Keeping the Northwest wild Spring-summer 2014 9
Mitch Friedman takes the issue of Northwest old growth directly to the people with the
Greater Ecosystem Alliance's brainchild, the Ancient Forest Rescue Expedition. Dan Dancer
In 1994, Conservation Northwest toured
"Fin" around the country raising awareness
about the plight of endangered species.
Gillian Vik/Conservation NW files
More Testimonials, next page
Melanie Mayock, Seattle
My work with Northwest Ecosystem Alliance
was a special time in my life and taught me how
to be an effective advocate. When our student
group worked with us on a press event in a Con-
gressman's office, every effort was made to ensure
our message ("don't clearcut ancient forests") was
front and center and delivered by the most cred-
ible spokespersons. Without careful forethought
and planning, the story in the press might have
been about a bunch of crazy students, which
would not have moved the needle. Today I am
finishing graduate school in Urban Planning and
Public Administration and was lucky enough to
lead legislative advocacy for graduate students last
year, which included trying to beat back tuition
increases. Being clear on your goal and then find-
ing the most effective steps to achieve it are les-
sons I've taken with me and use every day.
Melanie is external affairs specialist for Transporta-
tion Services at University of Washington.
Grant Wilson, Oakland
Interning at Conservation Northwest from 2008-2009 directly inspired me to
get a law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School. I've gone on to work on environ-
mental campaigns around the world, from climate change negotiations in Cancun
to indigenous rights in Kenya. I now work in the Bay Area to advance the rights of
nature. Shouldn't the North Cascades have a legal right to ecosystem health, and
wolves have a legal right to exist and thrive?
Conservation Northwest was the best gig I have ever had, both because of the
sense of accomplishment I felt in helping protect the beautiful Northwest and for
having an amazing and fun staff. ank you, Conservation Northwest, for giving me
my start, for letting me contribute to your team, and for continuing to serve as the
Pacific Northwest's greatest ally. Your work is crucial for protecting our wildlife and
wild areas and gives us all hope for a thriving future.
Grant is outreach and policy coordinator at Earth Law Center.
Mary Humphries, Bellingham
Early days with Mitch proved that Conservation Northwest would become a
great force for wilderness and wildlife protection in the Pacific Northwest. He was
so determined and fearless! He inspired others to act with equal parts courage and
commitment, and that's why we have lynx and wolves and grizzlies where once there
were few or none.
Conservation Northwest has become an organization I could never have imag-
ined back in 1990. At that time it was run by passionate, hard-core activists out of a
ding y office in Bellingham with bad light, dented metal desks, and sallow walls. Yet
that improbable beginning has yielded many incredible successes and we are all the
beneficiaries of Conservation Northwest's steadfast vision and dedication. Twenty-
five years and so much to celebrate—congratulations!
Mary is senior development director at ForestEthics.
"Being clear on your goal and
finding the most effective
steps to achieve it are lessons
I've taken with me from
Conservation Northwest and
use every day."
Conservation Director Brian Vincent effectively
mentored younger activists to defend endangered
species and protect habitat. E Faryl/Conservation NW files
25th anniversary
