Washington State Conservation Commission

Taking 7th place in the 2024 Conservation District Photo Contest is this inspiring before & after shot titled "Deadman Doodle Banks" by Eric Allen of Spokane Conservation District. Eric's photo shows restoration work along a local creek. The landowner grew up fishing on this creek as a kid and was determined to one day own it. Now that the property is his, he's passing along his experiences by fishing with his grandkids. He wanted to help restore the creek for future generations and was ecstatic about removing the reed canary grass, building floodplains, and planting native vegetation. Congratulations, Eric! Thank you for capturing the positive impact one person's choices can have on our local landscapes and habitats. Follow along with SCC on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see the rest of this year's winners. 🏆

We're taking a brief pause in our Photo Contest Countdown to bring you your regularly scheduled ✨ Sunday District Spotlight! ✨ This week, we're highlighting the work of Pend Oreille Conservation District, which has been working tirelessly on a critical streambank stabilization program along the Pend Oreille River for more than eight years. Dam fluctuations, wakes from boats, and residential development along the river has led to sediment loss and dangerously high water temperatures— threatening local bull trout and other fish species. 🐟 Pend Oreille CD is working on ten projects that will help restore 10,000+ linear feet of fish habitat in the Box Canyon Dam Reservoir. With the support of a dedicated local engineer and partnerships with over 57 landowners, these restoration projects will roll out between 2024 and 2026, ensuring a healthier river ecosystem for future generations. Thank you, Pend Oreille Conservation District, for your continued efforts to protect our rivers and fish habitats! 👏

In 8th place in the 2024 Conservation District Photo Contest, we have "Orca Recovery Day 2023" by Alexi Guddal of Whatcom Conservation District. Alexi's photo shows volunteers posing with an inflatable orca and the trees they just planted along California Creek, a salmon-bearing stream, during an Orca Recovery Day event. Orca Recovery Day is a day of action to help support Puget Sound's resident orca pod. Congratulations, Alexi! Spoiler alert— you'll be seeing another of her photos further down the lineup. 🤫 Follow along with SCC on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see the rest of this year's winners. 🏆

Taking 9th place in the 2024 Conservation District Photo Contest, is this shot titled "Yakima River Shoreline" by Thomas Sexton of Benton Conservation District! Thomas' submission highlights the tireless work of Benton CD's crew, fighting against endless swaths of invasive water stargrass in the Yakima River. Thank you, Thomas, for this beautiful shot. And thank you to the staff at Benton CD for your ongoing work preventing the spread of invasive species. Follow along with SCC on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see the rest of this year's winners. 🏆

Taking 10th place in the 2024 Conservation District Photo Contest is "Well-Attended Field Demonstration" by Delaini Disher of Lincoln County Conservation District! Delaini's photo depicts the collection of biomass samples from an actively grazed cover crop field, being closely supervised by cattle. Congratulations, Delaini, on making the top 10 in this year's photo contest! Follow along with SCC on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see the rest of this year's winners. 🏆

In 11th place in the 2024 Conservation District Photo Contest is this shot titled "Kinnikinnick Plugs for the 2024 Plant Sale," submitted by Emily Hirsch of Whatcom Conservation District! Emily's photo shows Kinnikinnick plugs in front of a salmon mural, waiting to be packed into pre-orders for Whatcom CD's annual native plant sale. Fitting, since many native plants like Kinnikinnick support healthy salmon habitats. Thank you, Emily, for this wonderful shot! Follow along with SCC on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see the rest of this year's winners. 🏆

The 2024 Conservation District Photo Contest has come to a close. This year, we received more than 170 submissions! 📸 Big shout-out to all the conservation district staff and supervisors who shared their incredible work with us. These photos help SCC and conservation districts share stories of the amazing conservation work happening on the ground every day. Over the next two weeks, we'll countdown the top 12 photos from this year's contest (all of which will be featured in a photo calendar for 2025, released later this year)— ending with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, who will each receive a scholarship to the 2025 WADE conference. Today, we're kicking things off with the photo "Okanogan CD and Ecology Staff with Cooperator," by Craig Nelson of Okanogan Conservation District. Craig's photo captures Department of Ecology employees and Okanogan CD staff discussing an implemented project for effectiveness monitoring with the landowner. Congratulations, Craig, on taking 12th place in this year's contest! No small feat with nearly 200 submissions. Follow along with SCC on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see the rest of this year's winners. 🏆

✨ Sunday District Spotlight! ✨ Today, we’re highlighting the incredible work of Pomeroy Conservation District! Facing challenges with soil erosion and degraded plant conditions, a local livestock owner was struggling to feed, water, and care for their cattle during the winter months. Pomeroy CD stepped in to help develop infrastructure at a prime location, utilizing an existing water source while staying clear of Lower Deadman Creek. This project will create a localized feedlot, allowing for better cattle management, reduced soil erosion, and improved plant health. 🐮💧🌱 Thank you, Pomeroy Conservation District for your vital work supporting the environment and our local land stewards! 👏👏

Happy Orca Recovery Day! If you haven't signed up for a volunteer event yet, there might still be time. Visit www.betterground.org to find Orca Recovery Day events in your community, and to learn more about how you can make a difference for Puget Sound's resident orca pod.

The rainy season is moving in, but wildfires are still burning in Washington, and post-fire risks and recovery efforts lie ahead. Washington State Department of Natural Resources has launched a new website of post-wildfire resources for landowners and community members, focused on how to find local help, tips to stay safe, information on personal and family recovery, and ways to learn more about ecosystem recovery. Visit the website at https://bit.ly/3NxpvHe..