Conservation Delivery

What is Conservation Delivery?

Conservation districts deliver a wide range of conservation services that support healthy land, water, and communities. These services are provided in partnership with landowners and local governments and are designed to produce practical, measurable outcomes.

Technical Assistance & Conservation Planning

  • One-on-one technical assistance for landowners and resource managers
  • Development of conservation plans and site-specific recommendations
  • Soil health, erosion control, and nutrient management planning
The image promotes local conservation efforts in Washington State, emphasizing common-sense conservation and inviting participation.
The image discusses the importance of common-sense conservation for Washington State and how natural resource expertise benefits communities.
Washington offers diverse landscapes, wildlife, agriculture with 32K farms, and vibrant cities alongside small rural towns.
Washington has a network of 45 conservation districts, providing tailored, non-regulatory services for local natural resources.
The image discusses the need for diverse conservation methods, emphasizing that uniform approaches won't be effective.
The image promotes local conservation efforts in Washington State, emphasizing common-sense conservation and inviting participation.
The image discusses the importance of common-sense conservation for Washington State and how natural resource expertise benefits communities.
Washington offers diverse landscapes, wildlife, agriculture with 32K farms, and vibrant cities alongside small rural towns.
Washington has a network of 45 conservation districts, providing tailored, non-regulatory services for local natural resources.
The image discusses the need for diverse conservation methods, emphasizing that uniform approaches won't be effective.

Water Resource Protection

  • Water quality improvement and protection projects
  • Streambank stabilization and riparian restoration
  • Irrigation efficiency and water conservation assistance

Habitat & Ecosystem Restoration

  • Fish and wildlife habitat restoration projects
  • Pollinator habitat development
  • Native plant establishment and revegetation

Agricultural & Working Lands Support

  • Support for small farms, ranches, and working forests
  • Conservation practice design and implementation
  • Assistance accessing state and federal cost-share programs

Education, Outreach & Community Support

  • Landowner workshops, trainings, and field days
  • Youth and school-based conservation education
  • Technical guidance for urban, suburban, and rural residents

Why Funding Conservation Delivery Matters

Conservation Technical Assistance Funding, provided by the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC), is critical to ensuring conservation districts can deliver trusted, locally led conservation technical assistance to landowners and communities across the state. This investment allows conservation districts to help protect soil, water, forests, and wildlife while supporting working lands and resilient communities.

SCC funding also ensures that conservation assistance is accessible to the public, regardless of property size or income. Conservation districts serve as a local point of contact for conservation planning, education, and on-the-ground support, helping residents navigate complex resource challenges and connect with additional state and federal programs.

Funding Impacts from State Budget Cuts

The image promotes funding for Washington's conservation districts to improve public resource services and support community health.
An image from WACD's postcard campaign describing the budget cuts, and a request for funding support.

Funding for this critical program was cut to almost half of what CDs received over the past two years. 

  • Funding for FY 24/25: $9.3 million
  • Funding for FY 25-26: $5.7 million
  • SCC's request for the supplement budget: $2.25 million

The State Conservation Commission requested $2.25 million in the supplemental budget to maintain conservation district programs so they can continue to serve their local communities.

What You Can Do To Help

Contact your local legislators and encourage them to support your local conservation district and Conservation Technical Assistance funding. Together, we can bring common-sense conservation to our communities.

Questions - Contact Us.