Spring/Summer 2013 Newsletter

Methow Conservancy News
For Wildlife w For Farming w For Community w Forever
Imagine the Impact
Spring & Summer
2013 Newsletter
July 2013
Inspiring people to care for
the land of the Methow
Valley since 1996
This Issue Features:
Imagine the Impact
From the Director
The Imagine the Methow Campaign has already made 41 conservation projects possible in the Methow Valley,
including the spring in Mazama that kept homesteader milk cold, incredible spawning grounds for endangered fish,
orchards in the Lower Valley, and shrub-steppe habitat that is home to much of the Valley’s wildlife.
CNA 2.0
Conservation Shorts
An Interview with
Educational Programs
Director Mary Kiesau
Interview with our
President
Kids’ Activity
From Our Members
& More!
Methow
Conservancy
315 Riverside / PO Box 71
Winthrop, WA 98862
509-996-2870 www.methowconservancy.org
It’s that indescribable feeling
rushing in when you come down
Washington Pass and see Goat Peak
over the open fields of Mazama.
It’s the freshness of a honey crisp
apple grown right here in the
Methow Valley. It’s the wonder
of a child watching salmon finish
their courageous journey back
home. It’s sagebrush alive with the
sounds of the Brewer’s sparrow. It’s
the smell of fresh cut alfalfa and
the sweat of a farmer continuing a
family tradition. It’s a community
coming together to decide what it
wants to be.
the best agricultural lands, wildlife
habitats, and scenic views in the
Methow Valley, the campaign has
to date resulted in more than 41
conservation projects permanently
protecting more than 2,600 acres
and 11 miles of riverfront.
also add to two board-advised
endowment funds. A Stewardship
endowment ensures that the
Methow Conservancy can forever
defend our conservation easements
and an Organizational endowment
will provide an annual distribution
to ensure the Methow Conservancy
“From the moment we launched will always have key staff, like an
the campaign, we have been Executive Director.
working to put the funds raised to
the best use on the ground,” notes “Endowing the long-term health
Executive Director Jason Paulsen. of the organization is our promise
“I’m proud that we’ve made such to the community that we take
an impact on so many different our conservation responsibilities
habitats and regions within the seriously and recognize the need
Methow Valley.”
to be around forever to ensure
“It” is the impact of the Imagine the
the land we protect today is still
Methow Campaign made possible From conservation projects near the healthy and protected tomorrow,”
by more than 1500 donors. mouth of the Columbia River to notes Paulsen. “The endowments
Launched in 2006 as an audacious those at the very end of the Upper don’t erase our need to raise
dream to raise $20 million in Valley, the Imagine the Methow funds each year for operations,
public and private funds to protect Campaign has already touched a but they hopefully reassure those
wide range of the Methow Valley.
who love the Methow Valley that
conservation will always have a
Non-Profit Org.
Funds raised from the campaign home here.”
U.S. Postage
have been used for conservation
PAID
easements -- permanent restrictions The land protection goals for the
Wenatchee, WA 98801
on private lands that reduce campaign included several key
Permit #241
development potential and protect priorities: protect the important
fragile habitats, all while keeping farmland
corridor
between
the land in private hands and on Winthrop and Twisp, protect the
the county tax rolls.
scenic views near the Mazama
Junction as a “gateway” into the
Agricultural lands and shrub-steppe Valley, and continue our work on
habitat represent two-thirds of the connecting contiguous parcels
acres protected by the campaign of protected land for wildlife
thus far. Another quarter of the migration.
acres protected has been riverfront.
Remaining funds have protected “We’ve been so fortunate to work
scenic and forested lands.
with willing landowners interested
in conservation outcomes in key
Ultimately, the campaign will areas,” Paulsen reflects.
(cont. on p.5 “Impact”)
The Methow Conservancy
www.methowconservancy.org
315 Riverside Avenue
509.996.2870
PO Box 71, Winthrop, Wa 98862
2
Spring/Summer 2013
July 2013 www.methowconservancy.org
Methow Conservancy News
From the Director:
Fishin’ Into the Future
Board of Directors
Phil Davis, President
E. Richard Hart, Vice-President
Craig Boesel, Secretary
Kristin Devin, Treasurer
Tom Doran
Scott Jennings
Mary Johnston
Beth Sinclair
John Sinclair
Carrie Stokes
Kevin van Bueren
by Jason Paulsen, Executive Director
Not much surprises me these days,
but I have to admit to pausing for
a few seconds after receiving an
invitation from a friend’s son to
be his guest at the Grandparent’s
Luncheon at Winthrop’s Little Star
Montessori School. I know the gray
hair is advancing at an alarming
rate, but could I really be thought
of as a Grandparent figure?
