Recent media coverage on our work
Links to selected media coverage are available below. Some articles require subscriptions to view.
Connelly: Thank you, Paul Allen, for the view atop Chopaka Mountain
October 16, 2018 – Seattle P.I.
“Mr. Allen and his foundation have restored the art of waiting for the right moment to give, and it’s extraordinary for us,” Mitch Friedman of Conservation Northwest, who spearheaded the Loomis campaign, said at the time.
Sammamish Student Receives Awards from MIT Inspire Competition
October 12, 2018 – Bellevue School District News
Last year Sarathy created a school-based conservation team at Sammamish, which has since deployed two such remote camera traps in the Cascades on behalf of Conservation Northwest. Conservation biologists at this organization use data from these images to determine where to apply their limited rewilding resources, such as to reintroduce animals or build overpasses or underpasses.
The wily wolverine: Iconic species making comeback in state
October 7, 2018 – The Everett Herald
However, there are many unknowns for the future. Decades from now, will there be enough snowy habitat for wolverines to reproduce and shelter their kits?
Bridging an interstate in Washington state
October 2, 2018 – Conservation Corridor
On Interstate 90, just east of Snoqualmie Pass in Washington State, the restoration of ecological connectivity is well underway.
I-90 wildlife overcrossing opens near Snoqualimie Pass
Sept. 28, 2018 – The Spokesman Review
“This project isn’t just keeping both people and animals safe, it’s a model for how infrastructure and wildlife can coexist in the 21st century.”
Bridge over I-90 offers safe passage for wildlife
Sept. 28, 2018 – Crosscut
A new $6.2-million overpass on I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass will restore critical habitat connectivity between the north and south Cascades for wildlife like elk, cougars, salmon, and wolverines.
Blanchard Mtn. permanently preserved for recreation
Sept. 26, 2018 – The Lynden Tribune
The state recently provided funding and management mechanisms to permanently preserve the area while still meeting school trust obligations.
Critters are already using unfinished animals-only bridge over I-90
Sept. 25, 2018 – KUOW
Deer have already begun using an unfinished wildlife bridge over Interstate 90 east of Snoqualmie Pass.
State’s first wildlife ‘overcrossing’ near Snoqualmie Pass almost complete
Sept. 25, 2018 – KING 5 News
A wildlife crossing over Interstate 90 east of Snoqualmie Pass is nearing completion. Bears, deer, elk, bobcats, and other animals spotted in the area are expected to use the crossing.
‘It’s a long time coming’: $6.2 million wildlife bridge over I-90 nears completion
Sept. 25, 2018 – The Seattle Times
“You’re building a crossing structure for some species and a home for others,” said Jen Watkins, of Conservation Northwest, a nonprofit that has championed the project.
Washington officials kill wolf in former Profanity Peak pack area, another cow killed
Sept. 18, 2018 – The Spokesman Review
Although Conservation Northwest has supported lethal removal of wolves in the past they didn’t support the action in this case.
Problem wolves to be removed
Sept. 17, 2018 – The Omak Chronicle
Swedeen went on to say sufficient reduction of the potential for conflict in that specific territory had not yet occurred.
Wolves in the crosshairs again in Northeastern Washington
Sept 13. 2018 – Crosscut
After six incidents resulting in the death of one calf, the state has decided to kill at least one wolf. Conservation groups plan to challenge the ruling.
Washington state to kill more wolves in Ferry County
Sept. 12, 2018 – The Seattle times
The state plans to start killing wolves again in the same area where the animals were killed in 2016 and earlier this year.
Washington wildlife officials order killing of wolves in old Profanity Peak Pack territory
Sept. 12, 2018 – The Spokesman Review
Although Seattle-based Conservation Northwest has supported lethal removal in the past, it does not support Wednesday’s decision. Paula Swedeen, Conservation Northwest policy director, said the group isn’t supporting lethal removal because “this is the third time in three years in the same spot.”
WDFW DIRECTOR OKS INCREMENTAL REMOVAL OF WOLVES IN OLD PROFANITY PACK TERRITORY
Sept. 12, 2018 – Northwest Sportsman Magazine
But unlike other recent removals, some members of the agency’s Wolf Advisory Group have balked this go-around.
