Rural Changes in the Methow Valley: A Series on the Landscape and People of the Valley

In the Methow we care deeply about the land and community. Like other rural communities in the West, the Methow is experiencing increased development pressures, including population growth, the high cost of housing, the disappearance of agricultural land and changing values on place and community. The Methow Conservancy and TwispWorks have partnered to host a 5-week class series (one class per week) to provide information and engage the public in discussions on these topics.

The series aims to provide information on the current conditions of the Methow Watershed and its people, while considering implications for the future. The five classes will cover topics related to land use, ecological health, and structural changes in the community, culminating in a panel discussion with key stakeholders and organizations on potential solutions and strategies for the future.

When: Monday Evenings, September 20th – October 18th, 7 – 8:30pm

Where: Your home computer. This will be a Zoom Series. Link provided after registration.

Cost: $50 for access to all 5 sessions. No individual class purchases. Scholarships are available.

Registration: Email info@methowconservancy.org

September 20th: State of the Methow
Explore trends in human population, land use, residential development, and land protection with Methow Conservancy Conservation Biologist Julie Grialou.

September 27th: Rural Restructuring in the American West
Join Twisp Works Program Director Julie Tate-Libby for a background on tourism, amenity migration and rural restructuring in the American West.

October 4th: The Methow as a Community
Learn about the changes in socioeconomics that we have experienced and how our community has responded with Julie Tate-Libby and guest speakers.

October 11th: Trends in Ecological Conditions
Hear about the current and future state of our fish, wildlife, water, and wildfire from local professionals and experts including Cascade Fisheries Biologist Kristen Kirkby, WDFW District Wildlife Biologist Scott Fitkin, UW Forest and Fire Research Scientist Susan Prichard, and others.

October 18th: Implications for the Future
Engage with a panel of local non-profit organizations, agency representatives, and elected officials (TBD) in a town hall style discussion about our shared future and potential actions that the community can take.