Earth Ministry: A Faithful Conservation Partner
Over the last sixteen years, Earth Ministry has been a significant partner in conservation efforts within Washington State and at the federal level. Through Earth Ministry’s partnership with Washington Wilderness Coalition and other conservation groups, the faith community has added their voice to the collective call for action on issues such as the Roadless Rule, the creation of the new Wild Sky Wilderness, and the ongoing effort to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
The Spirit of Index
Those of us that call the modest but scenic town of Index home have gone through quite a bit over the past six years. Through passion, diligence and hard work, our small community of about 150 has taken Index’s future into its own hands. A number of individuals in our community worked tirelessly with the Washington Wilderness coalition in support of the recently approved Wild Sky Wilderness, which is literally our back yard.
Common Ground for Bike and Wilderness Advocates
At times mountain bikers like me have a complicated relationship with what we call designated Wilderness proposals, as mountain bikers are excluded from using Federally designated Wilderness. It is with smart planning and an open dialogue, that mountain bikers can support Wilderness bills that protect our land and preserve our human-powered recreation opportunities.
Protecting Washington’s Wild Rivers
As someone who has explored hundreds of river miles across the country and around the world, I can confidently say that we have some of the most spectacular river resources of any place in the world. While the rivers and cascades that define the cultural and natural heritage of our region are a spectacular resource they also have industrial development.
Standing Strong, Together
For a thousand generations we have cherished the forests of our region. The tribal way of life has been sustained by giant cedars along our rivers, and by ancient firs and pines along the snow-capped Cascades. Many forests have been destroyed since the days of my grandfathers. But more than two million acres of remaining roadless forests still provide some spiritual places to observe our traditional ways with pure water, wildlife, native plants and upriver salmon spawning grounds.
Protecting the Wild Forests of Washington
Roadless forests in Washington define the unique quality of life that we enjoy in the Pacific Northwest. They provide us with clean and safe drinking water and habitat for fish and wildlife, as well as world-class recreation opportunities that contribute to our economy. That is why I am committed to seeing that these lands remain protected.
Local Business Owner Reflects on Wild Sky
As a longtime resident of the Sykomish River Valley, I am very familiar with much of the area that will be covered under the Wild Sky Wilderness proposal and it is my sincere hope that this area will be preserved for future generations to enjoy. Having lived in the Skykomish Valley for nearly forty years, including graduating from Sultan High School, I literally grew up in the shadow of the Wild Sky. The beauty of the area has shaped much of who I am today and is the reason I have chosen to continue to live in the Sky Valley.
