Conservation Commission News

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.

Governor’s proposed budget invests $100 million in salmon

Governor Jay Inslee’s proposed 2023-25 operating and capital budgets include a significant increase in funding for the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC).

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.

Food System Support Grant Availability for Conservation Districts

SCC announces a limited grant opportunity for funding to support food system activities at conservation districts. Up to $5,000 will be available to each successful grant applicant. The deadline for application submittals is Wednesday, January 18, 2023, by 5:00 p.m. Funding must be used for activities that will result in products in hand or activities completed by June 30, 2023.

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.

2022 District of the Year Awards

The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) is excited to announce the recipients of the 2022 District of the Year Awards!

Sustainable Farms and Fields Program funding available for voluntary, climate-smart projects 

The Washington State Conservation Commission's (SCC) new climate-friendly program, the Sustainable Farms and Fields (SFF) program, is open for applications from public entities. SFF is accepting applications from entities that will help farmers and ranchers participate in activities that sequester carbon or reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide.

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.

New grant program for Whatcom County farmers and ranchers impacted by floods

The Washington State Legislature has appropriated $300,000 to The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) and Whatcom Conservation District (Whatcom CD) through grants to help with the economic recovery of Whatcom County farmers and ranchers who experienced property damage or economic loss due to the November 2021 floods.

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!

Washington’s Voluntary Stewardship Program passes major milestone in protecting critical areas and farmland

All counties in Washington’s Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) are successfully using incentive-based and farm-friendly strategies to comply with state growth management requirements, according to a first-round of evaluations. This milestone is the culmination of a negotiated effort begun over 14 years ago to resolve disputes over protection of critical areas and agricultural activities.

Conservation Commission announces “conservation district of the year” awards

Six conservation districts - one from each region of the state - have been recognized with awards from the Conservation Commission for their exemplary work and dedication over the past year.

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

2020 Annual Report celebrates commitment to conservation

Our state's 45 conservation districts have unique strengths that make them particularly adept in times of change or crisis. We're proud to highlight these strengths and their commitment to conservation in our 2020 Annual Report.

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.

Washington State conservationist elected president of national organization

On February 10, Michael Crowder of south central Washington was sworn in as president of the National Association of Conservation Districts, a nonprofit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts.

State Conservation Commission recognizes Conservation Districts of the Year with annual awards

Each year, the Washington State Conservation Commission recognizes conservation districts’ outstanding effort and accomplishments by presenting annual awards. There are 45 conservation districts within 6 regions of Washington State. Within each region, one district is recognized with a Conservation District of the Year Award.

Centennial farm in Cowiche Valley preserved, securing heritage and natural resource value

Located just outside the communities of Tieton and Cowiche, one of Washington’s Centennial Farms will be protected forever from development.

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.

Celebrating 80 years of conservation

Read about featured accomplishments from our 80th year and highlights from each of Washington's 45 conservation districts in our 2019 Annual Report.