About this Conservation Program

Program Quick Facts

  • In FY 2019, conservation districts used Natural Resource Investments funding to assist landowners with implementing 235 best management practices that will improve the health of our water, air, land, and habitat.
  • Many projects benefit salmonid species, including coho, Chinook, chum, and steelhead.

What is the Natural Resource Investments Program?

Conservation districts use Natural Resource Investments funding from the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) to offer local, incentive-based programs that empower landowners to voluntarily install best management practices (BMPs). BMPs advance progress toward resource objectives, such as improved water quality and habitat, and are farm-friendly.

Why this Program Matters

Natural Resource Investments funding enables landowners and communities to complete voluntary projects that address state and local natural resource priorities – such as salmon recovery, climate resilience, and forest health.

Using funding from this program, conservation districts offer “cost-share” as an incentive for landowners to install eligible conservation projects. Cost-share means a landowner only pays a portion of a project’s total cost – the remaining portion is paid by the conservation district. This incentive increases landowner interest and participation in conservation work.

Files & Publications

All related materials to the Natural Resource Investments program. If you are looking for additional information, please contact SCC staff.

Funding

All conservation districts are eligible for ongoing Natural Resource Investments funding.

Success Stories from this Grant Program

Jefferson County Conservation District

Chimacum Creek Flow Enhancement Project

Jefferson County Conservation District used NRI funding to help 15 landowners restore salmon habitat in Chimacum Creek through removal of reed canarygrass. The overgrowth of grass choked stream flow and contributed to flooding, pollution, and low oxygen levels.

Full Story