What is a Conservation District?

Conservation districts were established in response to the environmental crisis of the Dust Bowl, when widespread land degradation highlighted the need for locally led conservation solutions. Federal model legislation was adopted by every state to authorize the creation of conservation districts, ensuring conservation efforts could be tailored to local conditions.

Each conservation district is locally governed by community members who understand the natural resource concerns in their area. In Washington State, conservation districts are nonregulatory, special purpose districts charged with helping ensure natural resources remain healthy and abundant for current and future generations. Districts operate under the statutory framework outlined in Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 89.08.

What Does a Conservation District Do?

Conservation districts work on a voluntary basis with landowners, resource managers, and community members to conserve natural resources. Because we all rely on natural resources, conservation district services are intended to benefit everyone.

Districts provide technical assistance, education, and planning support to people who manage forests, operate farms and ranches, and steward water resources. They also help communities prepare for and reduce risks from natural hazards such as wildfire and flooding.

Many conservation districts are actively involved in local food systems, supporting farmers markets, small farms, and food access initiatives such as gleaning programs. Districts also partner with cities, towns, counties, tribes, and other special purpose districts to advance shared conservation goals.

How Does a Conservation District Serve You?

Each conservation district is governed by a Board of Supervisors, made up of unpaid elected and appointed community members. The board sets policy and adopts annual and long-range plans, which are implemented by professional staff.

Funding for conservation district programs comes from multiple sources. The State of Washington provides grant funding for specific conservation priorities, and districts pursue these funds whenever possible. Some districts, in coordination with their county legislative authority, also have local funding mechanisms in place that include a small per-parcel fee. Conservation districts may also accept funding and other resources from a variety of public and private sources to support their mission.

Find Your District

Washington's 45 Conservation Districts are here to serve you. You can find your district through this interactive map.