Pine Creek wins WACD District of the Year

OAKESDALE – Pine Creek Conservation District was awarded Conservation District of the Year for 2022, by the Conservation Commission board.

Pine Creek Conservation Manager District Manager, Casey Lowder was surprised at the gesture.

“I wasn’t present at the conference when the award was presented,” Lowder said, noting that despite his absence he was made aware that the commission noted they had made quite a bit of strides forward to contributions in the recent past. “Even though we’re still a small board,” he added.

Conservation District of the year is one of many awards awarded by the Washington Association of Conservation Districts (WACD), explained Director of Member and Legislative Services, Ryan Baye, adding that nominations come from the Washington State Conservation Commission. The award takes into consideration the accountability and governance of the different conservation districts.

Baye explained that this year two districts were selected by a special awards committee. The two districts awarded were Pine Creek Conservation, and Clark County Conservation District.

“WACD selected Pine Creek, because of how quickly they had been able to turn around the district,” Baye said, “and all the amazing projects that Casey Lowder has initiated within his year in the district.”

Lowder noted that the award primarily came from the district being in a dormant state, to having quite a bit going on. “Especially working with other districts, and forming alliances,” he said.

Lowder seeks to emulate other districts like Spokane Conservation District, and Palouse. Lowder is always excited to get to work with neighboring Whitman County Conservation Districts. As well as other Spokane Conservation Districts, non-profits like the lands council out of Spokane.

Lowder is currently the only full time employee at Pine Creek, and with all the help of neighboring districts means a lot to him.

“We’re doing it to some extent,” Lowder said of emulating his fellow districts, “I can see what our neighbors are doing.” Adding that the generosity and help of all the people within those districts sharing their expertise has made Pine Creek successful.

“Having them as neighbors, and role models is what I’ve been doing,” he said.