2024 WACD Annual Conference & Business Meeting
Conference News
Common Sense Conservation
Schedule
Hotel Registration
WACD is excited to be hosting our 2024 Annual Conference and Business Meeting at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino this year from Monday, December 2nd to Wednesday, December 4th. We’ve secured a group rate at the state per diem amount of $126 for conference attendees.
To secure the discounted rate, you will have to call the Northern Quest Casino Reservation Department at 1-877-871-6772 and reference either the “Washington Association Conservation Conference” group rate or mention the Group Discount ID 29908. You can only utilize the discount over the phone, it will not be possible to make hotel reservations with the group discount online.
Our group rate at the Northern Quest runs until Friday, November 8th.
Conference Registration
Registration for the Annual Conference on Monday and Tuesday and for the Business Meeting on Wednesday, whether you’re planning to participate online or in-person, can all be done on one form – just click here.
WACD is offering a single price for conference registration and meals at $500 per person. The cost to attend virtually will be $75/per person. If your district sends 3 or more supervisors to attend in person, your entire district can attend virtually for only $75.00.
As in years past, we are discounting registration for new supervisors to encourage their attendance and meet the statewide community. There will be a dedicated new supervisor and manager training session on Monday morning for new managers/executive directors and supervisors elected or appointed in 2022, 2023, or 2024.
Regular registration ends November 22nd.
Speakers
Scroll down to learn more about our featured speakers!
Dr. Subhadeep Bhattacharjee, Wolf and Grizzly Bear Policy Lead, WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife
Dr. Subhadeep Bhattacharjee (preferred name ‘Shubh’ – sounds like Shoob) is a Wildlife Biologist by education and training. He has more than two decades of professional experience working on management issues related to the large carnivores (Tigers, leopards, lions, wolf, etc.) and their interaction with the local communities across India, South Africa and in the US. In the United States for the last four years, Dr. Bhattacharjee worked in the University of Arizona as a ‘Cooperative Extension Senior Professional’ and later on, he worked with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks as a ‘Wolf Management Specialist’. He joined Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in May 2024 as the “Wolf and Grizzly Bear Policy Lead”, where currently he supervises the wolf program and coordinates with various agencies and stakeholders for grizzly bear related policy planning and implementation in the Washington State. Dr. Bhattacharjee has significant experience in working with multiple stakeholder engagements towards a holistic approach for wildlife management (especially for big game and predators) and sustainable developments of the local communities.
Cory Briar, Senior Research Associate, WA State Institute for Public Policy
Cory Briar is a senior research associate at the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) and team lead on the study of conservation district elections in Washington. He studied economics at Western Washington University before completing his PhD in economics at the University of Oregon in 2022. In his three years at WSIPP, he has completed reports on a wide range of public policy topics including the underground economy in the construction industry, the impacts of a Buy-American Steel policy in Washington, and the needs of farmworkers in the state.
Vicki Carter, Director, Spokane Conservation District
Vicki Carter currently serves as the Director of the Spokane Conservation District. Her management experience includes over 30 years in human resource management, accounting and financial management, project and program development, and governmental insurance programs. She provides input to policy and legislative matters at local and state levels.
Vicki is active in the veteran community of Spokane through her work as Director of Vets on the Farm. VOTF has gained statewide and national attention by emphasizing the growing need to fill a gap in our agricultural production with Veterans ready for a new mission. Vicki was instrumental in the formation of the Farmer Veteran Coalition Washington State Chapter and serves on the national Farmer Veteran Coalition Board of Directors.
Over the last six years, Vicki has been instrumental in the development of a 50-acre former rock quarry in the heart of Spokane. The site is transforming into a conservation campus which is now home to the new office of the Spokane Conservation District. Future plans include conference and event space, a permanent year-round farmers market, guided hiking trails, and outdoor educational classrooms and demonstration areas.
Roylene Comes At Night, State Conservationist, NRCS
Roylene M Comes At Night, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist (formerly Rides at the Door) is the 5th generation raised on her family’s cattle and horse ranch located on the Blackfeet Nation in northwestern Montana. Her family continues to reside on the original allotment the government assigned to her great-great grandfather, Rides at the Door.
