The 2021 Walker Creek Fire devastated the Lightning Creek watershed, burning nearly 100% of the area and creating conditions for severe post-fire debris flows. Since the fire, Okanogan Conservation District (CD) staff, including Chevelle Yeckle, have been working closely with property owners Anne MacDonaugh and Cheryl McGinley to address the challenges resulting from the fire’s aftermath. Their efforts focus on finding solutions for severe erosion, loss of riparian habitat, and the blowout of a Forest Service easement road that has hindered property access.
Anne and Cheryl have been dedicated advocates for the conservation of the Okanogan Highlands, where they have lived since 1996. Their commitment to protecting the unique ecology of the area has been especially crucial in the recovery of the Lightning Creek Watershed. The collaborative work of Okanogan CD and these property owners underscores the importance of community involvement in post-fire recovery efforts.
Eli Loftis’ photo, “Site Visit Up Lightning Creek,” captures this ongoing partnership and highlights the resilience and dedication of those working to restore the landscape. Their shared efforts to overcome the challenges of post-fire recovery are essential for the long-term health of the region
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.
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.
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.
