8 Spring-summer 2014 conservationnw.org
25th anniversary
Matt norton, Minneapolis
Conservation Northwest is a conservation winner. In the
early 1990s, I was hired to advocate for grizzly bear recovery in
the North Cascades. It was exciting work. I learned a lot and
loved it. Greater Ecosystem Alliance, as it was called then, was a
scrappy outfit committed to sound conservation biology, carry-
ing a monumentally ambitious mission and a knack for forging
friendships and partnerships. Conservation Northwest has re-
mained true to its roots. Small wonder, then, that it has inspired
so much trust and attracted loyal fans and members. Nearly 20
years later, I remain devoted to Conservation Northwest: its
strong vision, the top quality of its people and their work, and
for its long list of victories. Who doesn't love a winner?
Matt is campaign director, Minnesota Environmental Partnership
Jeanette Russell, Missoula
What began as a policy internship with Mitch exploded
into a strategic partnership with our newly formed student
group, the Western Endangered Species Alliance, bringing na-
tional attention to the attacks on the ESA and the infamous
Salvage Rider. Mitch and then Conservation Director Brian
Vincent coached us on strateg y and messaging. We were pow-
erful and unstoppable because of their investment in us future
leaders. Since those days, I've had a rich career campaigning to
end logging on public lands and more recently in nonprofit
tech where I serve thousands of nonprofits. ank you, Con-
servation Northwest, for all you do!
Jeanette is organizing director at Salsa Labs.
Making a difference
Comraderie and conservation
Greater Ecosystem Alliance staff in the early '90s: Reese Lolley,
Evan Frost, John Klak, Susan Snetsinger, Mitch Friedman, Lillian
Ford, Matt Norton, and Michelle Peterson.
Conservation NW files
The many people who have worked with Conservation Northwest have kept the Northwest
wild with their passion and courage. Conservation Northwest turned 25 this year, and we
reached out to acknowledge our roots in your testimonials.
"Nearly 20 years later, I remain devoted to
Conservation Northwest and its strong vision.
Who doesn't love a winner?"
Eric Wingerter, Washington DC
As a student at Western in the '90s, I was lucky enough to
find mentors at Conservation Northwest who taught me to
turn my passion for our Northwest forests into effective ad-
vocacy. I've used those skills throughout my career in Wash-
ington DC, from environmental advocacy to LGBT rights,
to heading the national communications strateg y for the
NAACP. I'm so appreciative of Conservation Northwest for
setting me and so many others on our paths and shaping my
passion and skills as an activist. I'm especially grateful for their
visionary work to protect our beloved wild lands. Congratula-
tions on your anniversary!
Eric is vice president for communications at the Kapor Center for
Social Impact
erin moore Publications manager,
erin@conservationnw.org
