After a disaster like the Spokane Complex fires, we ask: why did this happen?
This fire is the latest in a series of wildfires that have affected thousands in Spokane, on the Colville Reservation, the Spokane Reservation, Stevens County, Chelan, as well as many in central and eastern Oregon and countless other places across the US and Canada. Today's wildfires are burning larger, hotter, and more frequently than they have in the past.
There isn’t one single factor as to why we are experiencing these catastrophic fires.
Each year, Earth Day calls us to celebrate the natural world and take action to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife that sustain us. Earth Day started in 1970, and today, 56 years after that first Earth Day, we face new global and local environmental threats. There are real reasons to feel worried right now. But here’s something else that’s real: for 3.8 billion years, life on Earth has been creating conditions conducive to life.
The 2026 legislative session delivered something rare: a meaningful climate policy win shaped by collaboration across communities, geographies, and perspectives.
HB 2416, regarding the regulation of Spokane’s Waste to Energy plant, has officially passed. With it comes a solution that protects Spokane ratepayers, upholds Washington’s Climate Commitment Act , and creates real accountability for reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions over time.
This is a big deal.
Happy Groundhog Day, everyone!
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, which means we can expect 6 more weeks of winter. While most of the country may be lamenting this prediction, much of the western US is wondering if winter has even shown up at all!
Think you know everything about The Lands Council? From our education programs to the number of trees we've planted, our work is filled with amazing milestones! Now, you can put your knowledge to the test with our exciting trivia game: By the Numbers, created by our very own Justyce. Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to our mission, this game offers a fun way to celebrate our achievements and learn more about our impact in the Inland Northwest.
Like most organizations and people, The Lands Council is feeling the far-reaching effects of the fight against Covid-19. While all of our face-to-face programs and events have been canceled at this time to help “flatten the curve”, we are still dedicated to finding ways to improve our region’s environment.
Join us in mini, socially distanced river clean-ups - we can all make a big difference as individuals!
The Lands Council recently weighed in on the Spokane Water Conservation Master Plan. Climate models indicate that the Spokane area will have warmer summers, combined with less moisture. Less snowpack in the Coeur d’Alene and Clark Fork watershed are predicted, which will lead to less flow into the aquifer. This will impact summer aquifer levels, as well as Spokane River flows. This will also increase the need for outdoor watering. A water conservation plan is critical to prepare for the future of our city and river!
I am getting an early start on my small farm. It's just a tiny, tiny piece of the Earth but it's still a part of the world that can offer shelter to often overlooked and under-appreciated creatures. The Lands Council has been doing restoration for a few decades now. It helps mitigate climate change among many other benefits.
On April 18, I made a quick stop at the office to pick up some materials for a grant proposal. The building was closed due to the pandemic, so I popped in quickly.
After exiting the building and entering the alley behind the Saranac Building, I spotted a Cooper’s Hawk stumbling on the ground, dragging its left wing. Cooper’s Hawks have beautiful plumage, which is what caught my eye immediately. Pigeons are commonly spotted in this location, and while beautiful in their own right, they are not as striking as a Cooper’s Hawk. I initially thought the bird of prey had broken its wing, possibly by flying into the building while in hot pursuit of a pigeon (Rock Dove). The bird couldn’t fly, but made its way to the top of the fence surrounding the fire station parking lot.
You're invited to join us (virtually) for Wolves, Wine, and Whiskey - a Zoom happy hour on the wolf-human coexistence in Washington. Topics will include wolf recolonization, recovery, and impediments to coexistence. Join us to hear from multiple conservation groups on efforts to mitigate risk to wolves and hear from range rider Daniel Curry about on the ground efforts to protect wolves and cattle.
Thursday, May 14th at 6:00 pm on Zoom
Meeting ID: 869 4812 2757
The Lands Council has been staying busy. Cleaning up our Spokane River is a key part of our work. I recently took part in a virtual conference for the annual National River Rally. My topic was reducing inadvertent PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). The Spokane River Regional Toxic Task Force is leading the country in investigating these man-made chemicals that are contaminating the Spokane River. They come from inks, paint, and pigments that are produced with chlorine. Think of that yellow stripe in the road as it washes into the storm water - it contains a certain variety (congener) of PCB Even the newsprint in recycled paper has inks that contain PCBs.
The City of Spokane is working on a proposed project to complete a missing section of the Centennial Trail in the West Central neighborhood that is just north (downstream) of Kendall Yards. City leaders are asking citizens to complete a survey letting them know what you think about the project and how you use the Centennial Trail.
