The Washington State Conservation Commission received $3.75 million to support the Forest Health and Community Wildfire Resilience Program for the 2025-27 biennium.
Through this program, Okanogan Conservation District received $142,000, which it used to follow up on cost-share project on Jackson Ranch, roughly two and half miles Northwest of Nespelem, Washington, on the Colville Reservation.
The project works to improve forest health, wildfire resilience, and wildlife habitat on the ranch, in partnership with the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Jackson Ranch owners. Over 270 acres of dry conifer forest were treated, adjacent to treatments implemented by the Colville Tribe on neighboring parcels.
Results of improved forest health on the property are already being realized. A large herd of elk has started using the project area for browsing, and white-tailed deer and songbird numbers have increased.
The wildfire resilience work was put to the test when the July 2026 Kaiser Canyon Fire burned across the ranch. Where the fuels reduction work had taken place, the fire intensity lowered, and the fire stayed on the ground rather than reaching the tree canopy. The fire came within feet of the Jacksons’ home, but they did not lose any structures and all their livestock survived.
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.