Advisory Council
Martha Kongsgaard & Peter
Goldman (Co-Chairs)
Debra & Arnie Prentice (Co-Chair)
Char & Ed Alkire
David Bonn
Raleigh Bowden & Peter Morgan
Carolyn & Duncan Bronson
Paul Butler
Caryl Campbell & John Adams
Sonya & Tom Campion
Teresa Castner & Bill Pope
Maggie Coon & Mark
Wolf-Armstrong
Maud & Marc Daudon
Barbara Feasey & Bill Bryant
Kathe & Greg Fowler
Jane Gilbertsen
Ray Johnston
Ron Judd
Roxie & Carl Miller
Theresa & Lee Miller
Marilyn & Denny O’Callaghan
Gaye & Jim Pigott
Heather & Ric Redman
Gordy Reynaud
Frauke Rynd & Mac Shelton
Marilyn & Dave Sabold
Fred Wert
Photo Credits:
(listed from top to bottom of each page)
Page 1: Jason Paulsen, MC Stewardship
Staff, MC Stewardship Staff, MC
Stewardship Staff, Jason Paulsen
Of course I cheerfully accepted
the invitation and immediately rebranded myself as the cooperative
uncle who was more than happy
to fill-in for his out-of-town
grandparents. Drawing on past
experience, I stuffed a package of
Swedish Fish from the Mazama
Store into my pocket that morning
to ensure that regardless of what
the luncheon had in store, I would
henceforth be known to my little
friend as his favorite relative.
The luncheon event was fabulously
Methow: the sun was shining, and
the children sang special songs to
honor their guests as we enjoyed
our brown bag lunches on picnic
blankets spread across the school
lawn. It was a true honor to be
included in the festivities.
the adults who will become future
conservation easement owners
or the next crew of kids who will
catch their first trout, lie on a
blanket under a truly dark sky for
the first time, or wake to the sound
As soon as I’d taken my last bite of of a meadowlark here in the valley,
lunch, I was immediately whisked their connections with this place
away for a tour of the school. My are the foundation of the Valley’s
friend and his buddy beamed with future.
pride as they showed me their
garden, the strawberries they had The opportunities and challenges
just planted, their artwork, and the of meeting the needs of the next
impressive array of bikes and other generation will continue to be
equipment they enjoy each day.
dominant themes in the future
of our work here at the Methow
In a quiet moment out of view Conservancy. Our strategic plan,
from the masses, any generational for example, calls for us to work
divide that might have existed more closely with conservation
dissolved when I secretly slipped a easement owners to help them
couple of those Swedish Fish into with their property transitions.
their hands.
It also reminds us of the need to
share educational opportunities
As the event wrapped up and I with youth and to make sure our
made my way back to the office, conservation messages reach young
I was reminded yet again how adults.
important it is that we find time
in our busy lives to connect with Ultimately, our work is about
the next generation. Whether that making sure this incredible valley
next generation takes the form of endures for people and wildlife
Please take a moment to reach-out
NOW and extend an invitation to
the next generations in your life to
spend next Memorial Day weekend
here in the Methow Valley with
you and to join our celebration.
And if they balk for any reason, try
promising a Swedish Fish or two
and I’ll bet you’ll reel them in.
Have a great summer!
[email protected]
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Page 4: Jill Ericsson, Mary Kiesau, Mary
Kiesau, Mary Kiesau, Mary Kiesau
Join us in the Winthrop Barn for our
Imagine the Methow Campaign Impact Party
Page 5: Dawn Woodruff, Heide
Andersen
Page 6: Phil Davis’ photo collection,
Mary Kiesau, Mary Kiesau, Mary Kiesau
The Methow Conservancy
It is in this spirit that I extend a
special advance invitation to all of
you to mark your calendars now for
Saturday, May 24, 2014 when we
will gather to celebrate the lasting
land conservation that the historic
Imagine the Methow Campaign has
made possible here in the Methow
Valley with a not-to-be-missed
celebration at the Winthrop Barn.
Save the Date
Page 3: MC Stewardship Staff, Mary
Kiesau
Page 8: Teri Pieper
forever, and that requires constantly
meeting the next generation where
they are.
The Methow Conservancy’s Mission:
To inspire people to care for and conserve the land of the Methow Valley, ensuring it will remain a place
where future generations can enjoy the rural character and natural beauty we cherish today.
Page 2: Dawn Woodruff, Mary Kiesau
Page 7: MC Staff
While Executive Director Jason Paulsen still sometimes struggles to identify
all of the Methow Valley’s flora and fauna, he sure knows his Swedish Fish.
In 2010 we celebrated reaching our fundraising goal.
In 2014, we’ll celebrate ALL of the conservation work
YOU made possible through the campaign.
www.methowconservancy.org
315 Riverside Avenue
509.996.2870
PO Box 71, Winthrop, Wa 98862
Spring/Summer 2013
www.methowconservancy.org
July 2013
Methow Conservancy News
3
A Conservation Needs Assessment 2.0
Remember the year 2005? The real estate market
was hot, the Methow Valley was listed in every major
national media travel magazine, and the Methow
Conservancy was a small but strong organization at a
crossroads. Would we grow enough to meet the everrising conservation needs of a rural mountain valley
that had been discovered?
With solid foresight and strategic thinking, our Board
of Directors at that time led the organization through
a Conservation Needs Assessment (we refer to it
affectionately as CNA).
