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.
On a beautiful spring day, the birds were chirping, the sun was shining, and over 200 volunteers gathered at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge for our Earth Fest event. Volunteers were from all over and all ages, and they had one thing in common: a love for the natural world and a desire to make a positive impact on the environment on Earth Day.
By Adam Gebauer
For a long time, The Lands Council has known the value of beavers on the landscape. They are tenacious wetland engineers who create habitats for all kinds of water loving species as well as improve the hydrology; connect streams to their floodplains; recharge water tables; and add complexity that improves fish habitat. But sometimes the industrious nature of beavers comes into conflict with the built environment.
The winter solstice is a time of year when the days are shortest and the nights are longest. It is a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. For those of us living in the Inland Northwest, it is also a time to consider how we can protect and conserve our natural environment.
