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.

Naches River Restoration

North Yakima Conservation District

North Yakima Conservation District's team is making waves with its Naches River Water Quality Restoration Project.

The Naches River has been experiencing stream temperature impairments, making it too warm for young salmonids to thrive, and impacting the entire ecosystem.

Through innovative restoration efforts, North Yakima CD has installed 10,887 plants and reconstructed/reconnected 9,500 feet of side channels across 93 floodway acres. These young riparian plants will:

  • Provide effective shade to cool the water.
  • Improve stream hydrology and channel morphology for better water flow.
  • Enable cooler water to recharge into the river through floodplain infiltration.

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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