On a rainy Seattle day in September 1979, a group of friends gathered at the College Inn Pub where Karen Fant first proposed the concept of the Washington Wilderness Coalition (WWC). After a few more drinks and passing around a hat yielding $7 for the organization’s treasury, Karen and Ken Gersten officially became the first two volunteer staff for the WWC and set to work. 

After 45 years and a name change, Washington Wild is still here, working to educate, empower, and mobilize our communities to protect our wild lands and waters for all. Today, there are 31 Wilderness areas in Washington, covering approximately 4.3 million acres. Of those, Washington Wild has had a hand in protecting nearly 3 million acres—from the 1.7 million acres as part of the Washington State Parks Wilderness Act of 1988 to the 106,000 acres in the Wild Sky Wilderness in 2008—and more.  At the core of that mission, and ultimately what determines our success, is Washington Wild’s ability to build diverse partnerships and coalitions. But don’t just take our word for it—hear from the incredible folks we work alongside every day… 

Washington State Representative (D-40)

Debra Lekanoff

“While I have sponsored several bills that have become law, none are more personally satisfying than HB 1639, which was signed into law on May 9, 2023, by Governor Jay Inslee. That legislation will memorialize the late Billy Frank Jr. by erecting a statue of him in the National Statuary Hall in Washington D.C. It could not have happened without the support of tribal leaders and stakeholders such as Washington Wild.”

President & Head Brewer of Lumberbeard Brewing

Bret Gordon

“It has been very easy to be a part of WA Wild’s Brewshed® Alliance. I don’t ever feel pressured to add Lumberbeard’s logo to a label or comment letter unless it’s for an issue I really want to be a part of. I would tell other brewers curious about the Brewshed® that you can be a part of this and support as much or as little as you want, but I do think it’s important for all of us to come together and show a united front.”

20-Year WA Wild Supporter

Barbara Stein

“Bringing together diverse stakeholders speaks to legislators in a way that single issue approaches do not. Washington Wild has positioned itself to lead such coalitions, and it has continued to achieve results that benefit all of us with a small but targeted budget. I feel fortunate that I have been able to help support their efforts for the past 20 years.”

Content & Merchandising at (Lux) Pot Shop

Veronica White

“We are so fortunate to be in Washington. Even in Seattle proper, you don’t have to walk far to catch glimpses of our state’s majesty—our quintessential evergreen forests and pebbly shorelines are sprinkled throughout the city like M&Ms in trail mix. When you bring cannabis into the equation, Washington’s natural wonders go from magnificent … to downright magical. As a company whose mission is to curate and provide the best quality cannabis while engaging our community, we asked ourselves how we could use our platform to help ensure Washington remains wild and green for generations to come. Launched in July 2023, (Lux)’s Ganja Gone Wild campaign in partnership with Washington Wild worked to empower our communities to “Blaze Responsibly” and take action to protect Washington’s wild lands and waters.”

Owner of SR PRODUCTIONS and former aide to Billy Frank Jr at the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission

Steve Robinson

“As my friends in Washington Wild have come to realize, one of the keys to success in these efforts is respect for tribal governments and treaty-protected rights. They know there is no cookie-cutter approach to working with varying tribes, that it is important to seek tribal support and positive tribal relations on a watershed-to-watershed basis and to respect tribal decisions, whatever they may be. “

Government & Legislative Affairs Director, Seattle City Light

Maura Brueger

“Washington Wild’s persistent and strategic advocacy effort leading our international coalition of stakeholders was critical in garnering significant attention from federal and state policy-makers; ultimately securing a ban on logging and a hold on an exploratory mining permit in the Upper Skagit Watershed in British Columbia.” 

Conservation Photographer and Author

Amy Gulick

“Washington Wild sees the forest for the trees—and the salmon and the orcas. To defend our wildest places means making sure that all of the pieces to the ecosystem puzzle are in place. I was honored to team up with Washington Wild for an outreach event to protect the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, the land of salmon in the trees and a place near and dear to my heart.”

Co-Founder, Washington Climbers Coalition

Matt Perkins

“Climbers are natural allies of Wilderness advocates but, sometimes, the two communities differ when it comes to matters of public access. Here in Washington State, Washington Wild builds the type of coalitions that bring recreationists and conservationists together to support balanced and successful protections on the landscape like the recent Wild Sky Wilderness and Alpine Lakes Additions.” 

Salmon Habitat Activist and Founder of Fish Not Gold

Kim McDonald

“I spent almost a decade working with groups like Trout Unlimited and local tribes, trying everything to get reasonable laws on the books for suction dredge mining. It wasn’t until Washington Wild joined up and brought with them hundreds of religious, businesses, and smaller environmental groups to our coalition that we were able to convince state legislators to pass our bill banning suction dredge mining in critical habitat. Governor Inslee signed that legislation in March. Washington Wild’s expertise in bringing diverse groups together toward a common goal was simply amazing and I know for a fact we could not have achieved the protections for our wild fish without Washington Wild’s help.”