We gathered quantitative and qualitative data to answer
key questions: What could the Methow Valley look like in
10 years? Where are the greatest opportunities to protect
critical habitats, ridgelines and farmland? How can we
form stronger partnerships to hasten the pace of conservation
in the Valley? That study resulted in a detailed report
that recommended a variety of approaches for us to
consider for land protection, including but not limited
to our eventual Imagine the Methow capital campaign.
The original CNA, for example, highlighted that the
Methow Valley (at that time) was only 25% built out - a
fact that surprised us and definitely spurred important
community discussions about how we want to grow as
a Valley.
We recognize that 2013 is not 2005. We have Our first Conservation Needs Assessment conducted in 2005-06 reminded us of the
successfully implemented many of the ideas suggested importance of protecting scenic gateways into the Methow Valley, like the Mazama
in the original assessment. Significant land has been Junction with Highway 20, which is now protected.
protected. The economy and real estate market have
changed. Our role in the community has grown. Our organizational Keep your eyes out for invitations to focus groups, surveys, and even art
capacity has expanded. We recognize that to fulfill our mission, we need projects that will give you a chance to express your opinions about what
to stay relevant to our community. This means we need to listen to both matters in the Methow Valley and what you hope the Methow Conservancy
science and people to make sure we are spending our time, talents, and will do to preserve and protect these essential features.
resources on the “right” projects.
We’ll use the results from our CNA 2.0 to update our organizational strategic
So, over the next nine months, we will be working on Conservation Needs plan to guide us for the next 5-10 years. We look forward to hearing from
Assessment version 2.0 (CNA 2.0). In addition to updating our information you and sharing with you what we learn!
about the greatest opportunities for protecting critical habitats, rideglines,
and farmlands, we also plan to do a lot more outreach to community groups, If you have any suggestions or questions about this process, contact Jason Paulsen,
public agencies, and the general public to learn what’s on your mind and to Executive Director at [email protected].
make sure our conservation efforts meet the needs of the Methow Valley.
Conservation Shorts
(Not our new line of clothing, but a quick look at conservation issues in the Methow that we’re tracking)
•
Okanogan County Comprehensive Plan: The Okanogan County
Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on the draft Comprehensive
Plan on June 24th and will deliberate starting on July 22nd. Planning
Staff stated that it is the intent of the current draft to incorporate the
existing Methow Valley land use plans, and you can help to ensure this
happens by commenting in favor of this approach. The record remains
open. Watch E-News for future updates or see http://okanogancounty.
org/planning/ for the current Comprehensive Plan draft and map.
•
Landowner Liability: We are pleased to report the passage of House
Bill 1194 in response to concerns we helped raise regarding the liability
of private landowners who allow restoration projects on their property.
We feel strongly that private landowners who allow an organization
or agency to complete a properly designed restoration project on their
property should NOT be liable should that project fail or cause a
problem for a downstream landowner. The new law takes effect on July
27th, and we thank our Senator and Representatives for their support!
•
Forest Collaborative: In mid-June, representatives from throughout
North Central Washington gathered to kick-off discussions about the
development of a Forest Collaborative in our region. We look forward
to attending future meetings as this effort takes shape, particularly as it
may relate to bringing resources to forest landowners whose land abuts
public forest land here in the Methow Valley.
•
The Winthrop Airport Beacon: Things are pretty quiet (and dark!) on
the airport beacon front, but we understand that the State Department
of Transportation has submitted all of the required information to obtain
a waiver that would allow for a pilot activated beacon. You can watch
http://www.methownet.com/beacon/ for updates and more information
about Friends of the Night Sky and the airport beacon issue.
•
Ridgelines: The beacon may be turned off, but the spotlight has recently
returned to ridgetop development in our community centered around
the Flagg Mountain ridgeline “hut” in Mazama. A local group has
The Methow Conservancy
www.methowconservancy.org
formed to support efforts to resolve this specific ridgeline issue and in
mid-June an Okanogan Superior Court Judge ruled that the plaintiffs
who first established the covenants at issue in the case do have standing
to proceed with their suit to enforce the private covenants intended to
protect views from the valley floor. For more information, on the latest
pending legal challenges, visit http://www.movethehut.org.
In Memory
Vicky Welch
1946 - 2013
The conservation community
has lost one of it’s heroes, with
the recent passing of Vicky
Welch.
A tireless believer that rural
communities like the Methow
Valley CAN have a say in their
future, Vicky dedicated her
life to the land and people of
the Methow Valley. She cofounded the Methow Valley
Citizens’ Council, served
for many years as a Methow
Conservancy board member,
and ran Sunny Pine Farm up the Twisp River with her husband, Ed.
A celebration of Vicky’s life will take place at 1 p.m. on August 3rd at
the Twisp park. Bring a dish to share and wear your brightest colors to
honor this incredible woman’s legacy.
