Conservation practices deliver multiple benefits across landscapes and communities. This work highlights how actions such as riparian restoration, soil health improvements, and habitat protection support water quality, fish and wildlife, climate resilience, and long-term sustainability of working lands.
This project explores the use of beaver dam analogs to support riparian restoration and improve stream and floodplain function in the Hangman Creek watershed. These low-tech structures help retain water, capture sediment, and enhance habitat while reducing long-term maintenance needs for riparian plantings. Pilot watershed: Spokane
This effort uses cloud-based data and monitoring tools to track environmental outcomes and better understand how conservation practices influence ecosystem health and climate resilience across landscapes. Also related to: Science in Action
This work supports testing and refinement of an erosion modeling tool that uses aerial imagery and field data to evaluate tillage practices and erosion risk over time. The model helps guide conservation planning and supports soil and water quality protection on working lands. Pilot watershed: Columbia
This project works with producers to compare regenerative and conventional farming systems through on-farm and field-level assessments. Findings help improve understanding of soil health, ecosystem function, and long-term agricultural sustainability. Related to: Science in Action
This project investigates the effects of glyphosate on two microbial species that can impact aquatic life. This work helps understand potential water quality and ecosystem implications within the Spokane watershed and informs conservation and management decisions aimed at protecting aquatic health. Pilot watershed: Spokane
This project supports riparian restoration in the Hangman Creek watershed using process-based approaches to improve water quality, stream conditions, and watershed function. The work focuses on strengthening riparian systems while reducing long-term maintenance needs. Pilot watershed: Spokane
This initiative supports the use of advanced microscopy to better understand soil biology and ecological health. Improved insight into soil microbial communities helps inform regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. Pilot watershed: Spokane
This work advances research and data collection to better understand the ecological and agronomic impacts of regenerative agriculture. Findings help inform conservation planning, producer decision-making, and long-term sustainability of working lands. In partnership with: Palouse Conservation District
This effort builds local capacity to use riverscape modeling tools to identify restoration opportunities and better understand watershed processes. These tools help guide process-based restoration and improve long-term watershed function. Pilot watershed: Spokane
This collaborative effort brings together partners to support conservation and resilience of shrub-steppe ecosystems. The work focuses on improving landscape health, supporting working lands, and addressing shared natural resource challenges through coordinated action. In partnership with: Franklin Conservation District
This publication explores how incentive programs influence landowner participation in riparian conservation. It reviews program successes, challenges, costs, and benefits, and provides recommendations to strengthen conservation outcomes across Washington. Also related to: Conservation Benefits