Washington Habitat Director at Trout Unlimited

Crystal Elliott-Perez

“Trout Unlimited has led the fight for protecting salmon habitat from the impacts of suction dredge mining in the state legislature for years. We finally passed the legislation this year and Washington Wild was a big reason why. Their ability to gather diverse stakeholders from around the state and help us with a sustained effort to highlight this issue in local news made a big difference.”

U.S. Representative (D-WA06)

Derek Kilmer

“Representing a diverse congressional district on the Olympic Peninsula, I am looking for balanced and pragmatic solutions. Through their work on the Olympic Forest Collaborative, supporting the Wild Olympics legislation or supporting Legay Roads and Trails Funding, Washington Wild has been great to work with on a number of issues in my district.”

CEO/Owner Aslan Brewing Co.

Jack Lamb

“As a member of Washington Wild’s Brewshed Alliance, we have been working with Washington Wild to highlight the importance of protecting upper watersheds which provide clean quality water for fish, wildlife, residents, and better-tasting beer.”

Commercial Fisherman and Co-Owner or Nerka Sea Frozen Salmon

Joel Brady-Power

“As a commercial fisherman, I understand that my family, my community and my customers rely on a sustainable salmon fishery rooted in protected streams, forests and oceans. It has been rewarding to work with Washington Wild and the group of stakeholders they bring together on conservation issues.”

Environmental Coordinator at Patagonia

Denis Tuzinovic

“Partnering with local environmental organizations and supporting their mission has always been a priority for Patagonia. It has been rewarding working with Washington Wild and amplifying their voice to our network and all those in our community who want to keep Washington green and wild for generations to come.”

Congregational Church on Mercer Island

Pastor Roberta Rominger

“Our forests hold greenhouse gases from being released into the atmosphere and protect the sources of clean water for drinking, salmon and orca whales. Anything so essential to life must be close to the heart of God. Washington Wild is our local organization here in Washington bringing together conservationists, recreationists, local businesses, elected officials, Tribes, and faith leaders to protect our wild places for current and future generations.”

Washington Wild Board Member

Colin Kikawa

“I fell in love with the Pacific Northwest after moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington. My wife Katie and I have raised a family with a love of all things outdoors and a great appreciation for the natural beauty of the area. This love of outdoors and knowing that these resources must be preserved and protected for future generations is why I support Washington Wild as a donor and now as a board member.”

Washington Wild Supporter

Jaidacyn Madrigal

“Washington Wild works hard to protect and defend wild lands and rivers in order to keep them safe and thriving and address the increasing impacts of climate change. As a young woman in my twenties, I appreciate that Washington Wild understands the importance of these issues and their impacts on my generation.”

Co-Owner, Lighthouse Roasters

Craig Nobley

“Lighthouse Roasters recognizes the importance of healthy watersheds and their impact on our local community and economy. Building quality relationships around conservation efforts in Washington is important to us which is why we support Washington Wild and their dedication to building coalitions and trust in our community.”

Owner, Ascent Outdoors

Sandeep Nain

“Supporting and partnering with an organization like Washington Wild gives us the opportunity to educate and equip both our audiences with the knowledge of what to expect in our wild places, and just as important, how to protect them. So when you are backpacking in the Wild Sky Wilderness, climbing
in the North Cascades, or enjoying a tasty craft beer, think about what went into keeping those places wild for all of us and where that clean water came from.”

Protected Areas Campaigner, The Wilderness Committee (British Columbia, Canada)

Joe Foy

“Working in British Columbia, I was first introduced to Washington Wild through their impactful leadership of an international coalition of more than 140 stakeholders to oppose the proposed logging and mining in the Canadian Headwaters of the Skagit River. Logging was prevented in several wilderness valleys, setting us up for more successes in the future. They are powerful advocates for protecting downstream values in Washington State and a pleasure to work with here in BC. “ 

Senator (D-WA)

Maria Cantwell

“I am blessed to be able to work with Washington Wild and carry on the legacy of protecting our lands, our waters, and our salmon. In 2018 we rallied to authorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund in Green Lake. It was part of a national advocacy push led locally by Washington Wild. Now, we have permanently reauthorized the Land and Water Conservation Fund to make sure the dollars really go to where they need to be. It’s been decades in the making but we are finally here!”

