Mission
The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide.
Primary Programs/Projects
The Nature Conservancy co-established the Skagit River Bald Eagle Natural Area (SRBENA) in 1976 to protect habitat for wintering bald eagles and the salmon upon which they depend. Through the years the Conservancy has come to recognize the importance of the entire Skagit River system to many other species and its particular importance in supporting some of the largest salmon and trout populations in the region. As this recognition spread, so too did its work.
The Conservancy has worked throughout the basin on a variety of projects including protection of critical habitat, habitat restoration and control of invasive weeds, and scientific research. habitat protection and restoration projects. To date more than 15,000 acres have been protected by the Conservancy and its many partners. Recognizing the vital nature of the Skagit’s delta and estuary to the overall health of the river and of Puget Sound, the Conservancy is now focusing most of its attention on the critical conservation needs in the Skagit lowlands, helping to ensure a healthy future for nature and people. Priorities include developing innovative approaches to restoring estuary habitat, protecting communities from flooding and preserving area farms so that they can be successful while providing even better habitat for wildlife.
Reason for Participating on the Skagit Watershed Council
The Conservancy’s goal is to protect the amazing natural diversity of the Skagit watershed and ensure a thriving future for nature and people. Because of their direct relationship to the health of the watershed and Puget Sound as a whole, wild salmon are one of our principal conservation targets. The Skagit Watershed Council is a highly effective mechanism for its many member organizations to develop a collaborative, strategic and science-driven approach to salmon recovery and to work together to develop and implement the most important projects to protect and restore the river system. The Nature Conservancy hopes that our work contributes to the goals and spirit of the Skagit Watershed Council, and that the Council’s efforts ultimately help create a sustainable future for all.
