Whatcom Conservation District offers many free services to property owners but is often misunderstood

According to the Washington State Conservation Commission, 45 conservation districts across the state work to conserve natural resources on all lands through voluntary and incentive-based programs, in collaboration with conservation districts and other partners. According to state officials they get the question, “What does a conservation district do?” a lot.

The Whatcom Conservation District (WCD) was established in 1946 and serves residents and businesses within the incorporated (cities) and unincorporated areas of Whatcom County.

Today the District provides programs, services, and financial incentives for property owners and land managers in both urban and rural areas throughout its service area. The District has no regulatory or enforcement authority. Instead, it engages individuals and communities in stewarding soil, water, and other natural resources through partnership and collaboration.

In order to be more responsive and effective in its mission, the District’s service delivery model employs multiple strategies:

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• Direct technical assistance and services;
• Education to foster voluntary stewardship;
• Funding for landowner and community conservation; and
• Partnerships and resource leveraging to maximize impact.

The District collaborates with jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations to provide stewardship services. Because it is an independent, non-regulatory agency, the District is seen by many landowners as a trusted mentor and partner, providing education, technical assistance, and financial incentives to help people implement measures to improve the sustainability and productivity of their land. Whatcom Conservation District – 2023 Program of Work (July 2022)

Funding for WCD has been provided through state and federal grants along with local and regional contracts. And beginning January 2023, about 2% of the operating budget has begun being funded through a “fee-based system of rates and charges” ranging from $2.99 to $5 per parcel per year depending on the land use category of the property.

Services available from WCD include the following.

• free, confidential, no obligation and voluntary farm planning services
  • discover best land uses and management practices to improve chore efficiency, animal and soil health as well as pasture productivity
• Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
  • pays landowners to establish buffers of native trees and shrubs along fish bearing streams and rivers
• Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program
  • a voluntary program that encourages Lake Whatcom watershed residents to install projects that treat stormwater runoff on their property
• wildfire preparedness (individual residence and neighborhood)
  • free customized on-site assessment for ways to reduce the risk of damage or destruction to a home, provide a better chance for fire fighters to defend the home, and reduce the risk of spreading fire to neighbors
• equipment share program
  • includes a manure spreader, no-till seed drill, poultry processing equipment
• financial assistance for farms
  • grants up to $3,000 are available for eligible farms who have completed a site assessment and have developed a farm plan with WCD farm planning staff
  • $300 rebates for heavy use area footing materials, fencing, gutters and outlets
  • free tarps to cover manure piles to speeding up the break down process, kill parasites and retain nutrients

WCD also hosts several volunteer opportunities. These include reporting wildlife sighting, work parties and local presentations and events.

The WCD is governed by a voter elected board of 5 supervisors who serve 3-year terms. The next election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19th. Poll-site voting will be held at the WCD office, 6975 Hannegan Road. The poll site will be open at 9am and close at 6pm.