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.

Labor Day Firestorm Afermath

Pine Creek Conservation District

In 2020, the Labor Day Firestorm burned nearly 300,000 acres in the Pine Creek area-- devastating homes, forests, farmlands, and pastures. In response, Pine Creek CD partnered with land stewards in its community to help restore their land and livelihoods.

Their impact:

  • Planted 1,800 trees and shrubs.
  • Rebuilt 11 miles of fencing, restoring 540 acres of pasture.
  • Sowed seeds on 52 acres to improve soil health and reduce erosion.

These efforts are helping to regenerate wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and support local livestock operations. One landowner shared, "This program was a game changer for my operation." Together, they are rebuilding stronger.

More Community Stories:

Grays Harbor Conservation District

Taming the River: A Collaborative Approach to Ecosystem

A $2.4 million river restoration project on the Satsop River. The project includes reshaping the riverbank and adding log jams to improve water flow and create a better habitat for wildlife. With 400+ acres of riparian restoration planned, the project is already helping to reduce flooding and improve the river's health.

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Lincoln County Conservation District

Field Demonstration with Grazing Livestock

Delaini Disher’s photo, “Well-Attended Field Demonstration” captures the use of livestock in sustainable farming, highlighting the importance of biomass collection from a grazed cover crop field.

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Ferry Conservation District

Exclusion Fencing: A Lasting Conservation Tool

Mckenzi Coleman's "Exclusion Fence" photo highlights the enduring value of exclusion fencing as a tool for protecting natural resources like salmon streams and safeguarding livestock.

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