315 Riverside Avenue
509.996.2870
PO Box 71, Winthrop, Wa 98862
4
Spring/Summer 2013
July 2013 www.methowconservancy.org
Methow Conservancy News
Education in Action
Natural History: Knowing a Place
An interview with Educational Programs Director Mary Kiesau
Mary has been coordinating our amazing array of
educational programs for eight years now. She hosts
our monthly First Tuesday presentations, organizes
more hikes and field workshops than we can keep
track of, and takes the lead on our classes like the
annual Conservation Course. She also helps with
Stewardship projects, like monitoring conservation
easements.
like the return of the
hummingbirds to our
feeder or the sight of
the first greening of
the leaves in spring.
Keeping the journal
makes you more
observant, whether at
home or the Valley in
When did you become a naturalist? What general, and it helps
spurred your interest?
you anticipate or be
I grew up in North Carolina and my family on the look-out for
definitely spent time outdoors camping, but I the exciting changes
don’t think I took an earnest interest in natural each season.
history until I moved to Seattle. Soon after
moving, I took a North Cascades Institute (NCI) Why do you think
botany backpacking trip led by Dana Visalli (of it is important for
the Methow Valley) and that trip got me hooked. people to know and
I realized I really like to know and understand understand
more
the natural world. I like to name things and about the ecology of
know who is who, what is what. That’s part of the place they live or
my Type A personality, for sure. But, I also find like to visit?
it important as a way for me to truly see and I think understanding
Programs Director Mary Kiesau is an observer, a naturalist, and
appreciate all that’s around me.
the natural history of a Educational
organizer of the Methow Conservancy’s amazing array of field trips, classes,
place really opens you and workshops.
What drew you to the Methow Valley?
up to an appreciation
I actually came through the Methow Valley in my of the world. You
very first week in Washington State. I assumed the realize there is so much diversity and inter- Any surprise moments?
whole eastern part of the state looked like this. As connectedness and you start to see deeper than That same trip, we visited a wood duck box at the
I traveled around the state more, I quickly realized just the visual beauty of the world. You see how it end of the lake. All of a sudden a baby Saw-whet
what a special place the Methow is. There’s just all fits together. I think it makes you feel alive to owl poked its head out. We all got great looks at
a feeling here that’s more than the great scenery know more about where you are and what’s going it and it didn’t seem afraid at all. Then, a second
and the great community. It’s hard to describe on around you. I also think it makes you feel head popped out. You just couldn’t pull your eyes
but everyone here knows what I’m talking about. more comfortable being out in the wilderness, away. Everyone was super-excited.
It’s that feeling that pulled me here, and I still like all the plants and birds and insects are your
get it every time I enter the Valley either from friends. You know their names, and you may What would be your dream educational
the Columbia or the Cascades. So even though I even know something more about them, and that offering?
lived in Seattle for four years, I always knew this familiarity gives you a joyful, connected sense of I’d love to lead a rafting trip down the entire
was where I wanted to be.
being at home in the world.
length of the Methow River. I also think about
a backpacking trip like the one that first inspired
You know a ton about the natural history of The MC hosts a wide variety of programs. How me. We’ve never done a campout and I think it
the Methow Valley. How have you learned so do you decide what to do?
can be a life-changing experience. It was for me.
much?
I’m fortunate to work with an amazing Education
I’ve taken lots of classes. I’m incredibly fortunate Committee of volunteers who help me plan our Share a cool fact about the Methow Valley.
in my job to be able to create programs and classes programs. I constantly keep my eyes out for I’ve been interested lately in the edible and
like our field trips, workshops, our Methow who has a new book or what research projects medicinal plants of the Methow Valley. There
Naturalist Retreat, and the Conservation Course are going on. We also have a great group of are so many here and the knowledge of them is
that are focused on topics that intrigue me and dedicated naturalists and students in the Methow something I think we’ve lost. I think they are
then I get to attend them, too. Eight years into Valley who give me suggestions. I read newsletters fascinating to learn about because it reminds me
my job, I can now be a co-instructor on some from other similar organizations from all over the how resilient people once were here. As for a cool
of the classes, but I realize I am a student all the state and look for ideas. I also pay attention to fact, how about this one: the bulbs of the yellow
time. All naturalists are.
who I hear is a great speaker or teacher, because bell flower are edible and actually quite tasty. They
sometimes that is as important as their topic-- are slightly starchy, sweet, crisp, and crunchy and
What advice would you give to someone who someone can be charismatic and interesting even good in salads. The cool thing about them is that
wants to learn more about the natural history if they are talking about slime mold.
the flying saucer shaped bulb is actually covered
of the Methow Valley?
in little bulblets. So when you pick one to eat it,
Be an observer. Go outside and watch and listen. What’s a favorite stand-out memory from one you brush the bulblets back into the dirt and you
For example, when I am trying to learn a bird song, of the educational programs you’ve offered?
are helping to propagate the plant, even while
it helps me so much to both hear the song and In last year’s Naturalist Retreat I remember some you take one to eat. How cool is that?
then see the bird. Connecting what I hear with moments when we had to pull ourselves away
what I see helps me remember it. It’s important from a spot where we could have spent the whole Want to join Mary on an upcoming field trip or
to go outside with other naturalists and see what day observing. At Aspen Lake we watched a male class and delve into the Methow Valley’s fascinating
they see and share the learning and teaching. I Lazuli Bunting on the end of a branch in the full natural history? Check out our upcoming events on
also keep a phenology journal at home, recording sun for an hour. He just sang and sang. It was page 8.
the dates each year when I observe key milestones, amazing.
