News
As The Lands Council begins to celebrate its 40th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the incredible people who make our mission to restore and revitalize the Inland Northwest possible. At the heart of this effort is our Board President, Kate Vanskike, whose journey with The Lands Council began in the most endearing way—planting trees with her young daughter.
Environmental education is one of the most impactful programs at The Lands Council—and one of my absolute favorites! Our team is passionate about creating outdoor learning experiences that inspire a deeper sense of environmental stewardship while fostering meaningful connections between students and the natural world.
By Adam Gebauer
Wielding a canister with a long-curled metal wick, drip torch, we slowly walked under the ponderosas dripping flame on to the forest floor, watching the fire grow and creep back into the black of the already burned grass and pine litter. This was just one step in completing a prescribed burn on a private property tree farm outside of Chewelah. This prescribed burn was part of the Selkirk TREX, a two weeklong prescribed fire training exchange that occurred this October.
By Adam Gebauer
Recently, there has been much headway in the continued process of returning salmon above the blocked areas of the Upper Columbia above Chief Jospeh Dam and Grand Coulee, including the Spokane Watershed. There are a lot of state and federal funds to support salmon and habitat restoration in Washington but because salmon have been blocked from these waters for over 80 years this funding does not always reach this side of the state.
By: Naghmana Sherazi
It has been a long journey to advancing climate policy and making Washington state a leader in ensuring our communities have clean water, clean air, and a just transition away from fossil fuels. The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) plays a pivotal role in our fight against climate change, guiding us towards the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Through measures like pollution reduction and carbon pricing, the CCA not only caps emissions but also fuels investments in vital climate solutions.
By: Amanda Parrish
How did The Lands Council come to be in possession of Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder’s canoe? If you guessed it was because of our work protecting the Colville National Forest, you’d be right! We’ve worked for decades to ensure public lands of the Inland Northwest remain public and are managed with future generations in mind, and it looks like we’ve gotten the attention of likeminded conservation heroes in the music industry. Of course, the story’s a little more complicated than that and we’ll be auctioning off the canoe along with a signed photograph later this fall. To learn more about our rockstar connections in the meantime, come to one of our many upcoming spring events and we’ll give you the inside scoop.
By Kat Hall
We’re pleased to report the successful completion of another busy, fun, and productive fall riparian restoration season at The Lands Council! This year’s “Rocktober,” as we affectionately call it, saw us planting over 2,600 native trees and shrubs along Thompson Creek, Deadman Creek, Marshall Creek, and the Little Spokane River. This vegetation helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion; filters contaminants running off adjacent roads and agricultural fields; shades the creek—cooling water temperatures and allowing for more dissolved oxygen; and enhances wildlife habitat.
Dear Friends of The Lands Council,
After much consideration and with a heart full of gratitude, I will be stepping down at the end of this month from my role as Communications Director at The Lands Council to embark on a new(ish) journey. I am thrilled to announce that I will be taking on a full-time position with Girls on the Run of Spokane County, an organization that empowers young girls to embrace their limitless potential through running. As many of you know, I have worked at both organizations for 9 years and the time has come for me to focus on one endeavor.
By Naghmana Sherazi
To celebrate National Voter Registration Day on September 19th, WA the Voting Rights Restoration Coalition held a Free the Vote Mural Event at the American Indian Community Center. During this event, formerly incarcerated activist and artist, Jacob Johns, unveiled his mural in support. Washington Secretary of State, Steve Hobbs, also attended.
