Conservation Success Stories

The Conservation Commission and conservation districts integrate  science, technology, and effective strategies for engaging people into our  voluntary solutions. This helps us build community around conservation and  deliver multi-benefit results. You’ll find examples of these solutions—and  the results we’ve been able to celebrate with participating landowners and  partners—in these community success stories.

Asotin Conservation District Leads Recovery After Wildfires and Floods

Asotin County Conservation District

In July 2021, devastating lightning storms and high winds sparked several wildfires in southeast Washington, including the Lick Creek and Silcott fires— burning 50,000+ acres across Asotin County. Both public and private lands were impacted, resulting in damage to natural resources and agricultural infrastructure.

Fast forward to June 2022, isolated rain and hailstorms caused even more flood damage in the affected areas where vegetation had not yet regrown. Asotin Conservation District has been hard at work, assisting 19 landowners in recovery efforts.

These efforts included:

  • Removing 135,097 feet of destroyed fencing
  • Installing new rangeland, corral, and riparian fencing
  • Restoring water systems and protecting high-use areas
  • Controlling weeds on 502 acres
  • Replanting 300 acres of rangeland

Thank you, Asotin Conservation District, for your hard work!

More Community Stories:

Foster Creek Conservation District

Foster Creek CD / Douglas County Watershed

In an arid landscape dominated by dryland grain production and rangeland, this pilot focuses on reducing soil loss, improving water availability, and supporting habitat health. By tracking conservation practices and applying watershed tools, the work helps partners better understand how voluntary conservation supports resilient working lands under changing conditions.

Full Story
Columbia Conservation District

Touchet River Watershed

In a working lands landscape shaped by dryland farming, grazing, and irrigated agriculture, this pilot focuses on reducing erosion, keeping soil on the land, and improving stream and habitat conditions. By tracking conservation practices and applying watershed tools, the work helps partners better understand how voluntary conservation supports resilient farms and healthy watersheds.

Full Story
Whatcom Conservation District

Sumas River Watershed

Within a productive agricultural landscape shaped by dairy and crop production, this pilot focuses on improving water quality, managing nutrients, and reducing flood risks. Monitoring and conservation tracking help partners understand how voluntary conservation supports both farm viability and long-term watershed health.

Full Story