Just a few of the Methow’s flora and fauna that we have seen on our educational field trips. From left, a Sharp-shinned hawk, lewisia rediviva
(bitterroot), damselfly, and a Merten’s sedge. Check out our blog at http://methowconservancy.blogspot.com/ for more info from our classes.
The Methow Conservancy
www.methowconservancy.org
315 Riverside Avenue
509.996.2870
PO Box 71, Winthrop, Wa 98862
Spring/Summer 2013
www.methowconservancy.org
July 2013
Methow Conservancy News
Education in Action
5
The Next Generation Page
Here’s a fun challenge from our new Young Naturalist
Activity Booklet, released last summer. This 16-page
booklet features a variety of kid-friendly, nature-related
activities, including a hiking scavenger hunt, matching
animals to their tracks, coloring pages, and much
more.
hiking scavenger
Stop. Listen. Identify five different sounds.
The booklet is available for $3 from our office and
several businesses in the Methow Valley, or you can
download a free copy from our website at:
http://www.methowconservancy.org/activity_booklet.html.
Listen for a bird song and do your best imitation.
Pretend that a predator is chasing you.
What is the best hiding place you can find?
Thanks to our volunteer Education Committee and
Baylie Peplow for designing this fun guide for the
Methow Valley’s next generation of conservationists.
Pretend that you are a predator.
Can you sneak up on someone?
Find the tiniest bug you can see.
Find the tallest thing around you.
Find a bird’s nest, but don’t touch!
See how high you can stack river rocks.
Find an animal track. Whose is it?
Find three different kinds of leaves.
Pick up three pieces of litter.
Find a heart-shaped rock.
Lie on your back and watch the clouds.
Impact
Summer Interns
(cont. from p. 1)
This summer, the “next generation” is sharing their perspectives with us
through our internship program. Three college students and two Liberty
Bell High School students are spending significant parts of their summer
working with staff on stewardship, education, and outreach projects.
Jamie Daudon (rising sophomore at Colorado College) and Guy Thyer
(rising sophomore at Pomona College) are enjoying a summer up the
Twisp River while helping Stewardship Director Heide Andersen with
a number of field-related projects. Jamie and Guy are researching the
potential for a student conservation corps, helping organize volunteer
fieldwork, and designing a kids curriculum we can use with visiting
groups in the Valley.
Protecting fertile farmland between Winthrop and Twisp has been a
big success of the Imagine the Methow Campaign.
In fact, to date, the Campaign has protected 83% of the farmland in the
Winthrop-Twisp corridor identified as high priority agricultural land.
Other key successes include a complex conservation project designed
to save the view at the Mazama Junction off Highway 20 and several
projects focused on the best endangered salmon spawning grounds on the
Methow, Chewuch, and Twisp Rivers. The Campaign has also resulted
in the first conservation easement projects with orchardists in the Lower
Methow Valley.
Claire Bartholomew (rising senior at Franklin & Marshall College) is
getting an inside peek into the world of nonprofit management and
the community-outreach side of conservation working with Associate
Director Sarah Brooks. Claire will continue a project started last year
by summer intern Sophie Daudon to create a video library of interviews
with conservation easement owners.
Liberty Bell high school students Ella Hall and new student Erik Ellis
will also get a taste of conservation working with Educational Programs
Director Mary Kiesau. We’re looking forward to inspiring a new
generation of conservationists!
“When we talk about the Campaign and its impact, we are really talking
about the donors who made it all possible,” notes Associate Director Sarah
Brooks. “Every acre protected and every experience future generations
will have in the Methow Valley on those acres is a direct result of the
generosity of every donor to this campaign. We thank you all and hope
everyone will join us for our Impact Party next Memorial Day at the
Winthrop Barn as we celebrate all of the projects that will have been
made possible.”
As Paulsen concludes, “This campaign did not end when we raised
the money. It won’t even end when we celebrate next spring having
allocated all the money. It won’t ever end, because it’s impact will be felt
by everyone who lives in and visits this Valley forever.”
The Methow Conservancy
www.methowconservancy.org
Be sure to stop by and say hello to our college summer interns,
Claire Bartholomew, Jamie Daudon, and Guy Thyer.
315 Riverside Avenue 509.996.2870 PO Box 71, Winthrop, Wa 98862
6
Spring/Summer 2013
July 2013 www.methowconservancy.org
Methow Conservancy News
Digging Deeper
An interview with Phil Davis, newly elected President of the Board of Directors
Phil and his wife Cathy split their time between West Seattle and the Methow
Valley. They fell in love with the Methow years ago and bought property here
in 1994. Now that the last of their three boys is off to college, they are spending
more time here, fishing and enjoying other outdoor pursuits, stewarding their
Methow Conservancy conservation easement property, and appreciating the
many opportunities to give back to the community. Most recently, Phil was the
Executive Director of the Hoh River Trust, a land trust that has protected over
7,000 acres on the Olympic Peninsula. Phil joined the Methow Conservancy
Board in 2010 and assumed role of President this past April.
