Resolution to Endorse the I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition Advocating wildlife passage of the highest standard for the upgrade of Interstate 90 between Hyak and Easton

I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition 3414 ½ Fremont Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206-675-9747 x208 info@i90wildlifebridges.org www.i90wildlifebridges.org

Whereas the forested zone between the Alpine Lakes and Mount Rainier in Washington State has long been recognized by US Forest Service biologists as "a critical connective link in the north-south movement of [wildlife] in the Cascade Range";

Whereas landmark conservation efforts and management plans are in place to protect the unique ecological and recreational features of this zone, among them the Mountains to Sound Greenway, the Northwest Forest Plan, the Interstate 90 Land Exchange, and The Cascades Conservation Partnership;

Whereas private and public investment in land acquisition for lands targeted by The Cascades Conservation Partnership alone has exceeded $72 million since May 2000, protecting 34,000 acres;

Whereas for decades Interstate 90 has bisected this area and remains a formidable barrier to wildlife passage, contributing to the separation of numerous wildlife species into north and south populations, thereby decreasing long-term viability;

Whereas the Washington State Department of Transportation is preparing plans for a major upgrade of 15 miles of I-90 east of Snoqualmie Pass to address congestion, avalanche closures, human safety, and wildlife passage;

Whereas significant structural improvements, including extending bridges, constructing new bridges and installing overpasses for wildlife are needed at several locations to provide a high level of passage for all species of wildlife and restore hydrologic function;

Whereas the I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition has formed to use public education and outreach, dialogue with agency and elected officials, and grassroots organizing to advocate that wildlife passage of the highest standard be incorporated into the long-term plans for this project;

Be it therefore resolved that    Earth Ministry    officially endorses the efforts of the I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition to secure a high level of wildlife connectivity in the Hyak-Easton segment of I-90 and wishes to be listed as such on printed and online materials and to receive updates on coalition efforts.


Comments:    Earth Ministry is a Christian, environmental non-profit in Seattle and has about 1500 members and works with 104 congregations located in the State of Washington. We strongly endorse this initiative due to the substantial contribution it will make toward the preservation of Washington's natural capital without which the social and economic capital of the State will not be maintained. Ultimately this action is an ethical act that cares for all creation - the human and more than human - and will help ensure our generation leaves a healthy creation for the generations that will follow us.

Rev. Roger D. Hudson _____________________ Printed Name and Title _______________________________________ Authorized Signature 27 May 2004 ____________________________ Date

_______________________________________ Contact Person and Title(if different) 6512 23rd Avenue NW, Suite 317, Seattle, WA 98117 Contact Address rhudson@earthministry.org Contact Phone and Email