Comes At Night graduated from Montana State University (MSU), where she majored in Range Science and minored in Soils Science. She grew up in a traditional environment on her family’s ranch and was raised with cultural values of caring for the land. Her father’s work in natural resources and her mother’s role as a science teacher contributed to what she felt was her destiny – a career in conservation. Roylene enjoys mentoring up and coming employees in NRCS. She also enjoys and participates in many tribal ceremonies.
Roylene began work with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 32 years ago as a student trainee. After graduation, she worked full-time as a Soil Conservationist in several local field offices in Montana working with local ranchers, farmers, landowners, and tribes. Her leadership career began when she was promoted to District Conservationist in Shelby, Montana where she supervised employees and directed operations of the local county office. Roylene’s next career move took her to Phoenix, Arizona where she was asked to serve as one of the nation’s first State American Indian Tribal Liaisons. Comes At Night continued her leadership development through a promotion to Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations where she led the operations for 21 local field offices and supervised directly and indirectly 63 employees in South East Oklahoma.
In 2005, Roylene was selected as NRCS’s first American Indian Female State Conservationist of Rhode Island. In this capacity, she worked with the Governor’s office and partners to expand conservation efforts especially involving conservation easements. In 2008, Comes At Night was named State Conservationist of Washington State. She has strengthened agricultural and conservation partnerships, improved outreach to underserved communities and bridged together Tribes, agriculture and conservation partners to better preserve the lands of Washington State. Roylene currently serves as the second longest standing State Conservationist in the nation and resides in Spokane, WA with her husband, Michael and two cocker spaniels Rex and Cody.
Becca Hebron, District Manager, Foster Creek Conservation District
Becca Hebron is currently serving as the District Manager of Foster Creek Conservation District in Waterville, Washington. Before becoming the District Manager two years ago, she moved her family from North Dakota in 2019 to start her career at Foster Creek as the soils program technician. During this time, she worked to build the agricultural program and to establish soil sampling across Central Washington to help understand the impact of management changes applied in the semi-arid farming environment. She provided support to other conservation districts in various capacities and helped develop multiple projects and programs that are still underway today while in this position. She also served as the education and outreach coordinator where she was able to expand educational reach throughout the community and partner collaboration to build meaningful programs like Camp Sagebrush, a sleep away summer camp for middle schoolers set within the shrub steppe environment that just saw its third season of camp. Known for her outward enthusiasm and passion, she loves to build connections with people. She is humbled by the role she gets to play in landowner and producer’s stories, learning their resource goals and helping them achieve those goals through connection to resources and technical assistance.
Before moving to Washington, Becca grew up between Eastern Montana and Eastern North Dakota, getting to understand the appreciation for balance of resource use and stewardship that drives the way of life for many rural communities. Once the oil boom hit Western North Dakota her passion spurred, and she attended Montana State University (MSU) and North Dakota State University (NDSU) where she earned her dual Bachelor’s in Natural Resource Management and Soil Biological Systems, and managed a soil lab collecting data related to management changes. Outside of working in conservation, Becca worked with individuals who are developmentally disabled for four years, as well as senior citizens in a retirement home for two years, all of whom taught her the art of communication and making meaningful connection on individual levels, which she applies in her daily life.
When she’s not looking at the dirt or talking, Becca and her family are always out enjoying all things nature whenever they can, she’s an avid forager, hiker, fisherman, camper, gardener, and snowboarder.
Dean Hellie, District Manager, Steven County Conservation District
Dean started working for Conservation District in 2005 as a resource technician hired to work with Livestock and Production Agricultural practices primarily AFO/CAFO and CNMP. He became the district manager in 2010, still providing technical assistance to Livestock and Crop Producers. Dean graduated from WSU with dual BS degrees in Animal Sciences and Agricultural Economics. Worked as farm operations manager for several purebred beef and farming operations in the Columbia Basin for 15 years. Additional experience as fish barrier technician and timber cruising for a forestry consultant. Dean went to High School in Douglas County, Mansfield WA, where he was active in 4H and FFA with beef projects.
Sarah Groth, Chief Financial Officer, Washington State Conservation Commission
Sarah joined the State Conservation Commission in January 2015 as a fiscal analyst. She was promoted to her current role as the director of accounting and budget in 2019. In this position, she holds responsibility for all financial and budgetary affairs at SCC and supervises the six-person fiscal team. Sarah boasts an impressive background of over two decades of financial expertise in both the public and private sectors.
