Peter Goldmark to give lecture on Wash. public lands

Peter Goldmark, Washington’s Commissioner of Public Lands, will give the Foley Invited Lecture on Nov. 15.

Peter Goldmark, Washington’s Commissioner of Public Lands, will give the Foley Invited Lecture on Nov. 15.

Peter Goldmark, Washington’s Commissioner of Public Lands, will give the Foley Invited Lecture, “The Evergreen State: Our Legacy, Our Future,” at noon, Tuesday, Nov. 15, at The Foley Institute, 308 Bryan Hall.

The lecture offers a compelling description of the challenges facing Washington’s natural landscapes, with a vivid overview of the unique forests, grasslands, agricultural areas and waterways being affected by climate change and other issues. Goldmark tells the stories of communities, tribes and individuals on the landscape and describes how our state is trying to cope.

At the heart of the lecture is a profound call to service, asking those who live in the Evergreen State to take action, including work in the state’s natural resource agencies, to protect and conserve our natural heritage.

A scientist, rancher and environmentalist, Goldmark was first elected in 2008 by people across the state to oversee millions of acres of our forests, grasslands and waterways. He has worked to restore Puget Sound, conserve threatened species, battle wildfire, preserve forestry jobs and keep revenue flowing for Washington schools.

A molecular biologist and organic wheat producer, Goldmark has created two new wheat varieties, and published scientific articles in national and international journals. He is a former member of the Washington State University Board of Regents, and a frequent commentator and lecturer on environmental topics.

Pizza, soda and a discussion of public lands are part of the event, which is ponsored by CAHNRS, the College of the Arts and Sciences, The School of the Environment, and The Foley Institute.