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.

Salmon Summit

Benton Conservation District

Benton Conservation District has been inspiring young minds for 26 years (and counting!) through its annual Salmon Summit event.

Each spring, local elementary school students gather at Columbia Park in Kennewick to release salmon they've raised in their classrooms into the Columbia River. Alongside this unforgettable experience, students participate in engaging educational activities that deepen their connection to conservation and the natural world.

This year, Benton Conservation District’s dedication was nationally recognized when they received the Outstanding Stewards of America's Waters Award for Public Education from the National Hydropower Association.

This event’s success is a testament to the amazing partnership between the district, the local educational community, sponsors, and volunteers. Thank you, Benton Conservation District, for educating the next generation of conservationists!

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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