Why did you decide to join the Board of the Methow Conservancy?
It seems for quite a while the Methow Valley has been working on what
it wants to become. And this process hasn’t always been easy, as opposing
forces have challenged the community to find common ground. I see the
Methow Conservancy as the right kind of organization to empower the
people of the Methow Valley to shape a future grounded in their love of the
land and the bounty it provides.
What’s your vision for the future of the Methow Conservancy?
My vision for the Methow Conservancy is that it remains true to its mission
of inspiring a community to care for the land. The Methow Conservancy
can continue to teach us what that means and how to do it, but it really
is up to us to define what it is WE, as a community, want; connected
wildlife corridors, scenic vistas, productive farms and ranches, wild rivers,
or whatever else inspires us about this place.
Current Board President Phil Davis enjoys being outside in the Methow Valley.
Phil believes that helping to inspire the community to care for the land ultimately
helps us all care for each other.
•
What do you appreciate most about the Board of Directors of the
Methow Conservancy?
I love being on the Board of Directors, mostly because of the wonderful
folks who serve on the Board with me. We have such a varied group with
different connections to the Methow Valley, but all sharing a sincere desire •
to help shape a future that balances the need for growth and change while
preserving those elements that make this place so special.
What do you appreciate most about the Methow Conservancy as an
organization?
There are three words that encapsulate how I view the organization and
staff of the Conservancy: integrity, competency, and passion. Everyday we
work to fulfill our mission, which is entirely committed to serving all of us.
Having served on many boards, I can say that this little community-based
land trust is one of the highest functioning organizations I’ve ever been
associated with.
What are the top three challenges or opportunities you see facing the
Methow Conservancy in the next year?
• Where does the community want to see us grow? With that in mind, we
will be updating our Conservation Needs Assessment to help us shape
our future priorities and to make sure we’re working on the right things
today.
How will outside influences shape our challenges and opportunities?
Whether its land use rules, government funding, water and salmon
programs, and the like, the leadership of the Methow Conservancy will
stay connected to all of these brewing issues, recognizing the potential
impact each could have on our work.
How do we engage our community of supporters (volunteers, donors,
advisors, etc) to make sure we remain relevant to them? In the end, we
don’t exist without the generosity of time, energy, and money from all
these folks.
Why do you love the Methow Valley and what do you hope the Methow
Conservancy can do to ensure others will be able to love that same
thing?
Cathy and my love for the Methow Valley grew out of the natural beauty of
this place, and the escape it provided from the urban grind. But as we have
transitioned more of our lives here, it is the people that make this place so
special and the opportunity to get involved in ways that help to strengthen
and empower the community. For me, this is being a part of the Methow
Conservancy. For Cathy, it’s her work with Room One. My hope for the
Methow Conservancy is that our work to inspire people to care for the land
ultimately contributes to a grander purpose of caring for each other.
Honoring 24 Years of Leadership
This past spring, the Methow
Conservancy Board of Directors
recognized three Board members who
have dedicated a total 24 years of
combined service to the organization.
Our bylaws limit board terms to six
continuous years and then a Board
Member must take at least a one year
break, to ensure that we continue to
respond to the ever-changing needs of
this diverse community.
Gilbertsen
Retired Board Member Jane Jane
her
Gilbertsen reminded us of our completed
human need to care for the land. second six year term
as a Board Member
this March. A landowner in the Methow Valley for more
than 20 years, Jane is an incredible connector who often
utilized her legal training to ensure we always think about
all sides of an issue. She made our organization more
thoughtful, more outgoing, and more fun.
Char Alkire finished her six year term this March and can
now enjoy some more free time as a new grandmother.
Char helped guide the organization through periods of
immense growth and success, including reaching our
fundraising goal in the Imagine the Methow Campaign
and our national Land Trust Alliance Accreditation
The Methow Conservancy
process. Char’s instincts for listening
carefully and her belief in the importance of
following best practices made the Methow
Conservancy stronger.
The Board also had a chance to thank
Gordy Reynaud for his six years as a Board
Member. A long-time Valley resident,
Gordy’s parents homesteaded in the
Methow. Gordy is the consummate longterm thinker and he always reminded the
organization that our mission is forever and
our impacts are on behalf Retired Board Member
of future generations.
Gordy Reynaud kept us
focused on the long-term.
