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 Mike Petersen
The U.S. Department of Agriculture just announced a final Alaska Roadless Rule that exempts the Tongass National Forest from the 2001 provision that prohibited road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvests in roadless areas. The Tongass National Forest is the largest remaining intact temperate rainforest in the world. 17 million acres in size and home to over 400 species of wildlife, it's also one of the rarest ecosystems in the world.
Today, the Trump administration will announce its decision to prematurely remove endangered species protections for wolves in the lower 48 states, in violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The most recent data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its state partners show an estimated 4,400 wolves inhabit the western Great Lakes states, but only 108 wolves in Washington state, 158 in Oregon, and a scant 15 in California. These numbers lay the groundwork for a legal challenge planned by a coalition of Western conservation groups.
We’ve launched a new program - and we are pretty excited about it!
SpoCanopy is a program of City of Spokane Urban Forestry, in collaboration with The Lands Council. We want to ensure every person in every neighborhood in Spokane has access to trees and green space. That’s why we work with residents and volunteers to plant trees and beautify our city. Our goal is for every neighborhood in Spokane to have 40% canopy cover by 2030.
The wind. The rain. The cold.
If you joined us for our annual Reforest Spokane Day last Saturday, then you know what I am talking about. On Saturday morning, TLC staff arrived at Marshall Creek to pouring down rain, wind gusts, and much colder temperatures (see you later, summer…). While we had over 250 people signed up to volunteer online, we prepared ourselves for a less than stellar turnout and got ready for the event.
By Mike Petersen
Wildfires are still burning throughout the West, especially California. Smoke is again creeping into Eastern Washington - although high in the atmosphere so far. There are differences of opinion of what to do and what the future will bring. We do know that on average the fire season is over a month longer and our summers are predicted to be dryer in the Northwest. Our climate is changing and we can expect more summers like this one.
The Washington Department of Ecology is formally proposing amendments to Chapter 173-185 WAC, Oil Movement by Rail and Pipeline Notification and opening the public comment period. This chapter establishes reporting standards for facilities that receive crude oil by rail and pipelines that transport crude oil through the state. The rule also describes reporting standards for Ecology to share information with tribes, emergency responders, local governments, and the public.
