SCC News

CCA Pre-application Notifications

Moving forward, for any SCC grant program that is funded by the Climate Commitment Act, the statute (RCW 70A.65.305) requires that applicants notify, “all affected federally recognized Tribes within the project area,” about their proposed project as early as possible prior to approval of funding.

2024 legislative session wrap-up

Session is over and the news overall is positive! SCC received an additional $3,500,000 this session for a total of total of $4,500,000 for Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) across the biennium. SCC’s 2024 budget priorities were to increase funding for Conservation Technical Assistance, fix proviso language to smooth implementation of existing funding, and to secure additional funding for SCC FTEs.

Save the Date! Join us at the all CD meeting in March

Save the date for this opportunity to work with your conservation district colleagues and SCC staff and be part of our strategic planning process. Together, we will assess current and potential priorities and how they might be supported in a future-focused2025-2027 biennial budget. This will bring the conservation community together on day one of our fiscal development process. Please join us and make your voice heard.

SCC Director Update - Feb. 2024

The last two months have been a whirlwind and I want to thank all the SCC staff, partners, and affiliated agencies for their support. In this new role, I have found myself continuously impressed with the passion and professionalism both within the agency and its associated stakeholders. I am delighted to be part of this community.

Public invited to comment on draft WSRRI strategy

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC), and Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the release of the draft Washington Shrubsteppe Restoration and Resiliency Initiative (WSRRI) Long-term Strategy.

The State Conservation Commission announces leadership changes

During the last commission meeting, SCC elected new chair, vice chair and commissioner

James Thompson named executive director of the State Conservation Commission

The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) announces the appointment of James Thompson as its dynamic new executive director, following a meticulous selection process during their November commission meeting. Thompson is set to take the helm of the agency on December 1, 2023.

DNR appoints a new, temporary commissioner to the state’s conservation board of commissioners

Karen Zirkle appointed to the State Conservation Commission as the newest commissioner representing DNR.

Science Hub Seeking Community-based Social Marketing Resources

The SCC Science Team is exploring the use of community-based social marketing or similar approaches (focus groups, directed outreach activities) to assess bridges and barriers to the adoption of conservation practices on private lands.

Next steps in SCC’s executive director search

The Commissioners met on Thursday to evaluate the top applicant qualifications in a special session and outline the next steps in the hiring process.

2024 Agricultural Conservation Easement Sponsorship Application Schedule

This announcement provides an update to the information shared on July 7, 2023 regarding applying to the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, Farmland Preservation Account, grants in 2024. RCO has solidified their timeline for applications, and this has allowed us to determine our schedule as well. In this announcement you will find a schedule of the application process and the potential next steps. Submitting an application takes significant leg work and often requires multiple conversations with landowners prior to deciding whether to apply. 

Fall means WACD area meetings!

In addition to the delightful arrival of pumpkin spiced lattes, vibrant foliage, and the splendid autumn climate, we are excited to inform you that the Washington Association of Conservation Districts' regional gatherings are currently underway.

Information and Process on How to Apply for the Central Elected Commission Member Position

The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) has adopted a temporary Interpretive Statement 20-01 describing the process of the district representative to the Commission to accommodate for the Washington Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) annual meeting being held in a hybrid style with in-person meetings as well as options to participate online.

Sole source contract announcement with Ross Environmental Consulting

The Washington State Conservation Commission gives notice that SCC intends to enter into a sole source contract with Ross Environmental Consulting DBA Ross Strategic. ‍

A message from SCC's outgoing interim executive director

Over the last 6 months, I have had the opportunity to return to the Commission and work with many of you. It has been an honor to work with you and you have my sincere appreciation for your support and support of the Commission.

Sarah Groth appointed as SCC’s new interim executive director

The Washington State Conservation Commissioners voted on Thursday, Sept. 21, to give the agency reins to Sarah Groth as interim executive director. She will start serving in the position starting Friday, Sept. 22.

Sustainable Farms and Fields (SFF): Applications open for district to lead second phase of Carbon Farm Plan template development.

In fiscal year 2023, Snohomish and San Juan Islands CDs worked together to create a template for carbon farm planning for the Sustainable Farms and Fields (SFF) grant program. The goal of this template is to facilitate site-specific climate-smart farm plans (which are less comprehensive than conservation farm plans) that recommend climate-smart practices to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.‍ The next step for the template is to have it evaluated by interested district staff. Applications are open for a CD to lead this effort!

