(The Center Square) – The Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission voted to approve the acquisition of Springwood Ranch in an effort to save declining salmon populations and secure water supplies.

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2021 – Today the Biden-Harris administration outlined a vision for how the United States can work collaboratively to conserve and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife that support and sustain the nation. The recommendations are contained in a report released today (PDF, 540 KB) outlining a locally led and voluntary nationwide conservation goal to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

THE USDA IS DAYS AWAY FROM ANNOUNCING “GREATER OPPORTUNITIES” FOR LANDOWNERS TO TAKE FRAGILE FARMLAND OUT OF PRODUCTION IN EXCHANGE FOR AN ANNUAL PAYMENT, SAID AGRICULTURE SECRETARY TOM VILSACK ON THURSDAY.

“The fact that they were willing to do a sales tax that would dedicate funding to try to keep these ranches working, I think that’s pretty amazing. I think it’s something that could be duplicated throughout the state,” said Kelly, whose land was originally homesteaded in the 1870s.

Mike Petersen, a longtime conservation advocate and executive director of the Lands Council, was fired by the board of directors March 5. Petersen had worked at the council for nearly 30 years.