NOTE: We accidentally sent out our January newsletter this afternoon instead of the following letter as planned. Our apologies for hitting your inbox twice today!

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Dear friends,

As waters from this week’s atmospheric river begin to recede across our Nooksack watershed, we’re reaching out to let you know that the Water Wars community is here with you.

We know that many of you have faced significant impacts from the flooding. Whether you're working the land, living near the river, running a business, or simply part of this watershed community—some of you may still be assessing damage, working through cleanup, or navigating what comes next. The disruptions are real, and they ripple through all of us who share this watershed.

W̶a̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶W̶a̶r̶s̶ (how to avoid) has always been about building and being in relationship together—about understanding ourselves as part of this living system of the Nooksack River and its tributaries. That relationship isn’t just for the good days. It’s also about showing up when the river reminds us of its power, when we face the difficult realities of living in dynamic relationship with water, and when our community needs each other most.

We want to be of service.

Whether you need:

- An extra set of hands for cleanup or recovery work
- Someone to listen as you process what’s happened
- Help connecting to resources or navigating next steps
- Simply to know that your community is thinking of you

Please let us know how we can best support you.

You can reply directly to this email or reach out in whatever way works for you. There’s no ask too small, and no need to have it all figured out—we’re here to listen and show up however is most helpful.

This flooding is a stark reminder of why our work matters. The conversations we’ve been having about our relationships with water, with each other, and with this place are not abstract—they live in moments like these. We’re grateful to be in this with you.

With solidarity and care,

The W̶a̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶W̶a̶r̶s̶ (how to avoid) team - Aaron, Ethan, Jeff, and Christopher

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P.S. If you know of neighbors who might benefit from this message but aren’t on this list, please feel free to share it forward.

About W̶a̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶W̶a̶r̶s̶ (how to avoid)

W̶a̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶W̶a̶r̶s̶ (how to avoid) transforms potential water conflicts into collaborative stewardship opportunities in the Nooksack River watershed through immersive community gatherings, storytelling, and documentary filmmaking.

The project brings together tribal fishers, family farmers, environmental advocates, civic leaders, and other landscape stewards to build authentic relationships across traditional divides, creating pathways for cooperative water management that honor treaty rights, agricultural viability, and ecosystem health.

Our goal is to demonstrate that "we are not enemies"—proving that communities facing complex water challenges can choose collaboration over litigation, creating a replicable model for watersheds nationwide.

Learn more and get involved today.