Brewshed® Alliance Member

Bale Breaker Brewing Company

“We are very tied to clean water at our brewery and in the Yakima Valley. Not only for beer and hops, but tree fruit and wine grapes. It’s very important for us to protect that for future generations. Joining the Brewshed Alliance was a natural fit for us because beer brings people together and when we do that, it allows us to raise money and bring awareness to these important issues in conservation.”

Yakima Chief Hops

Levi Wyatt

“We are firm believers that healthy hops require clean water and want to ensure this resource is managed effectively to continue supplying the world with quality hops. Our ‘Hops N Water’ virtual event with Washington Wild was a great way to share our sustainable water practices as a complement to their ‘Clean Water For All’ campaign.”

Senator (D-WA)

Patty Murray

“It’s not easy to pass legislation. You have to bring a whole coalition of people together to get the kind of energy to get legislation through Congress. That’s what Washington Wild does uniquely and very well.”

Washington Wild Member

Tracy Stradness

“Our wild spaces are under attack as never before, and protecting these treasures is like guarding our heart. I support Washington Wild because I know my donations are used right here in our backyard by passionate advocates who work tirelessly to preserve our wild places.”

Former President, Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce

Maud Daudon

“Washington Wild’s efforts are critical to sustaining the quality of life that makes the Puget Sound such an incredible place to live, work and play. Protecting accessible wild lands and waters is a key component to attracting top talent and corresponding economic growth”

Former CEO of REI and 1st American to summit Mt. Everest

Jim Whittaker

“For 40 years, Washington Wild has worked tirelessly building diverse coalitions to protect the wild places that make Washington State such a special place. In all my travels, I always look forward to returning home to the snow-capped peaks, salmon streams and ancient forests of y youth.”

Nature and Cultural Photographer and Honorary Board Chair

Art Wolfe

“With the increasing uncertainty regarding future attempts to weaken and undercut public land protections, I stand behind Washington Wild’s tireless efforts to defend our state’s wild lands and waters.”

CEO, Alaska Airlines

Brad Tilden

“Washington Wild led a small band of conservation and recreation groups tio build strong local support for the Alpine Lakes additions through old-fashioned listening and enaggement. Recent reasearch has confirmed what Washington business owners have known for some time; that quality of life issues like access to wild lands and waters are key to attracting top talent to our region.”

Public Relations Manager at C.C. Filson Co.

Amy Terai

“At Filson, we are committed to creating sustainable outdoor apparel that lasts. Our partnership with Washington Wild helps us do our part to make sure that wild forests, lakes and rivers are protected for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.”

Collaborative Forestry Manager, Hampton Lumber Darrington Division

Angelina Price

“Washington Wild has demonstrated a powerful commitment to finding common ground around watershed restoration and engaging in diverse partnerships to make promote healthier forests and ecosystems. As members of the Darrington Forest Collaborative we have built considerable organizational recently pursuing common goals.“

Owner of Wirta Hospitatlity and the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Sequim, WA

Bret Wirta

“Washington Wild understands the power of big tent philosophy comprised of diverse local support for the protection of wild places like the Wild Olympics.”

Director of Impact, MiiR

Charlie Clark

“For a small, local environmental non-profit to be celebrating 40 years of impact is amazing. It’s that type of determination and focus that gets the MiiR team excited for the future and the role we can play in helping them protect Washington’s wild lands and waters for years to come!”

Former WA Governor and U.S. Senator

Daniel J Evans

“Over the past 40 years, I have watched and supported groups like Washington Wild as they work hard to designate the next generation of Wilderness areas, including underrepresented low elevation old-growth forests and salmon spawning streams.”

Former Congressman (R-WA08)

Dave Reichert

“Washington State has a rich history of bipartisan support for protecting wild places. Through their inclusive and effective organizing with stakeholders from across the political spectrum, Washington Wild has helped ensure that tradition is alive and well today.”

Former Mayor of Port Townsend

Deborah Stinson

“Our nearly 10,000 residents and local businesses rely on clean and cold water from the intact forests and streams in the Quilcene watershed,” said Deborah Stinson. As the Mayor of Port Townsend, Deborah is one of the more than 70 elected officials who have endorsed the Wild Olympics proposal, though the City Council has not taken any official action on this proposal. “The Wild Olympics proposal would permanently protect the source of our safe drinking water while ensuring continued administrative access.”

Former Washington Wild Board Member and long-time river activist and enthusiast

Doug North

“Washington Wild played a critical role in leading a statewide effort to designate wild and scenic rivers alongside new Wilderness after 2008. As a result the last decade has seen a river renaissance in Washington State with 50 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers and 460 more miles pending in Congress as part of the Wild Olympics legislation.”

