Wild Blues

An evening of science and stewardship

The Blue Mountains contain some of the most ecologically important intact forests remaining in the interior Northwest — biodiverse natural refugia that store massive amounts of carbon, safeguard water supplies, support wildlife, and buffer communities like Walla Walla from floods, drought and the challenges of a changing climate.

Join us for an evening of learning and connection, featuring a keynote by Dr. Dominick DellaSala, a globally-recognized leader in conservation science, and culminating in a panel discussion with regional conservation leaders Paula Hood, co-director of the Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project, and Jamie Dawson, conservation director of Greater Hells Canyon Council.

We will explore the latest science on forests as integrity, what intact landscapes teach us about resilience, how large-scale conservation strategies are evolving, and how public engagement informs forest planning.

As the Blue Mountains Forest Plan enters revision, decisions made in the coming years will shape these ecosystems for generations. This conversation offers context, clarity, and pathways for meaningful participation.

The wild Blue Mountains are not just central to our regional identity, they are our lifeline. Our community can help ensure forest planning reflects both ecological knowledge and shared public values.

Dr. Dominick DellaSala

Dr. Dominick A. DellaSala is Senior Conservation Science Associate at Conservation Biology Institute and former President of the Society for Conservation Biology, North America Section. He is an internationally renowned author of more than 300 peer-reviewed papers and 9 award-winning books on forests, climate change, endangered species, and speaking truth to power. Dominick has given plenary and keynote talks at numerous academic conferences, the United Nations Earth Summit and international climate change and biodiversity summits. He has appeared in National Geographic, Science Digest, Science Magazine, Scientific American, Time Magazine, Audubon Magazine, National Wildlife Magazine, High Country News, Terrain Magazine, NY Times, LA Times, USA Today, Jim Lehrer News Hour, CNN, MSNBC, “Living on Earth (NPR),” several PBS documentaries and even Fox News! Dominick has served on several committees, including White House Council task forces on forests and the Oregon’s Global Warming Commission carbon task force reporting to the governor. He is editor of numerous scientific journals. Dominick is motivated by his work to leave a living planet for his 2 daughters, 4 grandkids and all those that follow.

Paula Hood is Co-Director of Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project, a nonprofit based in Fossil, Oregon, that works to protect and restore the ecosystems of the Blue Mountains and eastern Oregon Cascades. Paula has spent over 20 years working on behalf of forests and wildlands in Oregon and Washington, and has focused much of her work on field surveys and on-the-ground research. She holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Portland State University. Paula lives in Eugene with her two dogs and partner.

Jamie Dawson is the Conservation Director at Greater Hells Canyon Council based in Wallowa County, OR. She reviews proposed activities on public lands in our region and advocates for well-connected and healthy habitats for fish and wildlife across the Blues, Wallowas, and Hells Canyon.