Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance Advocating for resource lands of the beautiful Snoqualmie River Valley
The SVPA Mission and Purpose
Our mission is to protect and enhance the lives, livelihoods, lands,
and waters of the beautiful, Snoqualmie River Valley.
Since forming in 2010, the Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance has become a very effective force for forging productive relationships between community members, farmers, residents, and county and state officials. We have found creative solutions to shared challenges, and made significant headway on some key issues central to protecting the Valley, especially in the area of flooding, development impacts, and water rights. Learn more about what we do.
The SVPA is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of a Pacific Northwest regional treasure, the Snoqualmie Valley. The Snoqualmie Valley is comprised of over 440,000 acres of forests, farms, and small cities, all within an hours’ drive of Seattle and within King County. As the urban centers expand rapidly, the rural counterpoint, the environmental and economic viability of the Valley are put under great pressure.
Recently, the Valley’s agricultural zone has been greatly impacted by larger flooding events, incompatible land uses, and large scale restoration projects. The SVPA advocates for farms, farmers, and landowners because we believe that all of King County benefits from a viable local food source, sustainable small rural businesses and myriad recreation opportunities, just minutes from our urban centers.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At the Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance, we commit to fostering and maintaining a culture of openness, belonging, and inclusivity, where everyone’s voice is heard and made part of decision-making. We recognize the existence and impact of systemic racism, socioeconomic disparities, inequitable access to resources, marginalization, and biases have deeply affected vulnerable communities and understand that these impacts extend well beyond the scale of our work. It is our intention to actively listen, engage, and learn from those most impacted in order to cultivate a deeper understanding as we pursue our mission. As an organization, we are continuously building upon our framework of mindful practices to foster an earnest and deep effort to understand and welcome people with different skills, backgrounds, stories, needs, and lived experiences. The work of SVPA is more powerful when we embrace, represent, and respect these differences and aids the reconstruction of more equitable, fair, and just systems.
The SVPA: A Voice for protecting the Snoqualmie Valley. Hear from farmers and landowners about how the SVPA works for them and the ongoing health of the region.
SVPA LEADERSHIP
Lauren Silver, Executive Director
Lauren Silver grew up in rural Northeast Michigan, right on a large inland lake and only 15 minutes from Great Lake Huron. She spent countless hours boating, swimming, and fishing on the lake, backpacking and rock climbing in the Upper Peninsula, and riding her horses at her family’s farm down the road from their home. Growing up in an agricultural community surrounded by beautiful lakes and rivers, Lauren became enthralled by natural resources and food and farming systems.
She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and a Master of Science in Conservation Ecology with a specialization in Aquatic Ecosystems from the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment. Throughout Lauren’s career, she has worked in a variety of different roles allowing her to build a multidisciplinary skill set encompassing natural resources conservation, watershed management, agriscience and agricultural technical assistance, education and outreach, and community engagement. For 5 years prior to moving to Washington, she worked for the Grand Traverse Conservation District and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development providing one-on-one technical assistance to agricultural producers of all sizes and commodities to prevent and mitigate environmental and legal risks on their farms. She also was the co-founder and co-developer of the Great Lakes Incubator Farm program, a land-based farm training program that lowers barriers and challenges to beginning farmers, aids in the succession of local farmland, and educates producers about regenerative agricultural practices.
Regina Fletcher, Floodzilla Gage Network Field Scientist
Regina Fletcher grew up in Western Washington and has a background in GIS mapping. She completed her undergraduate degree at Western Washington University in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy. She spent several years working as a Geo Visual Data Specialist for Google, including projects involving updating routing and other vital user data during natural disasters. She was inspired by these projects to continue her education and completed her M.A. in Biology through Miami University’s Project Dragonfly AIP program, which partners with Woodland Park Zoo as a learning facility for class courses. Her educational work included studying community-based environmental solutions and emerging technologies in conservation. She also focused on stream habitat in the Pacific Northwest, and volunteers in her community with local advocacy groups for water quality monitoring of urban streams and wildlife monitoring with camera traps.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- Wayne Gullstad, President – Cherry Creek Farm
- Janet Keller, Secretary – Keller Dairy
- Joe Haberzetle, Treasurer – Valley landowner
- Patrick McGlothin – Goose and Gander Farm
- Cynthia Krass – Natural Resource Planning & Farmland Advocate
- Nathan Sherfey – Remlinger Farms
- Bob Anderson – Valley landowner
- Geary Eppley – Acacia Farm
- Jeff Groshell – Snoqualmie Falls Golf Course
- Jim Shannon – Natural Resources Consultant
- Rick VanderKnyff – Digital Editor & Farming Advocate