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.

Taming the River: A Collaborative Approach to Ecosystem

Grays Harbor Conservation District

Imagine a river that's constantly shifting, eating away at farmland and reshaping the landscape. That's the story of the Satsop River in Washington State, where a remarkable restoration project is changing how we think about river management. The project, spanning two miles of river, represents a unique partnership between conservation districts, landowners, and environmental experts to create a more stable and vibrant ecosystem.

At the heart of this innovative approach are strategically placed log jams and carefully planned riparian buffers. Instead of fighting against the river's natural movement, the team has designed a solution that works with the river's power. By creating a gentler three-to-one bank slope and introducing log structures, they've found a way to slow erosion while providing critical habitat for fish and wildlife. The landowner, Greg, noted that without these interventions, the river would look dramatically different - a testament to the project's success.

The $2.4 million project is more than just engineering - it's a long-term vision for the health of the habitat. By planting hundreds of willows, cottonwoods, and native trees, the team is rebuilding a complex ecosystem that can support both agricultural needs and natural processes. The flexibility in approach - working closely with local landowners to find solutions that make sense for their land - has been key to the project's success. As project manager Anthony Walden explains, the goal is to create a river corridor that can move, breathe, and thrive, ultimately supporting local communities and the rich biodiversity of the Chehalis Basin.

More Community Stories:

Pine Creek Conservation District

Thriving Waters, Thriving Farms: Sowing a Legacy for Hangman Creek

Generations of farming along Hangman Creek have faced erosion and water quality challenges. Through a partnership between the Spokane and Pine Creek Conservation Districts and the Washington State Department of Ecology, local landowners are restoring natural stream channels, planting native vegetation, and stabilizing creek banks, all while keeping working lands productive. Together, they’re proving that voluntary conservation benefits both farms and fish.

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Spokane Conservation District

Thriving Waters, Thriving Farms: Sowing a Legacy for Hangman Creek

Generations of farming along Hangman Creek have faced erosion and water quality challenges. Through a partnership between the Spokane and Pine Creek Conservation Districts and the Washington State Department of Ecology, local landowners are restoring natural stream channels, planting native vegetation, and stabilizing creek banks, all while keeping working lands productive. Together, they’re proving that voluntary conservation benefits both farms and fish.

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Stevens County Conservation District

Vetter Farm: A Living Legacy of Partnership and Innovation

Established in the 1890s and donated to Washington State University in 2020, Vetter Farm is jointly managed by the Stevens County Conservation District and WSU Extension. This 158-acre property serves as a working demonstration farm, supporting soil health research, agroforestry trials, and educational field days that bring local producers together to share ideas and test new approaches.

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