Her wealth of knowledge encompasses the intricacies of state government operations, with a particular emphasis on budgeting. Before her tenure at SCC, Sarah served as a Fiscal Analyst in the Department of Enterprise Services, specifically within the Small Agency Client Services division. She also gained experience working for the state printer.
She currently resides in Olympia, Washington, with her husband, two daughters, and two rambunctious pups. Sarah also serves on the Olympia Education Foundation board of trustees and enjoys traveling with her family.
Alexandra Johnson, Research Associate, WA State Public Policy Institute
Alexandra Johnson is a research associate at the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) and team member on the study of conservation district elections in Washington. She studied environmental justice at the University of Washington before completing a Master of Public Health and a Master of Public Affairs at Brown University in 2023. Since starting at WSIPP in July of this year, Alexandra has been working on the conservation districts project, an implementation assessment of recovery navigator and law enforcement-assisted diversion programs, and a meta-analysis of the Families and Schools Together (FAST) program.
Representative Jacquelin Maycumber, 7th Legislative District
Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber was elected by voters in a November 2017 special election and has served Northeast Washington’s 7th Legislative District ever since. After redistricting, her district includes Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties, and parts of Douglas, Grant, and Spokane counties.
Maycumber is currently serving her third term as the House Republican Floor Leader where she has guided floor debates and helped organize floor amendments to legislation.
Jacquelin earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and spent time as a biomedical research scientist. She is a former law enforcement officer and elected school board member, and has volunteered with her Chamber of Commerce.
Maycumber has a passion for rural economic development. She advocates for common-sense solutions to education funding and state budgeting, making sure all children have equal access to education and successful careers, and for utilizing Washington’s abundant natural resources.
As a fourth-generation landowner in Northeast Washington, Jacquelin has deep roots in the 7th Legislative District. She and her husband Marty live in Republic with their three children.
Laura Meyer, Vice President of Creative Strategy, KR Creative Strategies
Laura learned about conservation districts while finishing her Master’s degree in Environmental Communication. Since then, she’s devoted her career to promoting CDs and their importance. Laura is Vice President of Creative Strategy for KR Creative Strategies (KRCS), a Washington-headquartered communications company that specializes in serving clients in natural resources and agriculture. She’s the lead for all KRCS conservation clients, including many conservation districts across the country. Prior to joining KRCS, Laura served as Communications Director for the Washington State Conservation Commission and chaired the Communications Committee for the National Association of State Conservation Agencies. She lives in Decorah, Iowa with her husband and long-haired Weimaraner, and she enjoys regular trips back to Washington — a state she proudly called home for 13 years.
Sara Morrison, Business Development & Workforce Training, Associated Industries
Sara joined Associated Industries in 2021, bringing extensive experience in Sales, Employee Development, Corporate Training, and Human Resources. Her diverse background enables her to effectively navigate the complex challenges that employers face in today’s ever-evolving workplace.
In her role, which focuses on business development and workforce training, Sara works closely with the HR advisor and legal teams at Associated Industries to help member businesses achieve compliance with federal and state regulations. She also develops customized training programs tailored to each business’s unique needs, ensuring they are equipped with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a competitive environment. Sara is passionate about fostering cultures of respect, collaboration, and growth within organizations.
Diane Murray, LCSW, Director of Innovation, HDESD, Certified Dare to Lead ™ Facilitator, Leadership Consultant
Diane is an experienced leadership coach and executive director with a demonstrated history of working in both the public and private sector. She is a strong community and social services professional skilled in executive leadership, operations, human resources, team building, and public speaking. Diane has been described as a dynamic and insightful leadership coach and speaker who uses genuineness, humor, and challenging candor to inspire individuals and organizations to engage in meaningful work. Diane focuses on uncovering fundamental issues impacting performance, then creates practical and results-oriented solutions that meet the unique needs of the leader, team, and organization.
Clients represent executive and mid-level leadership in both private and public organizations and include a variety of industries including health care, energy, law, technology, financial services, retail, and professional services. Recent corporate leadership work includes US Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Fluid Market Strategies, CLEAResult Marketing, American Express, Northwest Bank, and National Veterinary Associates.
Craig Nelson, Executive Director, Okanogan Conservation District
Craig Nelson has served as the Executive Director for the Okanogan Conservation District since December 1996. He and his district have extensive experience with community collaborative projects, voluntary conservation, and disaster resiliency and recovery. During his time with the district Craig has served in many leadership roles with the Washington Association of District Employees, National Conservation District Employee Association, Washington Association of Conservation Districts, and several other organizations.
Craig earned a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Land Use Planning from Central Washington University in 1995 and is a 2006 graduate of the Washington State Agricultural and Forestry Education Foundation Leadership Program. In his off time, he enjoys spending time with his family traveling or enjoying his hobby of sports photography.
Representative Marcus Riccelli, 3rd Legislative District
Born and raised in Spokane, Representative Marcus Riccelli graduated from Gonzaga University with a Bachelors of Business Administration, and from the University of Washington with a Masters of Public Administration. From 2007 to 2010, Marcus served as U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell’s Eastern Washington Director. Then from 2010 to 2012, he served as Senior Policy Advisor to Washington State Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown. Elected to the state legislature in 2012, Marcus serves as chair of the Health Care & Wellness Committee, which he vice-chaired for three years and was elected chair starting in the 2023 session. He also serves on the Appropriations and Local Government committees. He previously served in the leadership role of Majority Whip from 2016 until 2022. He was appointed to and serves on the Joint Select Committee on Health Care and Behavioral Health Oversight and the Universal Health Care Commission, and is also a member of the Washington State Telehealth Collaborative. Previously he served as chair of the Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Program Committee and on the Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues.
Outside his duties with the legislature, Marcus is a Community Relations Manager for CHAS, the Community Health Association of Spokane, where he has worked for the past five years, previously as a Project Manager. He has also been an adjunct instructor at Eastern Washington University’s College of Health Science and Public Health and worked as Operations Manager for the Northeast Community Center.
Marcus is deeply committed to fostering opportunities for young people in Spokane. He serves as an advisory board member for the Northside YMCA and coaches youth sports.
A strong believer in putting his community and people first, Marcus worked with advocates and colleagues from both sides of the aisle to prime sponsor and pass legislation creating the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, which trains homegrown doctors to help fill the needs of our state’s rural and underserved communities. He also worked on the bipartisan transportation package that makes significant investments in the North Spokane Corridor, Central City Line and U-District Bridge, which will expand employment opportunities in the Spokane region and reduce travel time by several million hours each year. He championed funding to expand oral health access to an additional 60,000 people, increasing dental visits by 150,000 annually. He also passed multiple bills expanding access to free school meals, benefiting 670,000 Washington students.
Marcus lives in Spokane with his wife, Amanda, and their two children.
Sabrina Sawyer, VP of HR & Business Solutions, Associated Industries
In her role as Vice President of HR & Business Solutions, Sabrina brings a wealth of experience and expertise. Her career is rooted in leadership, strategic planning, organizational management, and organizational development. Sabrina is skilled at identifying and addressing challenges with creative, results-driven solutions and systems. She has a passion for helping companies build effective processes to drive organizational success and increase profits, with a particular emphasis on nurturing high-performing teams.
In her current role, Sabrina leads the HR team, manages member projects, and provides innovative HR solutions to enhance operations. Sabrina graduated from Whitworth University summa cum laude with a degree in Organizational Management, which proves as an asset to her role in improving member processes and internal HR operations and collaborating on strategic planning and product development. Sabrina’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment make her a valuable asset to Associated Industries and its members.
James Thompson, Executive Director, Washington State Conservation Commission
James joined the SCC in December of 2023, a native of Castle Rock, grew up working in his family’s local newspaper business. Through college he spent several seasons as a contract logger, which led him to appreciate the importance of natural resource conservation. He studied history and political science at Whitman College and has worked in personnel management and leadership roles at state government agencies. Previously he worked as Director of International Trade and Logistics for the Terex Corporation, North American Transportation Manager for Starbucks, and Operations Manager for International Paper. James comes to SCC from the Washington Public Ports Association, where he spent nearly ten years — three as executive director. James is an avid sea kayaker, an active member of the Mountaineers, and lives with his family in Olympia.
Tova Tillinghast, District Director, Underwood Conservation District
Tova Tillinghast has a BA degree in Politics and Environmental Studies from Whitman College and 24 years of professional experience in community environmental education, project management, and natural resource restoration.
A member of the Washington AgForestry Class 33, Tova also has a certification in NRCS Conservation Farm Planning and a certification in River Restoration from Portland State University.
