State conservation awards project grants

Conservation districts serving Asotin and Whitman counties received more than $315,000 from the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) to work with landowners on projects that improve natural resources, such as water quality and fish habitat and are farm-friendly.

Awards were made through the SCC’s Natural Resource Investments program, which is funded by the state capital budget. As with all SCC programs, this funding supports conservation projects that are voluntary, completed at the request of and in coordination with local landowners.

“Private landowners are crucial partners in conservation efforts ― they often understand the local landscape better than anyone,” said Mark Clark, executive director of the SCC. “With this funding, conservation districts will help plan, build, and cover a portion of the cost for landowner-requested conservation projects that take care of natural resources and keep agricultural operations in business.”

The SCC awarded $65,900 to Whitman Conservation District, serving the southwest corner of Whitman County, to implement manure management practices, and they awarded $125,500 to the Palouse Conservation District, serving the southeast corner of Whitman County, to fund for livestock operation improvements and stream-side habitat work with landowners along the North and South Forks of the Palouse River.

“Funding from the SCC’s Natural Resource Investments program provides landowners with opportunities to make improvements to their livestock operations that result in both operational efficiencies and conservation of natural resources,” said Jennifer Boie, director of Palouse Conservation District. “This funding is often combined with landowner resources and funding from other conservation programs to implement projects that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive. These voluntary actions by local landowners and producers are improving water quality, soil health, and habitat throughout the Palouse River watershed.”