With each good-bye also
comes an opportunity to
welcome new Board Members. We are pleased to add
Mary Johnston to our Board of Directors. Mary and her
husband Ray are both architects and came to the Methow
Valley for the first time in 1987 to design a cabin for
a client. They have now designed almost 20 residences
from Carlton to Mazama. Ten years ago they built their
own house up Balky Hill Road and try to get over the
mountains as often as possible. Mary, Ray and their
Retired Board Member Char children Mona and Sam fell in love with the landscape as
Alkire was always willing to jump well as the people of the Methow and are delighted to be
in and get things done.
part of the social fabric here.
www.methowconservancy.org
315 Riverside Avenue
509.996.2870
PO Box 71, Winthrop, Wa 98862
Spring/Summer 2013
www.methowconservancy.org
July 2013
Methow Conservancy News
Leave A Legacy
7
WANTED
Your Help in Eradicating the Villains of the Valley
Visit our New Weed Guide
On-line
for Videos, Advice, & ID Photos
Whitetop
Diffuse
Knapweed
Dalmatian
Toadflax
Anyone can include the
Methow Conservancy
Methow
The Aspen Stand
Conservancy
in their will or as a
beneficiary on an
investment account.
Members of the Aspen Stand receive this You don’t have to
certificate with a photograph by Denny be able to leave us
O’Callaghan. Please let us know if you have millions of dollars and
included us in your estate plans - even if you’ve you don’t have to be
near the end of life to
told us before, tell us again! Thank you!
consider the legacy you
want to leave for the land of the Methow Valley. You should, however,
consult with a financial advisor or legal professional.
This could be it!
Check out our new
short-sleeve
t-shirt and wear your
support for the Methow
Conservancy.
Leaving a Legacy for the Methow Valley
If you have already included the Methow Conservancy in your will, please
officially let us know, so we can include you in our Aspen Stand. Simply
contact Sarah Brooks at [email protected] or via phone at
509-996-2870 or submit our notification form at
www.methowconservancy.org/planned_gift_notification_form.pdf.
If you would like to start a conversation about leaving a legacy in your
will or estate plans, please also contact Sarah Brooks. By planning today,
we will stand for the land tomorrow.
www.methowconservancy.org/weeds.html
Need a New
Favorite
T-Shirt?
Denny O’Callaghan
In our Spring/Summer
Newsletter last year,
we officially launched
our Aspen Stand -- A
Legacy Giving Circle,
recognizing
people
who have notified
us that they have
included the Methow
Conservancy in their
wills or estate plans.
We’ve been honored
and humbled by the
response.
To date,
more than 20 people
have joined our Aspen
Stand. Thank you!
$20 Women’s & Men’s Sizes
Got A Guide?
It's perfect for your pocket.
Get your Methow Conservancy
Methow Valley Field Guide.
Impress your guests and friends with
knowledge of more than 100 plants,
trees, birds, and mammals.
Just $6 at the Methow Conservancy
or other Valley stores.
Annual Business Partners Inspire
In addition to our more than 900 household members, the Methow Conservancy is proud to have the support of 86 local and regional businesses.
Our Business Partners share our belief that protecting the land is good for our local economy. Many of these businesses choose to advertise their support by displaying our Business Partner for Open Space window sticker. Please thank them for supporting conservation in the Methow Valley!
The following businesses have donated to the Methow Conservancy between 1/1/12 and 6/15/13.
1% (or more) for Open Space Program
Central Reservations
Chewuch Inn
Mountain Kind Photography
Gold Partners ($500 and up)
Carney Badley Spellman
David Coleman/Architecture
Lakeview Financial Group, LLC
Mazama Country Inn
Windy Valley Landscaping
Silver Partners ($150-499)
Arrowleaf Bistro
Bear Fight Institute
Blue Sky Real Estate
Blue Star Coffee Roasters
Erlandsen & Associates, Inc.
GA Creative
Gamble Land and Timber, LTD
Gebbers Cattle
Hotel Rio Vista
Housewatch - Cougar Mountain Enterprises
Lost River Winery
Methow Cycle and Sport, LLC
Methow Valley Ski School
Methownet.com
Morning Glory Balloon Tours
NCNB
North Cascades Basecamp
Rendezvous Huts, Inc.
Sawtooth Dental Care
Star Words Professional Productions
Tackman Surveying
Terra Valuations
The Methow Conservancy
The Slag Works
Tucker Printing
Weymuller Photography
Windermere/Methow Valley
Winthrop Mountain Sports
Basic Partners (up to $75)
Badger House Inn
Balance Associates Architects
Bear Creek Equestrian Center LLC
Bluebird Grain Farms
C2C Wildfire, Inc.
Catlin Flying Service LLC
Cinnamon Twisp Bakery
Coldwell Banker Winthrop Realty
Computer Wise
Curtlo Cycles
David Ebenger, Attorney at Law
East 20 Pizza
Energy Solutions
Farmers State Bank
Filer Plumbing
The Floyd Company
Gregg Services
Harmony House Interiors
Inland Professional Title
Integrated Design Concepts, Inc.
Marquez-Pritchard Therapeutic Massage
Mazama Store
Methow Valley Insurance Inc.
