We often talk about public lands as playgrounds. But for many tribal nations, these places are homelands. Outdoor recreation is growing. Trailheads are full. Alpine lakes see record visitation. Social media drives more people to once-quiet places. And while that growth is a testament to how much people love wild places, it can come with real consequences. For tribal nations across Washington State, increased recreation on public lands directly impacts ancestral lands, treaty-protected rights, and the wildlife and ecosystems tribes have stewarded for generations. How do we balance growing outdoor recreation with Tribal sovereignty, cultural access, and stewardship of ancestral lands? As recreation expands, how do we move forward responsibly?

SPEAKERS: 

• Libby Nelson, Sr. Environmental Policy Analyst, Tulalip Tribes
• Sarah Ballew, External Affairs Program Manager, Snoqualmie Tribe
• Ezekiel Rohloff, Wildlife Biologist, Snoqualmie Tribe
• Joel Sisolak, Lands Planning and Recreation Manager, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
• Moderator: Betsy Robblee, Conservation and Advocacy Director, The Mountaineers

RESOURCES:

• The Recreation Boom on Public Lands in Western Washington: Impacts to Wildlife and Implications for Treaty Tribes
• Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement
• State Tribal Recreation Impact Initiative (STRI)
• ⁠⁠Subscribe to Winter Wildlands Alliance⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Winter Wildlands Alliance Stash Blog⁠⁠

SUPPORTED BY: Outdoor Alliance, REI Co-op, The Mountaineers, Duct Tape Then Beer/Dirt Bag Diaries, High Country News, Phreem Family Brewers, and University of Washington’s Pack Forest.

CREDITS:

• Produced and co-hosted by Anneka Williams and Emily Scott
• Edited by Adam Titmuss
• Theme music by Rattlesnake Preachers feat. Kerry McClay
• Additional Music by Blue Dot Sessions