May 2009

In this issue

	2009 Legislative Session Wrap-up
	Climate: It's Up In The Air
	Celebrate Spring: Flowers and Critters
	Online Resources For the Friends

About the Friends

The Friends of Our Natural Heritage is a group of citizens throughout Washington state who provide a voice for conservation. By taking simple steps to educate officials and community leaders about the value of our state's natural heritage, Friends are helping to safeguard and restore some of the most ecologically valuable lands and waters remaining in Washington. Stay involved -- and invite your friends to join the Friends!

For more information about the program or to sign up, visit our Web site or contact Jeff Compton at The Nature Conservancy: (206) 343-4345, ext. 384 or jcompton@tnc.org.

2009 Legislative Session Wrap-up

As you know, the 2009 state legislative session is over. This was a tough year - state revenue projections were terrible, and only got worse as the session progressed. There were many budget cuts and disappointments. But there were also highlights, considering the challenges.

We've put a summary of the 2009 Washington legislative session - from our perspective - on our Web site. Click here to read our summary, including major budget developments, a few significant bills that passed, and the fate of the environmental community's shared priorities.

Climate: It's Up In The Air

There's a great deal happening around the topic of climate change these days. We wanted to make sure you were hip to some of the latest. If you aren't able to get involved, you'll still have something cool to talk about at parties!

First, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is holding a rare public hearing on May 21st in Seattle to take testimony on its proposed finding that "global warming pollution is a threat to public health and welfare." There will also be a rally at noon to show support for taking action on climate change. Click here for links that will answer your questions about this historic EPA decision and the events on the 21st.

Second, while there have been some climate disappointments in Olympia recently, much is happening on climate policy at the federal level right now. Last Friday, comprehensive legislation that would address global warming and energy security was introduced in Congress. Eric Haxthausen, Director of The Nature Conservancy’s U.S. Climate Policy program, is following this development on the "Cool Green Science" blog. Why does The Nature Conservancy care about this and what do we think of the bill? Read the blog.

Finally, climate change remains a priority for The Nature Conservancy. Read more about our approach, and try our Carbon Footprint calculator.

Celebrate Spring: Flowers and Critters

Get outside this spring! There are so many great things to see.

Why not start with wildflowers? They're blooming all over Washington right now. Click here for a few suggestions on places to go.

Prefer cute critters? Can't get away? You can explore wildlife webcams right now!

You can enjoy features like these and more every month by signing up for The Nature Conservancy's Great Places e-newsletter.

Online Resources For the Friends

There is a section of The Nature Conservancy's web site dedicated to the Friends of Our Natural Heritage. There we post more information about our public priorities, links for finding officials, and other information to help you speak up for nature.

Friends quiz: What entities are now allowed, after this past legislative session, to apply for funding from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program? 

Go to nature.org/Washington/friends and bookmark the page for easy reference. Your feedback is most welcome.