CONSERVATION

The purpose of the Conservation Committee is to inform the board and general membership of conservation issues and volunteer opportunities related to the conservation of nature and outdoor recreational areas. The ongoing development and maintenance of this page is to provide a current Conservation Contact List for names, phone numbers, addresses of people and organizations related to conservation where those interested persons can obtain more information on conservation related issues and volunteering opportunities. American Alps Legacy Project The American Alps Legacy Project (www.AmericanAlps.org) proposes to expand the North Cascades National Park to better preserve the long-term integrity of this precious ecosystem. It emphasizes the paramount importance of wildlife and fish biodiversity uniquely coupled with an increase in park size and visitation that will also result in significant economic growth.  Enhanced highway gateways with visitor centers at east and west entry points to the park will guide tourists to family centered nature pathways and animal view points.  The North Cascades National Park with its spectacular scenery and mountain goat viewing does no less deserve to be a tourist destination than other parks such as Glacier or Rainier and deserves our political support.  Volunteers are needed. Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs The Mt Baker Club is a member of this organization which can be visited at www.federationofwesternoutdoorclubs.org and, as a voting member, we can propose a resolution at the annual convention for review and vote. Conservation is the focus for this regional group of clubs especially on issues of a more regional, national, and global concern. The Chuckanut Conservancy The primary purpose of this organization is to work toward the protection of the best remaining wetlands in the Chuckanut Range, which includes Blanchard Mountain. Attention is also devoted to the North Cascades Corridor Project consisting of 200 square miles of land stretching for the Chuckanut Mountains to Mt. Baker. This website has many educational and informational hikes and events listed (www.chuckanutconservancy.org). The Pacific Northwest Trail Association The mission of this organization is to construct, protect, and maintain this scenic trail for present and future generations.  The trail stretches 1200 miles from Glacier National Park in Montana to Washington�s Olympic National Park. More information and volunteer opportunities are available at their website (www.pnt.org). Conservation Northwest This is an organization that has a focus on conservation issues in Washington State such as the release of fishers in Olympic National Park and the creation of a Whatcom watershed preserve with trails for hikers and horseback riders. For much more information, volunteer opportunities, and events visit www.conservationnw.org where persons can also subscribe to updates by email. Whatcom Land Trust Whatcom Land Trust�s conservation properties total 9,775 acres and their involvement has contributed toward the development of 11 county parks and the acquisition of 4 future park sites. Canyon Lake, Squires Lake, Teddy Bear Cove, Lilly Point, and Point Whitehorne among other sites offer opportunity for hiking and birding.  A free quarterly newsletter can be downloaded from their website at www.whatcomlandtrust.org in addition to information on events and volunteer opportunities. North Cascades Institute The North Cascades Institute offers conservation educational programs and events from Mountain School to Family Getaways and Youth Adventures (4th � 12th grade) to connect the next generation to nature. These educational opportunities can be an individual or shared family experience.  For more information visit www.ncascades.org or call (360)854-2599. Whatcom Watch Whatcom Watch is reportedly a grassroots environmental newspaper in Bellingham.  Articles by local authors about a new over the water walkway from the Cornwall area to Boulevard Park and other issues can be read at www.whatcomwatch.org.

In 1792 an English lieutenant by the name of Joseph Baker sighted the mountain from the deck of Captain George Vancouver�s sloop Discovery in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Captain Vancouver named the mountain in Lt. Baker�s honor.