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.

South Yakima Salmon Habitat Restoration

South Yakima Conservation District

South Yakima Conservation District is working to restore vital salmon habitat in a spring-fed cool pool channel just off the Yakima River. This channel, which is perfect for salmon, faces challenges from erosion and water quality issues due to uncontrolled cattle access and invasive weeds. The main river channel has also been slowly eroding since a cottonwood forest was removed in the mid-20th century.

South Yakima CD, in partnership with Mid-Columbia Fisheries and a local land manager, is stepping up to restore this vital habitat by installing livestock exclusion fencing and controlling noxious weeds on the streambank. The project will continue through 2027 and includes more fencing, riparian plantings, and efforts to replant the historic cottonwood forest to stabilize the riverbank and support wildlife.

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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