After a life-changing internship at Snohomish CD, Tova has been at Underwood Conservation District for 20 years and became District Manager there in 2007. Tova has stewarded and managed millions of grant dollars for ecological and public benefit.
In addition to leading and overseeing projects and programs at Underwood Conservation District, Tova plays the cello and enjoys spending time in the mountains and on rivers with her husband and three children.
Anthony Waldrop, Watershed Restoration Program Manager, Grays Harbor CD
Anthony is the Watershed Restoration Program Manager for Grays Harbor Conservation District. He’s been at Grays Harbor CD since 2018 and has enjoyed developing and implementing riparian planting, engineered log jam, and hand-built wood structure projects with landowners throughout the county. The most rewarding aspects of his job involve working collaboratively with his coworkers and a diversity of stakeholders. He also loves to obsessively check on the growth of the plants at District riparian restoration projects. In his spare time he loves to play board games, mow blackberry, watch/play sports, and watch his 8 month old daughter try new foods.
Alexa Whipple, Project Director, Methow Okanogan Beaver Project
Alexa is the Director of the Methow Okanogan Beaver Project. As a Restoration Ecologist, she works for sustainable, effective, and collaborative solutions to challenging environmental and social conditions. She is a co-chair of the WA Beaver Working Group, the WA Beaver Policy Group, and the National Beaver Working Group’s Policy & Management Committee. She is a 2020 graduate of BeaverCorps, the Beaver Institute’s Wetland Manager Beaver Coexistence training program. Alexa has called the Methow & Okanogan Watersheds of the Upper Columbia in northcentral WA State home since 2001 where she managed her family’s farm and groundwater well services business for 15 years. She has studied beavers, songbirds, carnivores, plant communities, sustainable agricultural practices, and post-wildfire recovery of western riverscapes. Alexa completed her BS in Wildlife Biology at Virginia Tech and MS in Ecology at Eastern Washington University where she focused on beaver-mediated restoration of degraded streams across western NA.
Ryan Williams, Executive Director, Cascadia Conservation District
Ryan has a combined 17 years of experience with Washington State Conservation Districts working on conservation programs. This includes 11 years at Snohomish CD, 2 years at Mason CD and 4 at Cascadia CD. Ryan began at Districts in water quality and riparian restoration and worked into management of Districts. He is the co-chair of the Center for Technical Development and is a graduate of the AgForestry Leadership program (class 40). At Cascadia CD he serves as the District’s Executive Director working to build impactful conservation programs with sustainable funding mechanisms.
Chevelle Yeckel, WADE President, Okanogan Conservation District
Chevelle Yeckel currently serves as the President of the Washington Association of District Employees (WADE), where she is actively learning the leadership ropes and embracing growth through experience. As a Riparian and Water Quality Planner for the Okanogan Conservation District, Chevelle is dedicated to serving her home in Okanogan County by empowering landowners with resources and guidance for water quality improvements and riparian habitat restoration. Chevelle is known for her compassion and finds inspiration in her mentor, Executive Director Craig Nelson, who, even after many years in his role, remains fiercely passionate, knowledgeable, and adaptable. She continues to collaborate with her coworkers and peers to deepen her understanding of the meaningful, lasting connections between people and the land we live on.
Sponsors
We welcome our sponsors for the 2024 WACD Annual Conference! Sponsor support of the Annual Conference helps us hold costs down for members and partners, meaning more people can attend and participate. Sponsors also provide great value through the information they share with attendees and the relationships they form with members and partners.