SCC Hiring for Education and Outreach Manager

‍SCC is seeking an Outreach & Engagement Manager to join our communications team! The person who fills this role will have the exciting and vital job of educating Washingtonians about how the management of streamside land (also known as riparian habitat) impacts salmon recovery efforts. Visit the job listing to learn more and apply.

CD Elections Update and Training on Sept. 29

Starting with the upcoming elections cycle, your contact for CD elections will be the regional manager team. And save the date for an elections training on Sept. 29 at 9:30 a.m.

State Conservation Commission Seeking Executive Director

SCC is seeking an outstanding leader and manager to be the agency’s next Executive Director. The Executive Director will lead a staff of 29 to carry out the work of SCC as the coordinating state agency for all 45 conservation districts in Washington State. In addition to serving CDs, SCC also administers programs and grants that serve other entities.

Irrigation Efficiencies Grant Program draft guidelines available for review

Draft Irrigation Efficiencies Grants Program (IEGP) guidelines are now available for review and comment. To ensure an inclusive and collaborative process, we are inviting all districts and stakeholders to participate in a 45-day review period. Comments due by Sept. 11, 2023 at 5 p.m.

It's biennial report time!

Please mark your calendars - report content is due September 8, 2023. Submitting an on-time report of accomplishments is one of the mandatory Conservation Accountability Performance Program (CAPP) standards for CDs. 

Guidelines and funding applications open for forest health/wildfire and riparian plant programs

New guidelines are now in place for SCC's Forest Health and Community Wildfire Resiliency (CWR) program. Funding is available for Washington conservation districts to address unhealthy forests and build greater community resiliency to wildfire. Please make sure to read over the guidelines and the reporting form before applying for funds. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2025.

Message from the Director: Remembering Ron Shultz

It is with great sadness I share with you today the passing of our colleague Ron Shultz. If you would like to sign a card for Ron's family you can find that link inside this post. Ron's celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at the Calvary Chapel Church in Olympia.

Fiscal Year 2024 Timeline

FY24 Grant Addendum Forms are due for the Implementation, Irrigation Efficiencies, CREP and Engineering grants by the end of the month. For the Engineering grant, the ILA does need to be reviewed, signed by all parties, approved by the Area Engineering Committee and submitted to SCC at the start of each biennium.

You’re invited: Webinar on CD Annual Report Pages – Tips and Q&A

You’re invited: Webinar on CD Annual Report Pages – Tips and Q&A on August 1, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

Next steps in our search for a new executive director

SCC is excited to announce that we have taken a significant step toward finding our next executive director. After careful consideration and a rigorous selection process, we are delighted to announce that we have chosen a reputable, experienced contractor to assist us.

Notice of bid opportunity: SCC executive director recruiter search

The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) is issuing a competitive solicitation pursuant to RCW 39.26. SCC intends to conduct a competitive procurement to award a contract to a bidder qualified to conduct a thorough and competitive search for an executive director.

OFP requests information from vendors for conservation easement affordability analysis

The Office of Farmland Preservation (OFP) is in the process of developing specifications for services to provide an affordability analysis for conservation easements and is requesting input from the vendor community.

Sole source contract announcement

The Washington State Conservation Commission, in compliance with the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services Policy#POL-DES-140-00-00A and Procedure #PRO-DES-140-00A Sole Source Contract Approval Procedure, gives notice that the WSCC intends to enter into a sole source contract with Enkon Information Systems Inc.

New member joins the Washington State Conservation Commission

Brook Beeler, Eastern Region Director for the state Department of Ecology, will join the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) as an appointed member on April 1, 2023. Commissioner Beeler will represent the Department of Ecology on the Commission, replacing former Commissioner David Giglio, whose term concluded at the end of March.

House and Senate release proposed 2023-2025 budgets

Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) staff have prepared a summary of budget proposals from the House, Senate, and Governor’s Office as they support SCC and conservation district or CD's work. The Senate and the House released their budget proposals within the last week. The Governor released his proposal in December. Get the table.

Kirk Robinson returns to lead SCC again

The Washington State Conservation Commissioners voted on Friday, March 24, to give the agency reins to Kirk Robinson for a third time as interim executive director. He will resume the position starting Monday, March 27. Robinson comes to the agency with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He will serve in this position until a new executive director is appointed.