Mt. Gardner Inn/Flyfishers Pro Shop
Norwil Electric
Old Schoolhouse Brewery
Pinto Design, LLC
Re/Max Valley Life
Rhinehart Construction
www.methowconservancy.org
315 Riverside Avenue
Richard A. Fisher Architects
Riverside Printing
Sun House Design Services
Tall Timber Design-Build
Twisp River Inn B&B
Winthrop Pump
In Kind
Backcountry Coffee Roasters
Catalyst Photography NW
Copper Maiden
Freestone Inn & Cabins
Gardner Gardens
Glassworks of Winthrop
glitter & grit
Glover Street Market
Methow Suites
Methow Valley Inn
Methow Valley News
Methow Valley Sport Trails Association
Moksha Ayurveda & Yoga
Mountain Style Mosaics
North Cascades Fly Fishing
Paco’s Tacos
Reflected Light
Images
River Run Inn
Spring Creek
Ranch
Sun Mountain
Lodge
Tom’s Fix-It Shop
Trails End Books
Twisp River Pub
Winthrop Wood
Works
509.996.2870
PO Box 71, Winthrop, Wa 98862
8
Spring/Summer 2013
July 2013 www.methowconservancy.org
Methow Conservancy News
From Our Members
Methow Conservancy Members share their stories of inspiration
from the land of the Methow Valley
Methow Methow Methow
hidden valley
tucked into
jagged Cascades
where
Events Calendar
for the latest up-to-date info, see our website at
www.methowconservancy.org/events.html
To register, call us at 509-996-2870.
July 12th: Mountain Wildflower Hike with Mary
Kiesau
A sub-alpine wildflower hike to Copper Pass. Cosponsored by the Native Plant Society Okanogan
Chapter. 8:00am – 5:00pm Free; space limited.
River River River
meanders through
the bottom
watering
A Methow Poem
by Ken Bevis
Biologist, Singer, Songwriter & Poet
Green Green Green
cottonwoods leaf
and hills covered
with balsamroot
exploding
July 21st: Dragonflies, Damselflies and other
Winged Beauties of the Methow Valley
Join Dennis Paulson, one of the most knowledgeable
naturalists and well-known teachers in the Northwest,
for a full day searching lakes, ponds and wildflower
meadows while learning about insects, birds and
plants. 8am - 5pm. Cost $40, registration required,
space limited.
Aug 7th: Gardening “Methow Essentials” SkillsBuilding Class
Meet us at Classroom in Bloom for a gardening
intensive with Alexa Whipple. Topics include fencing,
irrigation, season extension, fertility, pests, weeds and
composting! Time TBA, $15, registration required,
space limited.
Yellow Yellow Yellow
color of spring
profusion
and warm
comfort
then
Aug 11th: River Restoration Ecology Field Class
Take a tour of the large-scale river restoration project
underway at Whitefish Island in the Methow River with
aquatic ecologist and Methow Monitoring Coordinator
John Crandall. 1pm – 4pm, free, space limited.
Sept 28th: Methow Conservancy Annual Cider
Squeeze & Social
Everyone is welcome to this fun event celebrating
community, conservation and the harvest season. Take
a turn on the historic apple press and take home fresh
apple cider. 2:00-4:00pm at Dave and Marilyn Sabold’s
house, free.
Brown Brown Brown
dried grass
deep deer eyes
watch us
into
Oct 1st: The Legacy of Frank S. Matsura, a First
Tuesday presentation with renowned photography
historian Rod Slemmons, 7pm at the Winthrop Barn.
Free. Co-sponsored by the Okanogan Historical
Society.
White White White
Silent winter cold
frozen world
and friends
Slide for Fun
in
Oct 19-20th: Wildlife Track & Sign Certification
Class. Spend two full days in an interactive fieldclass with professional wildlife tracker, naturalist and
educator, David Moskowitz, to earn a professional
certificate in wildlife tracking, $185.
Love Love Love
people fall here
Moon-eyed acts
of passion
for
Want to stay up-to-date on
Methow Conservancy News?
Make sure you receive our monthly E-News!
Methow Methow Methow
our truest
place
Methow
We only print a newsletter twice a year - but each month
we send out the latest and greatest on conservation in the
Methow via our E-News. To sign up, email us at
[email protected]
Share Your Love for the Methow Valley!
Your tax-deductible donation permanently protects the Methow Valley you love.
Use these levels or decide on an amount that works for you: Name __________________________________________________________________
Individual
Family
Supporting
Sustaining
Leadership Circle
Other
$35 - $49
$50 - $99
$100 - $499
$500 - $999
$1000 & up
$____
Address _________________________________________________________________
City_________________________________ State__________ Zip________________
Email(s) ________________________________________________________________
(you will receive our once-a-month E-News, our primary source of news and events and periodic updates)
You may also contribute with a credit card.
Use our secure on-line donation system. Phone__________________________________________________________________
Go to www.methowconservancy.org and
Thank You!
click the “Make a Donation” button.
Mail with your check made payable to Methow Conservancy to: PO Box 71 • Winthrop, WA 98862
The Methow Conservancy
www.methowconservancy.org
315 Riverside Avenue
509.996.2870
PO Box 71, Winthrop, Wa 98862