With this additional funding, we will get more work done on the ground in the Central Cascades that protects water quality and reduces megafire risk.
Last week, The Nature Conservancy in Washington and community partners celebrated a major milestone in the effort to protect Cle Elum Ridge in Kittitas County with the announcement of a $15M federal Forest Legacy Program grant that will enable the WA Department of Natural Resources to protect forestland above the communities of Cle Elum, Roslyn and Ronald, Washington.
Earth Day was born out of a movement to improve the lives of people and nature, inspiring sweeping legislative action and investments. Today, federal infrastructure funding and WA Climate Commitment Act are a continuation of this movement, investments making a tangible impact locally. As an example, Washington’s historic funding of the Floodplains by Design program is contributing to nature-based floodplain management across the state to reduce flood risk, protect communities and protect salmon habitat. These state and federal dollars are just the start of local climate action that will improve the daily lives and the future of all Washingtonians.
Nestled in the cliffs in Moses Coulee is an import desert water sources that every springs attracts thousands of Pacific Tree frogs. I came to Whisper Lake for a night concert. It was anything but quiet. The chorus of frogs was soothing, calming—the quintessential sound of spring.