Current Work
Our projects put Rights of Nature into practice in Washington. Some focus on defending and strengthening rights-based tools, some explore how to insert ecosystem rights into existing legal processes, and some build a path for broader adoption.
Each project page is a plain-English guide with current status, key questions, and primary sources so you can understand what’s happening and why it matters.
Everett: Snohomish River Case
A local Rights of Nature effort that became a real-world test of drafting, standing, local authority, and remedies. Track the appeal and see how courts handle ecosystem rights at the local level.
Status: Active appeal
Nooksack
A basin-wide water rights adjudication that will shape future flows, habitat, and the resilience of communities and ecosystems. This project explores how ecosystem interests can be made legible in the process.
Status: Planning and participation
Model Legislation
Research and drafting focused on practical paths Washington could adopt, including a state constitutional amendment and policy or legislative options that better protect legacy forests, watersheds, and other living systems.
Status: Research and drafting
RONI (Rights of Nature Initiative)
Outreach and coalition-building to help Washington communities, advocates, and environmental organizations engage Rights of Nature concepts and explore shared legal strategies.
Status: In development
How We Work
Defend and strengthen rights-based tools
We defend and strengthen rights-based tools when they are challenged, and we help clarify what communities and institutions can do to protect ecosystems in practice.
Build workable legal models
We develop models with clear definitions, enforceable duties, and remedies that fit Washington’s legal landscape.
Translate and teach
We turn complex legal ideas into plain-English resources and share primary sources so readers can verify and go deeper.
Looking for the advocacy path? Visit Standing for Washington. If you are an attorney, policymaker, researcher, or potential partner, contact us.
