In 2024, Columbia Basin Conservation District welcomed Robert Bonnie, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, to Eastern Washington. He toured the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program (OGWRP) with Washington State Conservationist Roylene Comes At Night and SCC's Executive Director, James Thompson.
OGWRP helps farmers switch from Odessa groundwater to Columbia Basin Project water, tackling critical water supply issues. With more than $200 million in support from various partners over the last two years, the project is making great progress.
This effort shows the impact teamwork among local, state, and federal partners can have on protecting our region's water resources!.
Learn more here.
With support from the Riparian Plant Propagation Program, large-scale native plant production is underway through a partnership with Puget Sound Plants, enabling the cultivation and statewide distribution of more than 30,000 riparian plants. This high-volume nursery system strengthens Washington’s restoration supply chain and ensures consistent access to locally grown native material.
Grays Harbor Conservation District maintains tens of thousands of native plants annually at a partner-operated holding site, using gravel beds and nursery infrastructure to support healthy plant growth and regional riparian restoration. Through project support and community distribution, the district helps meet evolving restoration needs across the region.
Snohomish Conservation District is expanding its riparian plant capacity while preparing for a new office and greenhouse facility. Through partnerships with Snohomish County, Edmonds College, and the Latino Educational Training Institute, the district maintains thousands of native plants and supports hands-on workforce development for local restoration efforts.
