Washington State Conservation Commission

For the first time in North America, golden mussels (an invasive freshwater species native to China and Southeast Asia) have been found in California at the Port of Stockton in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. These mussels pose a serious threat to: ?? Native species and ecosystems. ?? Water quality and conveyance systems. ?? Critical infrastructure. If not contained quickly, they could spread across California’s freshwater systems and into other North American waterways. Here’s how you can help protect our waterways: 1?? Clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and gear after every use in freshwater. 2?? Report any sightings of suspected golden mussels to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife Invasive Species Program. Let’s work together to safeguard our waters and native species! Learn more and report sightings. Visit https://bit.ly/3AOwFEa. ??: Gustavo A. Darrigran; Professor of National University of La Plata, Argentina

Coming soon: Spokane’s first year-round farmers market! ?????? Construction is underway for the Scale House Market at the Quarry, Spokane’s first year-round farmers market, set to open this spring. This $4.4 million project led by Spokane Conservation District will feature: ?? Indoor and outdoor vendors. ???? A commercial kitchen and food truck incubator. ?? Classes and events on cooking, food preservation, and reducing food waste. ?? Locally made products, seeds, flowers, and more! The market is expected to serve over 250,000 visitors annually, making fresh, nutritious food accessible in a USDA-designated food desert. Vendors will accept SNAP benefits for fresh produce. With refrigerated storage and dry goods available, you’ll find plenty of products even during winter! This incredible project is bringing fresh food, education, and community spirit to Spokane. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4hUGq4i. ??: Gemma Billings [https://bit.ly/4fy6m4b]

? Sunday District Spotlight! ? This week, our #SundayDistrictSpotlight is shining on Central Klickitat Conservation District, which is making strides in wildfire preparedness and forest health in its community. CKCD has high fuel loads (think flammable materials like brush and downed trees) and wildfire risk. To mitigate this risk, CKCD has teamed up with local agencies to reduce fire hazards and boost community safety. Through fuel reduction on public and private lands, home assessments, and education as part of the Wildfire Ready Neighbors program, CKCD has supported vital projects, including clearing hazardous fuels around homes. This effort has reduced wildfire risks and empowered residents to protect their properties and strengthen emergency communications. Thank you for your hard work, Central Klickitat Conservation District!

Farmers for Soil Health, a program backed by key commodity groups in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, is now accepting sign-ups! This program offers farmers a powerful way to improve soil health and benefit financially by providing cash incentives and technical support to help farmers adopt cover crops. Farmers who enroll can earn up to $50 per acre for new cover crops or $2 per acre for existing ones. Farmers for Soil Health aims to reach the goal of doubling cover crop acres to 30 million by 2030, preserving soil and supporting sustainable farming! Learn more and enroll today: https://lnkd.in/gUdyvyrQ

Washington state pioneered collaborative governance of natural resources in the 1970s. The journey began with an innovative agreement on flood control along the Snoqualmie River and led to a powerful legacy of cooperative solutions for environmental and civil rights issues. A recent documentary from TVW Washington's Public Affairs Network dives deep into one of the most pivotal moments in this movement, the Fish Wars and the historic Boldt Decision, which affirmed tribal treaty rights to fish in Washington. Following this decision, tribal and state leaders turned to collaboration— transforming decades-long conflicts into a model of co-management for salmon and steelhead resources. For 50 years, Washington has been setting the standard for collaborative governance, sparking change and inspiring similar approaches nationwide. Don’t miss this compelling look into our state’s powerful legacy of progress! ??? Watch the trailer here: https://bit.ly/40G4a63

? Sunday District Spotlight! ? This week's #SundayDistrictSpotlight is shining on Cascadia Conservation District. In recent years, the beaver population in the Cascadia area has fallen to just 5% of its historical levels. This loss has rippled across the landscape, leading to eroded stream banks, fewer essential in-stream woody materials, and reduced biodiversity in these vital ecosystems. To combat this, Cascadia Conservation District has teamed up with local landowners and the Forest Service to install innovative man-made systems that replicate the natural benefits of beaver dams. So far, they’ve installed over 200 beaver dam analogs, planted 9,000 native plants along streambanks, and restored 2 miles of riparian habitat! These efforts are helping reconnect floodplains, improve stream health, and support thriving fish populations. ?????? Incredible work, Cascadia Conservation District!

The USDA is stepping up to address a critical issue affecting farmers and food production across the country—the presence of PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” in agriculture. This issue has impacted farmers nationwide, forcing some to close their operations. Using a new research roadmap, the USDA's initiative unites experts and agencies to develop solutions for detecting and addressing PFAS contamination. The department aims to keep our food safer and farms sustainable by leveraging new partnerships and innovative strategies. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3NUWLIK. ??: Sustainable Sanitation Alliance

The Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program (OGWRP) is a powerful initiative building essential infrastructure that supports local farmers! ???? Through OGWRP, farmers can exchange their valid state-issued Odessa groundwater rights for reliable Columbia Basin Project water. This transition is a game-changer, preserving water resources and ensuring that these fertile lands thrive. Thanks to OGWRP, farms in the region can keep producing food that nourishes families at home and across the globe. ?????????? Check out this East Columbia Basin Irrigation District's video to see how OGWRP is paving the way for a sustainable, food-secure future! https://bit.ly/3YUpJh1

First place in this year's Conservation District Photo Contest goes to Kelsey Hunter of Grays Harbor Conservation District for her photo "Hatching Coho." ?? Kelsey's photo captures Coho eggs hatching in one of their elementary school salmon tanks. Each year, students raise Coho from egg to fry (when they are old enough to eat independently and be released into freshwater). ?? Thank you, Kelsey, for capturing this incredible moment on film! And congratulations on winning a scholarship to the 2025 WADE conference.

? Sunday District Spotlight! ? For this week's #SundayDistrictSpotlight, we're heading to Asotin Conservation District. In July 2021, devastating lightning storms and high winds sparked several wildfires in southeast Washington, including the Lick Creek and Silcott fires— burning 50,000+ acres across Asotin County. Both public and private lands were impacted, resulting in damage to natural resources and agricultural infrastructure. Fast forward to June 2022, isolated rain and hailstorms caused even more flood damage in the affected areas where vegetation had not yet regrown. Asotin Conservation District has been hard at work, assisting 19 landowners in recovery efforts. These efforts included: ?? Removing 135,097 feet of destroyed fencing ?? Installing new rangeland, corral, and riparian fencing ?? Restoring water systems and protecting high-use areas ?? Controlling weeds on 502 acres ?? Replanting 300 acres of rangeland Thank you for your amazing work, Asotin CD!