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. 

The Washington General Election is on November 7. Make sure to (have a plan to) vote! WCA works to elect environmental champions across the state. 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 here.

Washington Conservation Action endorses Bob Ferguson for Governor in 2024! Attorney General Ferguson holds corporate polluters accountable and fights for racial and environmental justice. We are proud to support his campaign as Washington’s next pro-conservation and environmental justice governor. Read the endorsement here.

Last month, the White House released a memorandum that establishes that robust salmon populations are a priority for the federal government. Now, we need members of Congress to support the Biden Administration and to ensure that federal agencies urgently implement this directive before, before it's too late. Email your Congress Member now!

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!

ICYMI: The 2023 State of our Forests and Public Lands Report is here! This report 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.

Wildfire impacts many aspects of life for Washingtonians. That’s why at Washington Conservation Action, one part of our forestry program focuses on addressing wildfire pollution and community adaptability to a new normal. Read about how WCA has been engaging in this work with community organizations and government agencies here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The first day of the 7th annual Carbon Friendly Forestry Conference is happening today at 1PM PT! 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!

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.

In college, Katie studied environmental science and then earned a master’s degree in marine science and policy. As the Toxics and Stormwater Policy Manager at WCA, she is focused on strengthening and advancing equitable environmental policies that reduce the impacts of toxics and stormwater on water, fish, wildlife, and people. 

“I love that my job allows me to work at the intersection of clean water, healthy habitat, and community benefit to build strong policy in Washington.”

Katie stays motivated working alongside passionate colleagues with deep scientific, policy, and political knowledge who are invested in building a sustainable future for all.