Former Washington Wild Board Member

Erin Miller

“I joined the WA Wild Board because I believe the health of our states lands and waters are intrinsically tied to the health of our communities. Washington Wild brings nontraditional conservation allies to the table and through this approach, and by bridging ideological and political divides, is successful in securing lasting protections for Washington’s lands and waters”

Brewshed® Alliance Member

Hellbent Brewing Company

“By doing events at our business to benefit WA Wild, not only do we raise funds, we also raise awareness. We also get Hellbent’s community involved in a great cause. Our staff as well as our regulars embrace what WA Wild stands for and what they are working towards.”

Washington Wild Member and former Olympic National Park Ranger

Marshall Jett

“Our country’s precious natural resources and public lands are under attack, and there are a lot of bills and executive orders targeting our parks and forests in the “other” Washington. The time to act in now. Washington Wild is doing very important work every day- and makes it easy for me to send a quick email and make sure my voice is heard.”

Former Leadership Council Chair of Puget Sound Partnership

Martha Kongsgaard

“Puget Sound as we say is all at once a place, and idea and an ideal. Washington Wild’s efforts to protect intact headwaters which serve as the source of the Puget Sound is critical to safeguarding that ideal for generations to come.”

Former Executive Director, The Mountaineers

Martinique Grigg

“At the Mountaineers we have new people coming to us every year who are learning a new recreation skill and connecting with the landscape. When we partner with Washington Wild to also teach those people advocacy skills and educate them on the issues in the landscapes they care about we have the opportunity to create new conservationists to add net new people to the movement.”

Environmental Policy Analyst at Snoqualmie Indian Tribe

Matt Baerwalde

“Working alongside Washington Wild to strengthen suction dredge mining regulations to protect critical salmon habitat in Washington rivers and streams has been an effective partnership. Working together on issues like this supports our tribal treaty rights and culture and ultimately protects wild rivers and wildlife habitat for all of us.”

The Wilderness Society, State Director

Megan Birzell

As a national organization we rely on our local partners to help protect wild places. Our relationship with Washington Wild is among the best. The expertise and national relationships we provide combined with the local leadership and organizing capacity by Washington Wild is a winning combination.

Patagonia, Environmental Activism Manager

Meghan Wolf

“In 2017 Patagonia launched a new initiative called Patagonia Action Works focused on connecting individuals with our grantees, to take action on the most pressing issues facing the world today. Washington Wild is one of the organizations that takes full advantage of this platform, sharing 48 events and 5 petitions directly resulting in 10,000 event RSVPs, emails sent and other actions. Washington Wild’s ability to communicate and activate its local network is why it’s been such an impressive environmental non-profit for 40 years.”

Co-Founder of Tesla STEM High School and key activist for the Wild Sky Wilderness proposal

Mike Town

“Washington Wild is the organization that pushed me to share the local knowledge I have acquired as a teacher and a naturalist on a broader scale by testifying in front of Congress and educating reporters on the merits of the Wild Sky Wilderness proposal.”

Emeritus Board Member

Roger Mellem

“Washington Wild is the only statewide organization that focuses exclusively on saving Washington’s wild lands and waters.”

Washington Wild Member for over a decade

Teri Howe

“What makes Washington Wild’s work so compelling for me is the sense of legacy that comes from permanently protecting forests, rivers, trails, and mountain peaks. These hard fought protections are not only for us, but an investment that we can pass on to our grandkids’ grandkids.”

Skagit Audubon and Skagit Land Trust

Tim Manns and Brenda Cunningham

“By leading the way and sharing its expertise in the intricacies of the Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Roadless Rule, the Northwest Forest Plan, and more, Washington Wild helps individuals like us, and the local groups with which we’re affiliated, speak out on the protection of wild lands.”

Founding Board Member

Tim McNulty

“Washington Wild (formerly Washington Wilderness Coalition) was created to give voice to bands of small, scrappy wilderness advocates in every corner of the state in anticipation of a big opportunity to provide permanent and meaningful protections for wild places on Washington’s federal lands.”

Former Washington Wild Board Member and Managing Partner of Overland Real Estate

Tim Overland

“I joined Washington Wild’s board because of my belief in their mission and my passion for protecting the wild rivers that have always been a big part of my life. Many of my most important life lessons I learned on the river including when to take calculated risks, how be independent, communicate effectively and have fun. Supporting Washington Wild helps ensure that I can pass on these same lessons to my own children.”

Co-Founder of Grayl

Travis Merrigan

“Washington Wild works every day to protect wild functioning forests and rivers that provide clean water to fish, wildlife, and residents downstream. Protecting the forested watersheds of the now federally-designated Wild Sky Wilderness from the impacts of sediment from logging on steep slopes and pollution from mining has directly benefited the drinking water supply for the city of Everett and much of south Snohomish County.”