Defending Our Public Lands
By Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) May 2017 – President Theodore Roosevelt told us, “The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased; and not impaired in value.” These words remain as true today as they were a hundred years ago. But this […]
Protecting Washington’s Wilderness Legacy
By Daniel J. Evans, Former WA Governor and U.S. Senator October 2016 – Tucked in the Northwest corner of the continental United States, Washington State is often forgotten by the rest of the country. However, after a visit to witness the snow-capped peaks of Rainier, ancient forests of the Cascades and coastline of the Olympic […]
An Outdoor Life Well Lived
BY: Marc Berejka, Director of Government & Community Affairs at REI JUNE 2015 Two young fish say “hello” as they swim past an older one. Smiling, the older one says, “the water sure is nice today, isn’t it?” They smile back, swim on, and then look at each other wondering, “what’s water?” Sometimes you can […]
Finding Common Ground
By: Dan Rankin, Mayor of Darrington October 2015 The town of Darrington is in my soul. My grandfather settled in the valley in 1920. My father was raised skiing and hiking the mountains. I was raised fishing the same creeks as my grandfather. My children and I now explore the same mushroom patches, following generational history. Nestled in […]
A Business Plan for Washington’s Wild Lands
The strong response from business leaders in support of protecting local Wilderness and public lands through Washington Wild is not a philanthropic act. It is rooted in sound economics and good business. Recent research has confirmed what business owners in Washington have known for some time, that quality of life issues, like access to wild lands and waters or historic destinations, are key to attracting top talent to our region.
Brewshed Connection in Action
By: Pamela Brulotte, Owner of Icicle Brewing Company April 2014 Sitting on a sunny patio amidst the beautiful, wild scenery of Leavenworth drinking a local craft beer makes it easy to appreciate the benefits of wild lands and waters. From here, we can’t see our water source that helps create the craft beer of Icicle Brewing […]
Our Public Lands Legacy
By: Congressman Dave Reichert October 2013 On September 28th, our nation celebrated National Public Lands Day, showing appreciation for all public lands that offer recreational opportunities to our families and an economic boost for our communities. Our great outdoor spaces and activities are one of the many benefits of living in this beautiful state. It is up to all […]
A History of Protecting Washington’s Wild Waters
When I began canoeing and rafting Washington’s rivers in the 1980s, I quickly realized there was no consistent source of information about routes and good water levels. In the course of researching my guidebook, I discovered that hydropower developers had plans for projects on many of the rivers I paddled. They were planning to dam up my rivers! So, I formed the Washington Rivers Council in 1984 and began organizing river recreationalists to create a constituency to oppose these projects.
Priorities for a Wilder Washington
Washington State’s wild spaces are among our most precious assets. Due to the foresight of past leaders, we have permanently protected some of the most special places in the United States. I believe we must continue to build upon the strong base of conservation efforts that have made our state what it is today.
A Case for Mining Reform
Hardrock mining has left a legacy of pollution across the West that continues to burden our groundwater, surface waters, wildlife, vegetation, soils, air, and human health today. This reality poses a challenge for those of us who care deeply about our natural environment.
