We've been sending intrepid volunteers into the field for a decade to hopefully capture on film the Northwest's rarest and wildest critters. This week, we hit the jackpot. One of our cameras captured wolf pups in the North Cascades, and DNA results from 2 wolves that are likely their parents were verified as 100% wild wolf from BC.

This is an historic occasion, and we are thrilled to be a part of documenting wolves' return to Washington almost 80 years after their extirpation from the state. A huge welcome to the "Lookout Pack"

The whole story: www.conservationnw.org/wildlife-hab itat/wolf-pack-confirmed-in-north-c entral-washington

Hear the "Lookout Pack" howl: www.conservationnw.org/audiovideo/w olves-once-more-in-wa

Watch an animated slide show of the camera:
www.conservationnw.org/slideshow/slower3.gif

Cool video on "howlbox" testing in Idaho to count wolf populations:
http://videos.idahostatesman.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=1965470&item_index=1

As you can probably guess, we work extensively with software called GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to map and analyze forest health, wildlife needs, and economic impacts of forest practices across the region. The software we have been using is a decade old and no longer communicates very easily with other agencies' newer versions.

So, we applied for and received a grant from ESRI for $20,000 in the latest software and training!

What we need to do now is upgrade the 4 PCs that will be housing the software--one copy in each office for staff to share. We need to raise $2,000 for larger hard drives and memory upgrades, as well as to cover the mileage for David, Derek, Jen, and I to attend trainings, and admin fees.

Please donate today to meet our $2000 challenge.

http://www.conservationnw.org/donate
Use code "facebook" in comments and be in a raffle for fun gear!

Fisher updates!

Hey all, the WDFW has their fisher reintroduction updates up on their site, including fun video footage (the slow motion clips just scream for Chariots of Fire music!) Have a look:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/diversty/soc/fisher/updates.htm

We are so proud to have played a pivotal role in the work to return fisher to Washington!

Downtown Sounds in Bellingham is tomorrow!

Join us at a concert in the alley.

THE ACORN PROJECT
Vaughn Kreestoe

Wed, July 16
6-9 PM
On the alley between Bay & Champion Streets, just off Holly (next to the Wild Buffalo)

We'll post photos here, and so can you!

Info on Downtown Sounds: http://www.downtownbellingham.co...