Find Out What's Happening in the Conservation Commission
Interested in learning more about conservation in Washington State? Our news announcements connect you with stories about recent conservation work, important updates from our office, and upcoming opportunities for you to get involved.
The Washington State Climate Resilience Strategy is live!
The impacts of climate change are here, affecting lives, jobs and the natural environment all around us. To deal with those threats and prepare for the impacts still to come, SCC, along with nine other state agencies came together to develop a new climate response strategy for Washington, led by the Washington Department of Ecology.
Revive the Future: Transforming Post-Wildfire Recovery in the Northwest Webinars
Following another significant wildfire season in the Northwest, many communities and managers are yet again focused on postfire recovery and management. Join us for a webinar series to encourage broad reflection and discussion.
NACD’s 2024 Outreach & Technical Assistance Grants are now available to apply online!
In partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), NACD anticipates award of approximately $18 million in conservation operations technical assistance (COTA), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) funding.
Water Quality Financial Assistance (State Fiscal Year 2026)
The Washington State Department of Ecology is holding the Water Quality Combined Funding Program (WQC) annual applicant training workshops from August 13 – August 15, 2024. These virtual workshops are free and you can attend one, two, or all three. You must register separately for each workshop you wish to attend. Registration links and instructions are available below.
NRCS-WA announces FY25 program application batching dates
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington (NRCS-WA) announced the following application batching dates for programs for Fiscal Year 2025 funding:
Proposed plan would guide Washington’s efforts to better prepare for and deal with climate impacts
A draft of the Statewide Climate Resilience Strategy was released for public comment. This work was mandated by HB 1170, and developed in coordination with ten state agencies, including the State Conservation Commission (SCC). The document now is open for public comment. Please see the below information to provide comments by July 11, 2024.
Unprecedented $1.5 Billion Available for Partner-Driven Conservation Solutions
USDA is making an unprecedented $1.5 billion available for partner-driven conservation and climate solutions through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Additionally, NRCS is announcing progress on its effort to streamline and simplify RCPP and improve processes and implementation.
WDFW now accepting applications for wildlife diversity grant funding
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is now accepting grant applications for up to $200,000 in funding for projects designed to benefit some of Washington’s most imperiled wildlife. Grant applications are due May 5.
New long-term strategy promotes conservation of Washington’s imperiled shrubsteppe habitat
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC), and Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) this week submitted a new plan to the state Legislature intended to guide conservation of Washington’s shrubsteppe habitat for the next 30 years.
Public invited to comment on draft WSRRI strategy
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC), and Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the release of the draft Washington Shrubsteppe Restoration and Resiliency Initiative (WSRRI) Long-term Strategy.
USDA to Reopen Signup for Continuous Conservation Reserve Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications for the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (Continuous CRP) signup on Jan. 12, 2024.
WSDA Climate Resilience Survey
WA State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is pleased to announce the WSDA Climate Resilience Survey. Responses are due by Feb. 23.
Fall means WACD area meetings!
In addition to the delightful arrival of pumpkin spiced lattes, vibrant foliage, and the splendid autumn climate, we are excited to inform you that the Washington Association of Conservation Districts' regional gatherings are currently underway.
Annual Urban & Community Forestry Grant
The U.S. Forest Service for this year's annual Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program is providing up to $500,000 for Urban and Community Forestry investments that address the National Ten Year Urban and Community Forestry Action Plan (2016-2026).
USDA Previews Emergency Relief Assistance for Agricultural Producers Who Incurred Losses Due to 2022 Natural Disaster Events
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced plans to roll out $3.7 billion in Emergency Relief Program (ERP) and Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) assistance to crop and livestock producers who sustained losses due to a qualifying natural disaster event in calendar year 2022. USDA is sharing early information to allow producers time to gather documents in advance of program delivery. Through distribution of remaining funds, USDA is also concluding the 2021 ELRP program by sending payments in the amount of 20% of the initial ELRP payment to all existing recipients.
Helping Agricultural Landowners Make Decisions about Solar with American Farmland Trust
The American Farmland Trust (AFT) is providing a webinar specialized for conservation districts that work with landowners who are (or may be in the future) approached by energy developers and are considering land management decisions. Join this webinar to learn more about AFT’s new guide, “Solar Leasing: A Guide for Agricultural Landowners in the Pacific Northwest," and other ways to help landowners navigate the pressures of solar energy development in their communities.
USDA seeking applications to expand conservation assistance to underserved producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking applications for projects that will improve outreach to underserved producers and underserved communities about conservation programs and services and opportunities for students to pursue careers in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences.
Food System Support grants awarded to 11 conservation districts
SCC in partnership with the Washington State Food Policy Forum, has awarded $55,000 in grants to 11 conservation districts statewide to strengthen our food system.
WSRRI accepts proposals for fire recovery resources for private, tribal, and public landowners
Following historic fires in 2020 that burned 600,000 acres of shrubsteppe habitat in Washington, the Washington State Legislature made new funding available to benefit wildlife by restoring shrubsteppe habitat, implementing actions to help at-risk species, and supporting working lands in eastern Washington.
Chris Pettit re-appointed to Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee
Chris Pettit, executive director of the SCC, has been re-appointed to serve on the FRRCC; a panel that provides the EPA with advice on issues important to agriculture and rural communities.
2022 District of the Year Awards
The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) is excited to announce the recipients of the 2022 District of the Year Awards!
WACD Area Meeting SCC Handouts
Director Pettit will be highlighting these items during his presentation across the state. The attached packet provides information on: legislative updates, informational sheets about our programs, and the latest news on Conservation Month.
WSCC Enters Contract With WACD
The State Conservation Commission intends to enter into a contract with the Washington Association of Conservation Districts (WACD).
SCC Awards Sole Source Contract to Ross and Associates Environmental Consulting, Ltd.
The Washington State Conservation Commission intends to award a sole source contract to Ross and Associates Environmental Consulting, Ltd. DBA Ross Strategic for facilitation of and support for the Washington State Food Policy Forum.
Conservation districts awarded grants to support Washington’s food system
The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) has awarded $50,000 in Food System Support Grants to 11 conservation districts in the state.
Washington State conservationist elected president of national organization
On February 10, Michael Crowder of south central Washington was sworn in as president of the National Association of Conservation Districts, a nonprofit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts.