Conservation Northwest protects and connects old-growth forests and other wild areas from the Washington Coast to the British Columbia Rockies, vital to a healthy future for us, our children, and wildlife. Since 1989, Conservation Northwest has worke
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Conservation Northwest updates Tim Coleman Erin Moore Editor, erin@conservationnw.org A wilderness hero Conservation Northwest gives a fond farewell to Tim Coleman, who is moving on from his position for the last seven years as wilderness director for the Columbia Highlands Initiative. Tim, who served as executive director of the Republic-based, Kettle Range Conservation Group from 1993 to 2004, will be returning to again head up that group. Conservation Northwest's Derrick Knowles worked under Tim's direction since 2001. "The more I learn about the rich history of conservation work in northeast Washington, the more respect and appreciation I have for the incredible dedication and years of intensely personal effort Tim has put in defending the wild places and wildlife of his home mountains, the Kettle Range and Okanogan Highlands. From all of us who know and love this very special corner of the Northwest, thank you for your years of service to nature and your enduring passion to see wilderness designated in the Columbia Highlands." "I like to think that I'm not so much losing an employee as gaining a partner," said Mitch Friedman, Conservation Northwest's executive director. "Tim has been a fixture in efforts to protect forests and wilderness in his landscape for three decades, and I know that won't change." Tim and his wife Sue have lived for 25 years in their handmade, solar-powered log home on 80 forested acres in northern Ferry County. The Colemans work hard to live sustainably in all things: raising a big garden and chickens, managing their forest for timber, harvesting solar power, and living totally off the grid. Both are avid backcountry skiers on their beloved Sherman Peak and Bald Mountain and Tim Coleman at his home in Republic. © James Johnston frequent adventure travelers, from white-water rafting rivers to mountain climbing to surfing on the beaches of Mexico. After serving in the Navy, Tim, who grew up in the Midwest, made his way to Republic in the 1970s. He quickly got involved with the Kettle Range Conservation Group, founded by, among others, Republic pharmacist Dick Slagle, to protect the Colville National Forest's wild places. Long-time friend Mike Petersen, who is executive director of The Lands Council, said, "I look forward to working closely with Tim. I believe a reinvigorated Kettle Range Conservation Group will bring much needed local pressure to bear in Ferry County and will help push the wilderness campaign over the top." Tim has been an environmental activist since 1971. He served as a steering committee and executive committee member of the Wild Washington Campaign and in 1998 was named an Environmental Hero by the Washington Environmental Council for his work on the Colville National Forest. Tim's words of wisdom? "When you're tired, take a break. Never let your inner child grow old." May your inner child and love of wilderness always flourish, Tim. Thanks so much for all you do for Kettle Range wilderness. Walking the talk Meet Debby Welsh of Fall City, Washington. Keeping the Northwest wild Julia Spencer Membership associate, julia@conservationnw.org Debby Welsh is a member extraordinaire of Conservation Northwest! Not only does she put her money where her mouth is each month through our Wildland Partner monthly giving program, she walks the talk, taking online action to protect wolves and grizzly bears and engage deeply in our issues. Thank you, Debby! Here's why Debby puts her time, energy, and money towards our organization: "What is most important to me as a member of Conservation Northwest is that they keep me informed about conservation issues. "In March, I had the opportunity to join with other members to speak out for wolves in Olympia. Recently I was very excited to organize and share a screening of Lords of Nature with my local community and join them in learning about wolves in Washington. Through Conservation Northwest, I can be actively engaged with issues in ways that I believe are very meaningful." I hope you'll join Debby and Conservation Northwest and walk the talk! Join our Wildland Partner giving program, take easy online actions to protect the places and wildlife you love (sign up at conservationnw.org), or help us with an upcoming event. Our strength lies in our membership, and that's you. Spring/Summer 2011 21