Conservation Northwest was one of the first groups to recognize the power of community
collaboration and landscape-scale forest restoration. Through our Forest Field Program and
other efforts, these tools help restore and protect forests, parks and other wildlands. We also
promote sustainable forestry, responsible outdoor recreation and conservation of ecologically
critical private land—working to support thriving, local communities and future generations of
conservationists.
In addition to our primary programs under this area of work listed below, to safeguard
the ecological function of core wild areas, we have an ongoing focus on:
a) Maintaining the Northwest Forest Plan's regional scope and substance, and factoring in
habitat connectivity and climate;
b) Doing our part to defeat attacks on public land, including attempts at land transfer or
seizure;
c) Defending the sanctity of the federal Roadless Area Protection Rule;
d) Protecting and restoring old forest habitat, watershed function and fire ecology;
e) Seeking permanent protection for crown jewels, including the Kettle Crest, through our
Columbia Highlands Initiative, as well as the Methow Headwaters, Loomis State
Forest, Blanchard Mountain, Lake Whatcom Park and other key areas;
f) Pursuing policy to limit access of ATV/ORV's and other vehicles from sensitive
wildlands, including prohibiting mountain bikes from designated wilderness; and
g) Seeking opportunities to expand public land in strategic locations, including near large
populations to provide nearby recreation and take pressure off backcountry.
Forest Field Program: A flagship program since our founding, we advance the use of the latest
scientific research and engage collaboratively with other stakeholders to promote landscape-
scale restoration of forests and watersheds. We apply our field experience to shape national
and regional policies through lobbying, media exposure, court rulings and public support and
involvement. Currently, we maintain forest staffers for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie,
Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville national forests.
In addition to informing forestry projects from conception, we're among the few regional groups
that track forestry projects to completion on-the-ground through our Forest Watch field work,
including:
Verifying riparian widths and timber sale unit boundaries;
Checking markings on old trees and verifying snag tree protections; and
Ensuring thorough logging road closures as appropriate.
We also work closely with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), forestry companies and other organizations to
promote ecological management and resilience on state forest lands, including State Trust
Lands and special places such as the Loomis State Forest, Blanchard Mountain and Lake
Whatcom.
State Trust Lands Reform: We believe the Washington State Constitution directs the state to
manage its lands with a balance of benefits to both the public and beneficiaries. We pursue
opportunities to both uphold this principle on-the-ground and establish it in law and policy. We
expect state trust lands to benefit the public's interest in clean water and biodiversity, including
