Can't Stop Won't Stop
38 meetings, an address by Senator Merkley, and a great networking reception. Whew.
In the shadow of history
Today the WWiW participants spread out across the sunny city for the day's 38 scheduled meetings. WWiWer's meet with Senators and Representatives from both sides of the aisle, committee staffers, and interest groups. Members of the Eastern Policy Network joined us to advocate for issues of shared importance, such as collaboration, the conservation of private lands and landowner access and participation in emerging markets for ecosystem services.
Between jaunts back and forth on the Hill, participants got a chance to grab a breather in the Botanical Gardens or venture across the mall to see how the monuments were holding up. Although the pace of the week is extremely brisk and rigorous, many participants were fortunate to attend energetic and engaging meetings.
The day culminated with one of the most exciting events of the week at the WWiW reception Celebrating Rural Communities and Conservation hosted by Sustainable Northwest, American Forests and the National Rural Assembly.
We were pleased with the turn out - including our local partners, we were fortunate to have over 100 individuals attend from congressional offices, federal agencies, national organizations and foundations.
The evening was highlighted with speeches from the Honorable Senator Merkley (OR) and Robert Bonnie (USDA Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Environment and Climate). They thanked the coalition for the work we are doing to address both the economic and ecologic needs of the West.
