials said the eclipse brought on high tides around Cypress Island, off Washington state – and that’s why thousands of farmed Atlantic salmon managed to free themselves from their floating net pens in Puget Sound. It turns out that explanation doesn’t hold water.
Reintroduced Fishers Are Reproducing In The Cascades
Aug 23, 2017 – Northwest Public Radio
There’s no way to know for sure how many fishers lived in the Cascades historically, because the small brown mammal was almost entirely eradicated by trappers by 1930. But this week, there’s evidence that they are reproducing
Delicate Dances With Those Who Save Wolves
Dec 22, 2016
Bloomberg
A compromise between ranchers and conservationists to save wolves in Washington state is a real-life fable with a moral that might just solve America.