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.
By Lindsay Box
The Spokane River is clearly the gem of our region. For fly fishers, river rafters, paddle boarders, and more - the Spokane River is a treasured resource in the Inland Northwest. However, there are also other beautiful rivers nearby. Read below for more information on the best Inland Northwest rivers and how you can use them to cool down this summer.
What is intersectional environmentalism?
An inclusive version of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet. It identifies the ways in which injustices happening to marginalized communities and the earth are interconnected. It brings injustices done to the most vulnerable communities, and the earth, to the forefront and does not minimize or silence social inequality. Intersectional environmentalism advocates for justice for people + the planet.
Our members are the backbone of our organization. Your support is critical to our mission of protecting and revitalizing our Inland Northwest forests, water, and wildlife – and we need your support now more than ever.
Our annual membership expires July 31st. Please continue your commitment to our mission by renewing your membership for another year.
This year we are taking membership to a new level and offering our members expanded benefits.
By Mike Petersen
The work to reduce the amount of PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyls) that enter the Spokane River takes many forms. Our innovative Fungi Project has made good progress this year. We are partnering with North Central High School and bioremediation expert, Les Stephens, to use fungi and soil bacteria to break down PCB’s and hydrocarbons found in stormwater sludge (known as vactor waste).
Wolves in Northeast Washington are getting in trouble early this year. The Togo Pack injured a calf on June 5, 2020, bringing their total predations to 7 in the last 10 months. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) can authorize lethal removal when a pack reaches 4 predations in 10 months or 3 in 30 days.
