Every year SCC chooses a district of the year from each of the six WACD regions. The awards are presented at the WACD area meetings in the fall. Continue reading to find out which districts were picked this year for the regional District of the Year Awards.
Grays Harbor Conservation District
Southwest Area District of the Year
Over the past year, Grays Harbor Conservation District has embraced both challenges and exciting opportunities, all while strengthening its vision and deepening community engagement. A key achievement was taking over management of the Aberdeen Sunday Market, a cherished local event that was at risk of shutting down. By stepping in, the district preserved this vibrant gathering, allowing it to continue promoting local food and connecting with residents in meaningful ways. Additionally, Grays Harbor has actively pursued new resources to support its mission. Staff have submitted applications for federal funding through the Western Washington Forestry Regional Conservation Partnership Program and the National Coastal Resilience Fund, while also securing a recent grant from the Department of Ecology to bolster the Grays Harbor Stream Team. These efforts reflect the district’s commitment to resilience, sustainability, and a thriving community.
Ferry Conservation District
Northeast Area District of the Year
Ferry Conservation District (FCD) has been tackling the unique challenges of engaging Ferry County’s diverse community, from agriculture to recreation, by carefully aligning its priorities to meet local needs. Over recent years, the district has focused on building its presence and making a meaningful impact. A notable example is the transformation of the Roberta Lake property into a community educational resource, where numerous events and infrastructure projects are underway. The district’s outreach efforts, including videos and educational materials, aim to connect further with residents. FCD is also advancing the Voluntary Stewardship Program to support agricultural viability in a complex environment, while addressing water quality at Curlew Lake, a key economic asset. This work highlights FCD as a trusted leader in local conservation, thanks to the dedication of its board and staff who continue to support Washington’s conservation community.
Okanogan Conservation District
North Central Area District of the Year
Okanogan Conservation District (OCD) continues to lead the way in Washington’s conservation efforts, offering a broad range of programs tailored to meet the unique needs of its community. From water quality and riparian management to range health, community wildfire and forestry initiatives, irrigation support, agricultural assistance, the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP), and extensive education and outreach, OCD is deeply committed to serving Okanogan County.
This past year, the district has achieved significant milestones, including large-scale irrigation projects, effective VSP implementation and monitoring, and key roles in forest health, community wildfire resilience, and wildfire recovery work. Participation in the Washington Shrubsteppe Restoration and Resiliency Initiative and innovative range management also highlight its forward-thinking approach. The district’s educational tours have showcased its impactful outreach, while the capable and dedicated staff and board manage resources responsibly to bring their vision to life. OCD’s straightforward feedback and leadership on issues impacting the entire conservation community make it a valued and dependable partner across the state.
Whitman Conservation District
Southeast Area District of the Year
The Whitman Conservation District has achieved so much this past year in numerous ways - from improving your outreach and engagement in the community to working closely and collaboratively with its fellow districts in Whitman County. This conservation district has added staff, established new office space, and really upped their game in marketing and outreach to take on a growing number of conservation projects. The district has overcome setbacks and navigated murky waters to be more visible and provide more services to your community than ever before.
Kitsap Conservation District
Northwest Area District of the Year
Kitsap Conservation District (KCD) has long been a leader in conservation innovation, setting an example for others through initiatives like purchasing a dedicated facility for best management practice demonstrations and supporting the Grace Program, which provides restorative opportunities for incarcerated women, supplies locally grown food to food banks, and supports local agriculture. With strong partnerships with Kitsap County and local governments, the district has built a solid financial foundation to drive impactful stormwater and low-impact development work in urban areas, while also helping local producers thrive amid urban growth and regulatory challenges. Additionally, KCD offers residents numerous opportunities to enhance habitat in their communities, solidifying its role as a pioneering conservation district.
Franklin Conservation District
South Central Area District of the Year
Franklin Conservation District (FCD) is a trusted partner both locally and statewide, leading impactful programs like the Wheat Week science education initiative, which reaches elementary students across Washington. As the coordinator for its engineering area, FCD ensures essential funding for projects such as dairy nutrient management and riparian restoration, supporting participating districts' efforts. Through the Voluntary Stewardship Program, FCD also collaborates with ranchers to implement innovative grazing systems that enhance forage quality and animal health. The district's commitment to excellence extends to office administration, with a recent Washington State Archives grant enabling efficient record management, reducing risk, and supporting ongoing natural resource conservation.
