The Blue Mountains consist of a series of majestic ranges interspersed with remote valleys, rugged canyons carved by free-flowing rivers, expansive forests and grasslands, and rural place-based communities.

This complex and diverse landscape spans over 27,000 square miles, an area larger than West Virginia. The Blue Mountains stretch beyond northeastern Oregon’s borders to the Rocky Mountains of central Idaho, and north into southeastern Washington.

Few places in the US this large remain intact with the opportunity to protect vital habitats that support the movements of large mammals, migratory fish and birds—elk, moose, sockeye salmon, golden eagles—and also provide clean water, climate benefits, outdoor recreation, and jobs.

There is much at stake in this large, diverse region where big trees are crucial for carbon storage, mountains supply the region’s water supply, and forests stretch from the Cascades to the Rockies forming a wildlife corridor of continental-scale importance. But the region lacks a holistic conservation vision that responds to the threats this area faces.

David will speak to you about the importance of Public Lands as part of a vision to secure the Blue Mountains as key refugia values; movement and rewilding, clean cold water, forest habitat, and fire refugia during this time of rapid change.

Painting by Robin Coen: "Microrefugia for Salamander".

For more information please visit: Refugia of the Blues - Events - The Confluence Series