The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) recognizes outstanding efforts and accomplishments made by conservation districts by presenting annual awards. There are 45 conservation districts within six regions in the state. One district per region is recognized with a Conservation District of the Year Award.
“Every day conservation districts are engaging and assisting their local communities with actions that keep our natural resources and farmland healthy for all,” said Kirk Robinson, Interim Executive Director for the Conservation Commission. “We’re so proud of the work they do, and these awards are one way for us to celebrate the accomplishments they’ve made and the public benefits they’ve delivered in the name of conservation.”
The 2021 Conservation District of the Year awardees for each region are:
- Columbia Conservation District (Southeast Region) is recognized for outstanding work with landowners to develop and implement projections, including through innovative soil health improvement trials pertaining to pH and nutrient availability. The District also demonstrated exemplary accountability for public funds and transparency of operations, including maintaining a clean audit from the State Auditor’s Office.
- Kittitas County Conservation District (South Central Region) is recognized for consistently filling the role of coordinator and facilitator of action-oriented solutions for natural resource and watershed-scale concerns. The District also conducted a successful election in coordination with the Auditor’s Office that included increased outreach, resulting in a higher voter turnout.
- Okanogan Conservation District (North Central Region) is recognized for finding ways to operate safely while still providing high quality and timely service to landowners and cooperators and holding a high standard of accountability. The District also developed and delivered “World of Wildfire: Post-Wildfire Risk Mitigation and Assessment Training”— a first-of-its-kind virtual training that covered many aspects of post-wildfire work.
- Pacific Conservation District (Southwest Region) is recognized for building and delivering successful programs and partnerships, including helping to lead the dynamic revetment work to reduce erosion at Washaway Beach. The District’s role was key to the success of this unique project that continues to receive national and international attention.
- Spokane Conservation District (Northeast Region) is recognized for expanding their conservation services, programs, and projects, despite the challenges of the pandemic. They continued to lead the Greater Spokane Regional Conservation Partnership Program, deliver their Commodity Buffer program, and advance water quality efforts in Hangman Creek. They also launched new outreach efforts, including their new “Rocks to Roots” podcast.
- Snohomish Conservation District (Northwest Region) was recognized for forging new paths in agricultural resiliency, farmland protection, agroforestry, urban stormwater, and a range of food systems work. Their staff and board also generously share their time and talent with the larger community of conservation partners and fellow conservation districts.
The State Conservation Commission is pleased to recognize these conservation districts for their exemplary work and dedication over the past year.
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Conservation districts are non-regulatory, community-based hubs of natural resource expertise and funding. They engage people with voluntary actions that keep our air, water, soil, and habitats healthy for all. Each of Washington’s 39 counties is represented by at least one conservation district. Find yours today.
