In Memoriam: Doug Pineo 1950-2022

Doug was employed by Washington State Department of Ecology in the Eastern Regional Office of Spokane as an Environmental Specialist for the Shorelines Management Program, serving all of Eastern Washington local jurisdictions. His duration of employment in this capacity extended from 1989 through 2010, when he retired from public service. Prior to Ecology, he also worked for the State of Washington Department of Game in Olympia during the early 1970’s and 1980’s.

Doug’s entire career centered on conservation, preservation and restoration of the natural environment. Doug was a fierce advocate for local governments dependent on fiscal investments by the state legislature to accomplish update mandates for local Shoreline Management plans. In his personal life he pursued similar activities in hunting, fishing, and falconry; indeed, his personal interests in falconry are world-renown, as evidenced by coverage on the Net. (According to his obituary, Doug produced “falconry equipment of such high standard that his hoods were likened to Prada shoes in Helen Macdonald’s novel, ‘H' is for Hawk.’”) Doug was a founding member (and current president at the time of his death) of the Washington Falconry Association.

He was also a founding member of the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy and an active member of several other non profit environmental boards. Best of all, he was an incredible role model to all of us who met him, and when we were fortunate enough, was an endearing friend for life.

Washington’s veteran planners and numerous jurisdictions that benefited from Doug’s consistent contributions are bound to feel deprived by his departure. RIP, dear friend.