A New Way, A New Forest

Written by Robin Stanton, Media Relations Manager
Photographed by Hannah Letinich, Volunteer Photographer

Some 25 foresters from a variety of agencies hiked up into the sun-filled forest of the LT Murray Wildlife Area on a May morning to practice a new way of evaluating tree stands and selecting trees for ecological restoration thinning.

The workshop, led by University of Washington research scientist Derek Churchhill who developed the method, was organized by our own senior forest ecologist Ryan Haugo.

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It brought together foresters from the U.S. Forest Service, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Parks, Department o fNatural Resources, and The Nature Conservancy to learn this new way of ecological restoration. The method, called ICO, for Individuals, Clumps and Openings, is designed with the goal of creating a mosaic pattern in the forest to make it more like historic conditions.

This all part of the preparation for a 100,000-acre restoration project in the region to be carried out by the Tapash Sustainable Forests Collaborative, of which the Conservancy is a partner.

Learn More About Our Work in Forests

May Volunteer Spotlight: Hannah Letinich

The month of May is a time when trees are leafing out, flowers are blossoming, and birds are migrating north – a great time to be a photographer in Washington State, so it is fitting that we are highlighting our lead volunteer photographer, Hannah Letinich, for our May volunteer spotlight!

Hannah has been volunteering with TNC a little over a year and just recently went from volunteer photographer to lead volunteer photographer. She coordinates and bottom-lines assignments with fellow volunteer photographers and videographers, ensures staff photography needs are being met, and provides guidance and direction on assignments in addition to photographing special events, volunteer work parties and other fun projects.

Aside from volunteering with The Nature Conservancy, Hannah has been involved in photography most of her life and studies multi media production at The Evergreen State College with a focus on Sustainability and Justice. Through her volunteer work with TNC she has been growing as a wildlife and documentary photographer.

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Learn more about Hannah in her interview below, and check out some of the assignments she’s worked on for us.

The Nature Conservancy: What inspired you to start volunteering with The Nature Conservancy?

Hannah Letinich: I am inspired by the success of TNC, the people I encounter and photograph who are creating change and awareness in order to preserve the amazing places on the planet.

TNC: What gives you the most hope for the future?

Hannah: I see hope in the younger generations, they are learning how to be more respectful of nature and are more aware of their impact.

TNC: What's your favorite thing to do when you're not volunteering?

Hannah: When I'm not photographing I'm communications manager at Mountain to Sound Outfitters and my favorite past time is paddling my 18 foot wooden canoe with my Fiancé Todd.

TNC: What do you think the world will be like in 50 years?

Hannah: I have no idea, but let's make it great!

TNC: Who is your environmental hero?

Hannah: My Dad Rob Letinich, he lived on a wooden sailboat, ate and shopped local, was conscious of his impact on the Earth and helped others see the benefit in being sustainable.

TNC: Is there anything you would like to see The Nature Conservancy doing that we are not already doing?

Hannah: I am very excited about the volunteer photography program in Washington, I hope it grows moving forward to help build imagery that will help promote the preservation of Washington's wild places!    

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Revelling in the Beauty of Roslyn

Scenes from our October Membership Hike through the Central Cascades

Photographed by Hannah Letinich, Volunteer Northwest Photographer

The Conservancy preserves some of the best places to view Autumn's colorful arrival. Members were in for a treat during our fall membership hike through the Central Cascades. It was exciting day learning about the wondrous beauty of our 48,000 acre acquisition near Roslyn. Members enjoyed the scenery and had a chance to learn firsthand the work our foresters are doing to keep Washington beautiful. See photos from the day in the slideshow above!

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