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About Us

our mission:

the cascade forest conservancy protects and sustains the forests, streams, wildlife, and communities in the heart of the cascades through conservation, education, and advocacy.

founded by volunteers in 1985, we are the voice of people who care for Washington's Southern Cascades

We represent the interests of our 12,000+ members and supporters by advocating for responsible resource management and scientifically sound policy decisions to protect the health of varied and diverse ecosystems throughout the Cascades in Southwest Washington. Since 1985, we have protected thousands of acres of forests and miles of rivers and streams throughout the Gifford Pinchot National Forests and surrounding region.

We help restore the habitats and safeguard biodiversity through our roles as collaborators and conveners. CFC works with scientists, agencies, tribes, partner organizations, and some amazing volunteers, to support, study and guide restoration projects throughout the region.

Our innovative, bold, and practical approach has given us a reputation among elected officials, federal and state agencies, and industry leaders as an effective force for conservation here in Southwest Washington.

Our Approach

  • We monitor and weigh in on proposed projects, such as timber sales, within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and nearby state and private land to ensure those actions are scientifically vetted and sustainable. By working closely with forest collaboratives representing wide variety of opinions and interests, we share our concerns early in project planning processes, often achieve results without costly litigation.
  • We pursue land and water designations, prioritizing areas identified as vital to habitat connectivity and to building resilience to the existent and worsening effects of the climate emergency.
  • We partner with researchers and experts to improve scientific understanding of the region and support the successful reintroduction of species like fisher and beaver.
  • We address the complex ways fire interacts with the landscape by working with partners to perform pre-fire preparation and research, as well as post-fire restoration projects.
  • CFC’s innovative initiatives like the Instream Wood Bank Network and other on-the-ground restoration efforts improve the health of forests and waterways. Many of these projects provide volunteers and students a unique opportunity to participate in local hands-on conservation projects.

What drives us

Mission and values

We are working to see that our region is one where native life–flora, fauna, microbes, and the entire biota–thrive in healthy biodiverse forest and aquatic ecosystems…

where we work

This area is a vital transition zone within the Cascade range and a stronghold for critical habitat. The GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST is the centerpiece of this landscape and its sustainable management is vital to the continued health and resilience of the region…

OUR HISTORY

A legacy of conservation in the heart of the Cascades.

MEET THE TEAM

Bios and contacts for our staff and board.

SPEAK UP FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Since 1985, Cascade Forest Conservancy has been your voice speaking for the areas in and around the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington. Join the 12,000 other members who support Cascade Forest Conservancy and are making a difference now.

News & Updates

HISTORIC NEW PROTECTIONS FOR THE GREEN RIVER

On December 18, the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) announced new rules designating portions of three waterways, the Cascade River, Napeequa River, and Skamania County’s Green River, as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs). The new designations are the end result of a multi-year effort by several organizations, including Cascade Forest Conservancy, to safeguard some of Washington’s...

SALMON ARE ALREADY BENEFITING FROM HABITAT ENHANCEMENT AT STUMP CREEK

After building instream structures in a dry creek bed this past summer, we headed back to Stump Creek in early November to see how the structures faired following the first bout of rain. As we headed down to the project site, we saw new channels that had formed, sediment had built up behind structures, and...

SPEAK UP FOR MATURE FORESTS: COMMENT ON PLANS FOR THE YELLOWJACKET TIMBER SALE

The Forest Service released a Revised Draft Environmental Assessment (Revised EA) for the Yellowjacket planning area on Oct. 31st, 2023. We had raised concerns about aggressive timber treatments in mature forest stands, among other issues. The Revised EA incorporated some of our recommendations but failed to address all of them. The Revised EA is an...