Lethal action against new Washington wolf pack approved by state
September 12, 2018 – KING 5 and KREM News
The decision comes less than a month after the state killed the male wolf in the Togo pack. In that case, Friedman’s group criticized a lawsuit aiming to prevent the killing, saying the WAG protocol should be followed and that social tolerance is important for co-existence. Pitting ranchers against wolves, he says, has never worked out well for wolves.
State to purchase land adjacent to Blanchard forest
September 11, 2018 – The Skagit Valley Herald
Groups including the Skagit Land Trust, Conservation Northwest and Back Country Horsemen of Skagit County called on Natural Resources in the early 2000s to conserve — rather than log — the 1,600-acre area within the 4,800-acre state forest on Blanchard Mountain.
They saved a 1,600-acre ‘core’ of Blanchard from being logged. This is what’s next.
September 10, 2018 – The Bellingham Herald
As for the celebration, it will be held at Samish Overlook and will include remarks by Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.
Federal official’s visit boosts Headwaters Campaign’s efforts
September 5, 2018 – Methow Valley News
A key decision-maker in a process that would protect the upper Methow Valley from mining visited the valley last week to get a first-hand look at the land that is proposed for protection, and to hear about its value to the Methow Valley.
Wildlife advocates fear Trump administration is de-clawing Endangered Species Act
August 31, 2018 – The Bellingham Herald
Paula Swedeen, policy director for Conservation Northwest, a Seattle-based wildlife conservation group, said her group is not opposed to improving the Endangered Species Act. “But these don’t look they’re friendly changes,” she said. “They look like they’re designed to make it easier to avoid implementing the intention” of the act.
Washington wildlife agency gets green light to kill cattle-hunting wolf
August 31, 2018 – KUOW / NW NEWS NETWORK
“Lawsuits and polarization haven’t worked out well for wolves elsewhere, so we see little upside in spreading those tactics to Washington, where wolf recovery is going relatively well overall,” said Mitch Friedman, executive director of the Bellingham-based group Conservation Northwest, in a statement critical of the legal challenge.
Court injunction throws state’s wolf protocol into disarray
August 29, 2018 – Chewelah Independent
Seattle-based Conservation Northwest released a statement in response to the legal action between WDFW and wildlife groups from Oregon and Arizona who have filed litigation.
Latest plan would hike hunting, fishing license fees by 15 percent
August 29, 2018 – The Yakima Herald
Department spokesperson Bruce Botka said if approved, the proposed fee hikes are estimated to generate an additional $15 million, or roughly 25 percent of the department’s $63 million budget request for the 2019-21 biennium.
Frustrated northeast Washington politicians meet after judge blocks killing of Togo pack wolves
August 24, 2018 – The Spokesman REview
“Lawsuits and polarization haven’t worked out well for wolves elsewhere, so we see little upside in spreading those tactics to Washington, where wolf recovery is going relatively well overall” said Mitch Friedman, Conservation Northwest executive director in a news release. “Instead of polarization, our focus is on collaboration and long-term coexistence.”
INSTATE WOLF ADVOCATES BLAST OUT-OF-STATERS’ COURT MOVES AGAINST WDFW
August 23, 2018 – Northwest Sportsman Magazine
An instate organization deeply involved in Washington wolf issues over the past decade is blasting two out-of-state environmental groups whose legal moves have initially blocked WDFW from targeting a pack to head off further livestock depredations.
Washington wildlife officials order members of Togo wolf pack killed, lawsuit temporarily delays action
August 20, 2018 – The Spokesman Review
“We are just supporting the wolf advisory group and the state protocol devised there,” said Jay Shepherd, the wolf program lead for Conservation Northwest. “(We’re) trying to get these situations to become less volatile.”
Could Forest Restoration in Washington Privatize Land Management Or Make It More Efficient?
August 21, 2018 – NW News Network
In 2013, the U.S. Forest Service was looking for someone to reduce wildfire risk and rehabilitate a stand of overgrown trees on the Colville National Forest in northeastern Washington.
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.
Newhouse wants more info before grizzly bear decision
August 15, 2018 – Methow Valley News
Congressman Dan Newhouse told a group of Winthrop and Twisp chamber of commerce members last week that he is “ambivalent” about whether grizzly bears should be reintroduced to the North Cascades — but he wants potentially affected communities to have more of a say on the issue.
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.
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.
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.