2019 Conservation Accomplishments

Throughout our 40th anniversary, we made important progress protecting, defending and restoring wild lands and waters in Washington State thanks to the support of our donors and supporters.

Photo Courtesy of the Wilderness Committee

Logging in the Skagit Headwaters Halted (December)

The British Columbia Government announced that they would halt future plans to log pristine areas in the Canadian headwaters of the iconic Skagit River. Washington Wild coordinated an international coalition of more than 140 conservation, recreation and wildlife groups, elected officials, outdoor industry leaders, and Tribes and First Nations in opposition to logging and mining in the Skagit Headwaters.

Wild Olympics Bill Passed out of Key House Committee (December)

As a founding member of the Wild Olympics Coalition, Washington Wild cheered the passage of the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (H.R. 2642) out of the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee. The legislation was introduced by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA06) in May and would permanently protect more than 126,000 acres of Olympic National Forest as Wilderness and more than 460 river miles as Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Marblemount Mine (September)

Kiewit Infrastructure Co rescinded their controversial mining permit near Marblemount, WA. The proposed granite rock quarry would have occupied 79 acres near the confluence of Illabot Creek and the Skagit River, both designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers. Washington Wild was one of eight conservation and recreation organizations who signed onto a letter opposing the proposed mine due to impacts to water quality, spawning salmon habitat, and the largest wintering bald eagle population in the lower 48 states.

Nearly 1,000 Acres of State Natural Resource Conservation Areas Permanently Protected (May)

The Washington State Legislature voted to permanently protect additions to Dabob Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) in Jefferson County and the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area in King County. Washington Wild coordinated a letter signed by 25 organizations in support of permanent protection for these wild places.

340,000-acres of Methow Valley Protected from Mining (March)

Legislation to permanently protect more than 340,000 acres in the Methow Valley headwaters from mining threats passed Congress. As a member of the Methow Headwaters Coalition, Washington Wild mobilized our supporters in the region to speak up against the mine proposal and helped generate more than 5,000 comments to the Bureau of Land Management.

Legislation Introduced to Codify Land and Water Conservation Fund (February)

After months of negotiations and legislative hurdles, Senator Maria Cantwell’s (D-WA) legislation to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) became law. The Land and Water Conservation Fund supports our treasured public lands that protect ancient forests, salmon spawning streams, sources for safe and clean drinking water, and amazing recreation opportunities. Washington Wild headlined a rally at Seattle’s Green Lake and mobilized its members and supporters to send over 300 messages to decision makers in support of LWCF.

In 2019, Washington Wild mobilized more civic engagement than ever before! 

Photo Credit: Chris Bauer

Protecting Washington’s Wild Places All Year Long

January

Issued an action alert to 11,000 activists supporting a U.S. Forest Service road-to-trail conversion near Baker Lake allowing for salmon habitat restoration.

February

Coordinated a letter signed by 84 elected officials, local businesses and other stakeholders supporting motorized suction dredge mining reform to protect salmon habitat and clean water.

March

Passed a resolution by the Washington Wild board of directors supporting tribal treaty rights and tribal lifeways to guide and enhance our work and conservation efforts.

April

The Narwhal, a Canadian newspaper, featured an article “Imperial Metals’ plan to drill in Skagit headwaters spawns cross-border backlash” quoting a letter coordinated by Washington Wild.

May

Issued an action alert to 11,000 activists opposing diverting $1 million from Washington State Discover Pass revenues and to the state’s general fund.

June

Launched a paid ad campaign in the Vancouver Sun and Province newspapers calling on calling on readers to deny a proposed mining permit in the Canadian Skagit Headwaters, resulting in more than 1,000 emails and 6 earned media stories.

July

Joined 12 conservation and recreation organizations signing a comment letter opposing permanently authorizing a new road in a national forest roadless area near the historic Monte Cristo area.

August

Hosted a celebration for the 5th anniversary of additions to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and designation of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie and Pratt Wild and Scenic Rivers at Elliott Bay Brewing Company. Participants included Congresswoman Suzan DelBene and Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson.

September

Washington Wild staff joined the youth-led Global Climate Strike in both Seattle and Tacoma to show solidarity with youth around the world who are fighting for their future.

October

Engaged volunteers to help restore forested areas of Camp Long in West Seattle in partnership the Duwamish Alive! Coalition.

November

Hosted a community public meeting on old-growth protections on our national forests with Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) at the Seattle REI flagship store attended by 100 activists and engaged 643 individuals who send comments.

December

Coordinated comment letters to the U.S. Forest Service signed by more than 140 local elected officials, businesses, commercial fishermen, faith leaders, hunting and fishing interests and conservation and recreation groups opposing the elimination of old-growth forest protections.