KEC champions the health and safety of people, water, and habitat through education and action. We focus on Kitsap County, Washington, and we partner with people in other counties, especially Jefferson, as they encounter conflicts similar to ones we face.

KEC formed in August 2018 in reaction to the county government’s and the timber industry's spraying of Kitsap's forests, clearcuts, and roadsides with toxic chemicals.  Initially, Pope Resources’ plan to aerially  spray  clearcut near Hansville galvanized people to action; within three months the group  grew to 750 concerned local residents.

Existing state and county regulations have allowed the use of such chemicals including glyphosate. The regulations ignore recent research that considers the extent and cumulative effects of the chemicals —studies which show that these chemicals are not safe. Glyphosate, especially when deployed in combination with the other compounds in these herbicidal cocktails, is shown to contribute to serious diseases including cancer and Parkinson’s. These chemicals also disrupt endocrine functions and child development, and they are probably instrumental in leading to species extinctions. On this website, "pesticide" is used as an umbrella term for chemical substances that kill pests. Common pests (and other names for the chemicals used) are insects (insecticides), weeds (herbicides), rodents (rodenticides), fungi, mold, and mildew (fungicides).

KEC works to preserve a healthy, balanced ecosystem. Each year, KEC’s priorities and actions shift to meet the needs of our changing ecosystem and social situation. Learn more about our work in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 through these annual reports.

KEC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization, run entirely by dedicated volunteers. Currently nearly 1000 people are involved.

KEC is honored to have everyone from high school students to retirees in its ranks. KEC actions cover a wide range of education and advocacy. Click here to see our bylaws.

KEC work is totally done through volunteers. Our work groups are organized through a volunteer Steering Committee. A volunteer Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the organization's policies and practices. Click here to learn about our current board and steering committee members.

1. Acknowledge our presence on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish People.
2. Build honest, respectful relationships with all people affected by KEC work.
3. Build community with integrity, transparency, humility, compassion, and joy.
4. Use scientifically- and factually-based data and inquiry methods.
5. Shift our culture toward recognizing nature's rights.