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.

Fish Habitat Restoration

Pend Oreille Conservation District

Pend Oreille Conservation District has been working tirelessly on a critical streambank stabilization program along the Pend Oreille River for more than eight years.

Dam fluctuations, wakes from boats, and residential development along the river has led to sediment loss and dangerously high water temperatures— threatening local bull trout and other fish species.

Pend Oreille CD is working on ten projects that will help restore 10,000+ linear feet of fish habitat in the Box Canyon Dam Reservoir. With the support of a dedicated local engineer and partnerships with over 57 landowners, these restoration projects will roll out between 2024 and 2026, ensuring a healthier river ecosystem for future generations.

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Okanogan Conservation District

Jackson Ranch Wildfire Resiliency

Wildfire resilience work on Jackson Ranch near Nespelem, Washington was put to the test when the July 2026 Kaiser Canyon Fire swept through.

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Scaling Up Production for Statewide Riparian Restoration

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.

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Grays Harbor Conservation District

Maintaining a Robust Plant Inventory for Restoration

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.

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