For over 35 years, the Cascade Forest Conservancy has been the only conservation group dedicated specifically to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (GPNF) and surrounding state and private lands. This beautiful 1.3 million acre area stretches from Mount Rainier to the Columbia River Gorge, including iconic peaks like Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams. Our programs are diverse, including volunteer projects to help wildlife and restore our streams, and advocacy campaigns to protect wild places and prevent mining next to Mount St. Helens.

Sustainable Forestry, Collaboration, and Advocacy. One of CFCs primary goals is to advocate for the conservation of critical wildlife habitat and overall forest and watershed health. We work directly with the Forest Service and through two collaborative groups of local stakeholders to work through difficult resource issues and promote sustainability. As a result, we have kept thousands of acres of mature forest from being clearcut, improved water quality in our streams and rivers, and helped fish and wildlife populations. We encourage projects that promote backcountry recreational activities like hiking, camping, and fishing, provide economic viability for local communities. CFC is also leading a large coalition of businesses and conservation groups to prevent the construction of a copper and gold mine in the Green River valley near Mount St. Helens. Our grassroots campaign will protect this beautiful river valley for future generations.

Science and Restoration. CFC is a science-based organization that leads landscape-scale conservation and restoration projects to maintain the pristine and wild places on our public lands. We plant trees, reintroduce native species like beaver, improve aquatic habitat, restore areas damaged by wildfire, and monitor wildlife populations. Many of these projects grew out of a 2016 study we conducted on the impacts of climate change in Washingtons South Cascades. That document is available on our website.

Gifford Pinchot Stewards (GPS). This is CFCs flagship volunteer program, where youth and adult volunteers help lead fun and meaningful science trips into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. These trips serve to reconnect people, especially our digitally-focused youth, with the outdoors and foster respect for nature. Through Young Friends of the Forest, a subset of the GPS program, we offer science and restoration trips at no cost to underserved schools throughout Southwest Washington and the Portland Metro Area. The work carried out by volunteers has a direct and tangible impact on the health of our forests and watersheds.