Welcome to Synthesis — a 2-minute read to give you the quick hits of our recent work, to amplify our partners' projects, and to share important environmental stories. 

Our annual State of our Forests and Public Lands Report is live! This report card grades the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Commissioner of Public Lands (CPL) - related to forests, state lands, aquatics, and renewable energy. How did they do? They have room to improve! Check out our report card here.

The Biden Administration is leaning in on Northwest salmon recovery in an unprecedented way! The recent Presidential Memorandum directs federal agencies to take action to restore wild salmon and steelhead to healthy, abundant populations --it is a critical step to securing a comprehensive solution for salmon recovery. Learn more here.

The Washington General Election is on November 7. Make sure to have a plan to vote! At WCA, we successfully elect environmental champions in elections across the state --from school boards to Governor. For every election, we endorse candidates who will fight for environmental progress as well as for ballot measures that protect people and nature as one. Check out our endorsements where you live here.

The Goldendale Pumped Storage Project is planned at a location that harms sacred Tribal lands. In spite of clear opposition by the Yakama Nation, the project developer continues to proceed. Add your name to sign a letter urging Governor Inslee to respect Indigenous sacred sites and oppose this development!

As climate change worsens, we can't afford to delay action that responds to damage caused by the oil industry. State lawmakers must hold Big Oil accountable and stand up for you! Read about putting the oil industry and their greed on notice in the Spokesman-Review by our Communications Director, Zachary Pullin.

In mid-September, seven wildfires were burning in the Olympic National Park, which significantly impacted the air quality and destroyed vegetation in the area. The scale and severity of the fires point to compounding impacts of climate change, says Katie Fields, WCA’s Forest and Communities Program Manager. Read more here

UPCOMING EVENTS

The 7th annual Carbon Friendly Forestry Conference returns. This year, the conference is a series of virtual events held on November 1, 8, and 15. The conference invites exploration and discussion of the intersections of forest management, communities, climate change and more in West Coast working forests. Register now!

Join us for the Fall 2023 Insider Update Briefing via Zoom, featuring our Forest program on Wednesday, October 11^th at 4pm. Our Forest Program Director Rachel Baker will provide her insights about our continuing efforts to protect our Washington state's forests and public lands, from the new Public Lands Report Card to a sneak peek about potential forest legislation in the 2024 legislative session. RSVP here.

Make plans to check out the We Are Puget Sound exhibit at the Burke Museum before it’s too late! The hands-on exhibit is ongoing through December 2023, allowing audiences to experience the wonder of Puget Sound. From Southern resident orcas and Chinook salmon to community gardens and the annual Canoe Journey, build a deeper connection with a region teeming with life. Get tickets here.

Bryan recognizes that environmental and social issues are not separate from one another. He joined WCA to do important work to protect the environment because he believes access to clean air, fresh water, and beautiful landscapes are essential to the well being of individuals and communities.

“WCA recognizes the intrinsic relationship between people and their environment, and works to improve wellbeing for both.”

At his job, Bryan appreciates the ability to express his passions around nature and the outdoors while advancing state forestry work with Washington Conservation Action.

“I’ve always loved to geek out talking about nature, wildlife, and ecosystems. Doing it professionally means I have a lot more people to talk to!”