Statement from the Washington conservation commissioners to the conservation community

SCC announces agency director’s termination

The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) announces that Chris Pettit has been asked to leave his position as the SCC executive director effective immediately.

Conservation Month marketing materials available!

We are excited to announce our Conservation Month marketing materials! The media toolkit is live at www.scc.wa.gov/vote.Here is what you can expect to find in the toolkit...

Commission takes position on HB 1215, the incentives for salmon habitat bill

At their January regular business meeting last Thursday, the Conservation Commission reviewed the legislation and heard from the Governor’s policy staff on the bill. During the discussion, the commissioners reviewed various options on whether to support the bill.

Kearney appointed as SCC’s newest commissioner

On Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, Cherie Kearney was appointed to the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) to serve as the second governor-appointed commissioner on the 10-member board. Commissioner Kearney will replace former Commissioner Sarah Speath, who stepped down from the commission earlier this fall.

Chris Pettit re-appointed to Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee

Chris Pettit, executive director of the SCC, has been re-appointed to serve on the FRRCC; a panel that provides the EPA with advice on issues important to agriculture and rural communities.

WACD Area Meeting SCC Handouts

Director Pettit will be highlighting these items during his presentation across the state. The attached packet provides information on: legislative updates, informational sheets about our programs, and the latest news on Conservation Month.

Conservation Month Officially Adopted

SCC is working with its partners to finalize a statewide marketing campaign to promote March as Conservation Month. In order for each conservation district to get the most outof the outreach efforts and associated advertising to be provided through SCC, districts are encouraged to consider holding supervisor elections sometime during the month of March 2023.SCC is aware that districts are starting to schedule elections now and we wanted to get this vital issue on your radar.

How to Apply for the Western Elected Commission Member Position

The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) has adopted a temporary Interpretive Statement 20-01 describing the process of the district representative to the Commission to accommodate for the Washington Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) annual meeting being held in a hybrid style with in-person meetings with options to participate online.

Seeking CD feedback on proposed Salmon Recovery Funding Guidelines, comments due by July 1

The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) is seeking comments from conservation districts on proposed Salmon Recovery Funding Guidelines. This funding was received from the Washington State Legislature for the fiscal years 2021-23.

Food system grants awarded to 10 Conservation Districts

Funding from the State Conservation Commission will support food security and food systems across the state. The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC), in partnership with the Washington State Food Policy Forum, has awarded $48,500 in grants to 10 conservation districts statewide to strengthen our food system, especially in underserved and under-resourced communities.

COVID-19 Response: Conservation Commission main office is open — appointments recommended

The Washington State Conservation Commission main office is open to visitors. We encourage you to please make an appointment in advance. Our staff has busy work schedules, and many continue to telework. Appointments help us ensure the appropriate team member is available when you stop by.

Chris Pettit named executive director of Conservation Commission

During the Jan. 2022 business meeting, Chris Pettit was announced as the new executive director for the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC). Pettit is skilled in environmental policy and law, water resources, land use, government relations, and public administration, among many other issues relevant to the agency’s work in Washington.

Conservation Commission welcomes new chair and vice chair

At their meeting on December 2, the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) Board of Commissioners appointed Daryl Williams as their new chair and Larry Cochran as vice chair.

Legislative materials available: CD/SCC budget requests and election proposal

Conservation district photo contest captures spectrum of Washington natural resources, farmland

The SCC is pleased to announce winners and finalists of the 2021 Conservation District Photo Contest!

WSCC Enters Contract With WACD

The State Conservation Commission intends to enter into a contract with the Washington Association of Conservation Districts (WACD).

SCC Awards Sole Source Contract to Ross and Associates Environmental Consulting, Ltd.

The Washington State Conservation Commission intends to award a sole source contract to Ross and Associates Environmental Consulting, Ltd. DBA Ross Strategic for facilitation of and support for the Washington State Food Policy Forum.

CD funding opportunities announced: Livestock TA and Fire Recovery

Conservation districts awarded grants to support Washington’s food system

The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) has awarded $50,000 in Food System Support Grants to 11 conservation districts in the state.

State Conservation Commission makes changes to improve conservation district election clarity, accountability

At their September 17 meeting, members of the Washington State Conservation Commission unanimously voted to make several changes to state regulations for conservation district elections. Changes are designed to improve accountability and make things more clear for candidates and voters.