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WALT eNews - September 22nd, 2020
Dear <<First Name>>,

Now that the smoke has largely cleared across the state, many of us will go back to our business as "usual." However, the legacy of this unprecedented fire season in Washington still burns brightly for some in our community. Not only have the fires burned through ecologically important lands stewarded by our members, but have seen the homes and lives of land trust staff and directors completely upended. I know I speak for all of us in saying my heart goes out to those of you on the front lines of this natural disaster, and wishing you health and safety during these doubly trying times.

Fortunately, as a land trust community, we are a strong and resilient bunch. We're used to playing the long game, and looking for the bright side. While describing a recent blaze that swept through a beloved preserve, one of our members said: "at least we'll get to enjoy some incredible wildflowers for the next couple years." Here's to a little more beauty in our future. 

All my best,

Nick Norton
Executive Director
Bainbridge Island Land Trust recently announced the opportunity to protect the enchanting Rockaway Bluff Preserve (pictured above) as part of its long-term Stand for the Land campaign. Photo Credit: Bainbridge Island Land Trust
Get Involved
A broad look at opportunities for engagement for the conservation community.
Celebrate Our Public Lands!
Saturday, September 26th is National Public Lands Day. The Mountains to Sound Greenway is leading a clean-up campaign all week long, and it's not too late help out! Photo credit: Mountains to Sound Greenway
Habitat connectivity survey
The Center for Large Landscape Conservation is learning about how land trusts integrate habitat connectivity into their work. Take this short survey before September 30 to help them develop a comprehensive toolkit. Photo credit:  Casey Horner
Policy Corner
Stay up-to-date and take action on the important policy issues
impacting the land trust community.
Join WWRC sign-on letter!
With parks and outdoor spaces more important than ever, join a sign-on letter from the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition urging state leaders to allocate $140 million for the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Program (WWRP).
Photo credit: Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition
Fighting Syndicated Easements
In case you missed it, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee issued a scathing report on syndicated conservation easement transactions. There couldn't be a better time for us to support the advocacy efforts of the Land Trust Alliance to stop these deals forever. 
Photo credit: Washington Association of Land Trusts
Calling for LWCF Oversight
The Great American Outdoors Act only recently passed, and the LWCF Coalition has issued a statement urging effective implementation and annual oversight to ensure that the additional LWCF conservation funds make it on the ground in FY2021 and beyond. 
Photo credit: LWCF Coalition

 THE WILDFIRES
 
Article - Washington State Wildfires Burn Over 626,000 acres (Seattle Times)

Website - Information on Wildfires (WA Department of Natural Resources)

Recording - Wildfire Listening Session, Fire Resources, Post-Fire Tips (OSU Forestry)

Article - Fighting Fire With Fire in the Methow Valley (UW News)

Podcast - Tribal Communities Reclaim Fire to Save the Forest (Into America)

StoryMap - Changing Wildfire, Changing Forests (Climate Adaptations Studies Center)

REPORTS & RESOURCES
 
Whidbey Camano Land Trust featured a special edition of their newsletter focused on climate change.

UC Berkeley's Geospatial Innovation Facility recently published this report on remotely monitoring conservation easements.

Emerald Alliance hosts webinar profiling innovative conservation funding in Puget Sound.

Conservation for Whom: Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) hosts a modern look at American conservation history, from exclusion to inclusion.

The full recording of The State of Salmon Recovery in the Nisqually is up to view!

U.S. Senate Finance Committee issues a scathing report on syndicated conservation easement transactions.

Nonprofit Industrial Complex 101: A Primer on How it Upholds Equity and Flattens Resistance

The Fish and Wildlife Commission releases a final draft of it's 25-Year Strategic Plan.

New research links historic indigenous depopulation in the Americas to global temperature change.

The Trust for Public Land's study shows park size differs depending on surrounding racial demographics. 

STORIES

PCC Farmland Trust is now Washington Farmland Trust! Read more.

Addie Candib, Pacific Northwest Regional Director of the American Farmland Trust, profiled in Greenway News

Now through the end of September, join the Whidbey Camano Land Trust Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt.

American Farmland Trust profiles the risk of amenity migration on productive farmland.

Farm workers are facing multiple threats from COVID-19, heatwaves, and now wildfires. 

As farmers face compounding issues, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union and Farm Credit have partnered to produce a special program focusing on mental health.

This year, National Hunting and Fishing Day (Saturday, Sep 26) will be celebrated virtually
 
Read about the unique and complex challenges with protecting the Columbia River Gorge

Western Rivers Conservancy featured Cowlitz River as their River of the Month for August. 

Blue Mountain Land Trust launches free online series, "Secret Life of the Forest: The North Blue Mountains."
Donate

JOBS

Director of Public Advocacy and Engagement, The Nature Conservancy in Washington

Climate Director, The Nature Conservancy in Washington

Conservation Projects Manager, Land Trust of the Treasure Valley

Forest Stewardship Program Coordinator, Puget Sound Conservation Districts

Corporate Counsel, Forterra

>> Find more jobs on our Jobs Page
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The Washington Association of Land Trusts (WALT) is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Uniting 32 nonprofit land conservation organizations, WALT is the collective voice of Washington's land trust community.
Copyright © 2020 Washington Association of Land Trusts, All rights reserved.


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