Science strengthens conservation by helping target the right actions in the right places. This work connects research, data, and decision-support tools with on-the-ground experience from conservation districts to improve effectiveness, guide implementation, and better understand conservation outcomes.
The Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF) is a spatial planning tool that helps conservation districts identify where conservation practices can be most effective across working landscapes. Through pilot watershed testing in Washington, districts evaluated how the model supports practice planning, screening, and watershed analysis, while identifying opportunities to better adapt the tool to local ecosystems, data, and conservation priorities. This work helps refine science-based decision tools that guide more targeted and effective conservation implementation. Also related to: Conservation Benefits.
This effort engages conservation districts, partners, and local communities in monitoring water quality and watershed conditions. Community-based monitoring supports shared learning, builds local capacity, and helps inform conservation and management decisions. Pilot watershed: Spokane or Mason?
This pilot study examines how glyphosate may affect two microbial species that can harm aquatic life within the Spokane River watershed. The research helps improve understanding of potential water quality and ecosystem risks. Prepared by Gonzaga University. Pilot watershed: Spokane
This effort improves how conservation practices are mapped, tracked, and analyzed by strengthening data systems and modernizing infrastructure. Enhanced data quality and accessibility support better conservation planning, reporting, and decision-making.
Is this project management? Need description.
This initiative builds capacity to monitor and evaluate regenerative agriculture practices by developing shared protocols and training conservation districts and partners. The work helps improve understanding of soil health, ecosystem outcomes, and long-term sustainability of regenerative systems. Also related to: Conservation Benefits
This effort explores development of a platform to strengthen information sharing, peer learning, and collaboration across conservation districts and partners, supporting more coordinated and effective conservation work. Also related to: Collaboration.
This science-based tool uses spatial analysis and modeling to identify opportunities for wetland restoration and conservation. The tool supports more targeted planning and helps improve ecological outcomes at the watershed scale. Pilot watershed: Spokane
This resource provides an overview of how the Science Hub integrates science, data, and partnerships to guide conservation planning, implementation, and adaptive management across programs and landscapes.
