Leading Bark into the Future
Hello, Bark Community!
Thank you for all the ways that you support Bark. In this time of unprecedented attacks on forests, the climate, and communities, it is more urgent than ever to sustain the webs of connection with one another. Bark has a long history of courageous advocacy against exploitative resource extraction and in defense of the forests and communities of Mt. Hood. We continue this advocacy with renewed urgency, together with all of you.
Bark is currently undergoing a leadership transition. Rich Walczak, who joined Bark as Executive Director in November 2023, concluded his tenure at Bark and is now pursuing other professional opportunities. We are grateful to Rich for his time with Bark and his sincere care for the many issues facing us today.
Bark’s operations are in the capable hands of Interim Executive Director Julie Falk and a staff Transition Team. Julie and the Transition Team are working closely with the Board of Directors to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of Bark’s mission and operations. Program staff are preparing for a very active field season, ready to work side by side with the volunteer forest defenders and advocates who are the core of Bark’s workforce. Going forward in this new political context, we remain as committed as ever to the vital advocacy that Bark has consistently pursued for 25+ years.
Our next steps in this leadership evolution are underway. The Board of Directors, Interim Executive Director, and staff Transition Team are collaborating to transition the organization to its next leaders. We are very positive about the timing of this transition and the capabilities of Julie and the Transition Team.
Currently, there are opportunities for increased engagement with Bark, and we invite you, our community, to become more actively involved in ways that are meaningful to you. Here are some opportunities:
- We invite applications from folks with courage, grit, and determination to join the Bark Board of Directors. Experience in nonprofit management and expertise in environmental activism are especially valuable, as are financial and professional legal knowledge. We also value other lived experiences and skills that can contribute to our mission. If you have a passion for environmental issues and a willingness to take on a leadership role, we encourage you to apply here: Board of Directors Application.
- Bark’s work is made possible by financial support from our community. This is a financially challenging time for all nonprofit organizations, including Bark. Every level of contribution is meaningful and enables Bark to continue its vital work during this difficult time. To become a monthly sustainer, or to increase your monthly contribution, Donate Here. Thank you!
- Bark has always been a volunteer-driven organization, and our on-the-ground groundtruthing work always has room for new participants. Groundtruthing is physically challenging and very plant-nerdy, involving hiking slowly on steep slopes while collecting data, writing public comments, delving into policy, and venturing deep into the woods. It’s great. Check out the Events Page to join in this and other Bark activities: Bark Events.
We will keep the Bark community informed as we move forward. The work that we do today and the contributions you have made will shape the future. The forest’s integral and irreplaceable life-sustaining ecosystems depend on all of us to stand firm in their defense. Bark’s work expresses our collective responsibility to the living lands of Mt. Hood. Thank you so much for your dedication, action, and care.
With gratitude,
Bark Board of Directors
