Washington Wild

Mission
Washington Wild protects and restores wild lands and waters in Washington State through advocacy, education, and civic engagement. Since 1979, we have played an invaluable role in permanently protecting nearly three million acres of Wilderness in Washington State. We bring people together in the vigorous defense of our remaining wild forests, waters, and wildlife.

About Us

Washington Wild leads state-wide efforts to develop Wilderness and Wild & Scenic River designation campaigns, the strongest protections available for federal lands and waters. As our population continues to increase and climate change threats appear on the horizon, we must work to permanently protect our existing forests and watersheds.

We believe that public lands are public issues. By educating, empowering, and mobilizing our communities, Washington Wild builds powerful grassroots networks that help protect and restore wild lands throughout the state. Our supporters share our philosophy that Washington's remaining wild lands have intrinsic value and are essential to our quality of life.

Since our founding in 1979, we have played an instrumental role in helping to protect nearly three million acres of Wilderness throughout Washington State. Recent designations include the Wild Sky Wilderness Act (2008), which protected over 106,000 acres and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions (2014) that protected more than 22,000 acres and nearly 40 miles of Wild & Scenic Rivers.

Currently, we are advocating for the protection of new Wilderness (more than 126,000 acres) and Wild & Scenic Rivers (more than 460 river miles) through the Olympic Peninsula-based Wild Olympics Campaign, of which Washington Wild is a founding member.

We also just finished up a 3 year effort in halting a mining threat in the Skagit Headwaters. An international coalition coordinated by Washington Wild grew to nearly 300 Tribes, First Nations, elected officials, local businesses and conservation, recreation and wildlife organizations who oppose Imperial Metals’ proposal to pursue a mining permit at the source of the Skagit River which flows through Washington State before reaching the Puget Sound.