Sponsorship levels
| Sponsor level: | CHAMPION | LEADER | SUPPORTER | FRIEND | HELPER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship value: | $3,000 or more | $1,500 | $750 | $250 | $100 |
| Website (1 year): | Logo | Logo | Logo | Logo | Logo |
| Newsletter (1 year): | Logo | Logo | Logo | Logo | Logo |
| Conference materials: | Logo | Logo | Logo | Logo | |
| Showcase videos: | Up to 60 minutes of video | Up to 30 minutes of video | Up to 15 minutes of video | ||
| Sponsor table in hallway: | Yes! | Yes! | Yes! | ||
| Session Introduction: | Yes! Up to 10-minutes | Yes! Up to 5-minutes | |||
| Dedicated Zoom room: | 2 - 1 hour Zoom rooms | 1 - 1 hour Zoom room | |||
| Publish to the Hub: | Invited | Invited |
Sponsor descriptions
| Logo | Description |
|---|---|
 | Tapteal Native Plants – HELPER sponsorTapteal Native Plants in West Richland, Washington aims to help you acquire the native plants you seek for your Heritage gardens and drought tolerant landscape projects.Our mission: To support the interests of gardeners in the Mid-Columbia who enjoy the unique benefits both economical and ecological, of native, drought tolerant plants of Eastern Washington State. Find out more at https://www.taptealnativeplants.com/. |
 | Springbrook – CHAMPION sponsorOver 30 years ago, Springbrook’s founders recognized a need for the power of digital technology to create new efficiencies in the delivery and administration of local government services. From the first line of code ever written, Springbrook’s mission has been to develop tools that help people do their jobs more efficiently and accurately, and to make government work better, for the citizens. As a digital member of your office, Springbrook provides extra hands and eyes, with solutions designed to reduce the burden on personnel. Find out more at https://springbrooksoftware.com/. |
 | Conservation Commission – CHAMPION sponsorThe Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) works to conserve natural resources on all lands in Washington state, through voluntary and incentive-based programs, in collaboration with conservation districts and other partners. SCC is the coordinating state agency for all 45 conservation districts (CDs) in Washington State. Together, the SCC and CDs provide voluntary, incentive-based programs that empower people to practice conservation and ensure healthy natural resources and agriculture for all. Find out more at https://www.scc.wa.gov/. |
 | envu – LEADER sponsorEnvu is a new vision for a company built not from the ground up but on top of 50 years of environmental science experience. Our legacy products are at the core of our new identity and will remain central to all the innovations we will create moving forward. With the right ideas and technology, humanity and nature can bring out the best in one another. At Envu, that’s our mission. Every day, we’re finding breakthrough solutions to reduce threats, restore natural spaces, and respond to any challenge with confidence and precision. https://www.us.envu.com/ |
 | USDA Farm Service Agency – SUPPORTER sponsorThe Washington State Farm Service Agency serves the agricultural community through 25 county USDA service centers and one state office, located in Spokane. The Washington FSA State Committee and locally-elected county committees provide producer input to federal farm programs. FSA helps to ensure a stable food supply for the nation by supporting American farmers. This is accomplished through the implementation of farm programs authorized by Congress. https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Washington/index |
 | KR Creative Strategies – SUPPORTER sponsorWe offer efficient and effective creative communication strategies. Our people, experience, and passion for the physical world make us a unique fit for those seeking new solutions. We are not just a contractor for our clients. We serve as members of their team, offering creative solutions to complex problems and exciting opportunities. We are committed to championing their goals and sharing their vision. Grounded in sincere, honest communication both internally and externally, we walk with our clients through it all. Through thoughtful, genuine, and creative conversations we build strategies that connect people and impact communities. It's our job to make people care. Find out more at https://www.krcreativestrategies.com |
 | Enduris – LEADER sponsorEnduris is a member-owned, local government risk pool of over 500 special purpose districts in the state of Washington offering comprehensive property and liability coverage along with value-added risk solutions. Enduris serves members who serve their communities! Find out more at https://www.enduris.us |
 | Odessa Trading Company – SUPPORTER sponsorWe Are A Company For Farmers and Agriculture People. Odessa Trading Company is a division of Ritzville Warehouse Company, a farmer-owned cooperative serving the Northwest since 1928. We are a full-line Case IH agriculture equipment dealer serving our customers at two locations offering Parts, Service, Heavy Hauling, Welding/Fabrication, and Sales Departments. We're not just a dealer that works on selling, we are here to help you find equipment or parts you need so that you can continue working on your farm, ranch, or turf without any distractions. We want to make sure you get the best outcome out of your situation, and whatever issue you may be experiencing with your machinery, our experts have the solution. Find out more at https://www.odessatrading.com/ |
 | Monaghan Consulting – HELPER sponsorMonaghan Consulting partners with Conservation Districts and other mission-driven organizations on action-oriented planning (strategy, implementation, assessment), organizational development support, and collaborative problem-solving. Josh (Principal) has 30 years of experience working in natural resource conservation. Twenty-four years were with King Conservation District (1996-2020), where he helped grow the food and farm programs and services, partnered on efforts that doubled district programs and funding, and broadened and deepened many vital partnerships and collaborations. In 2021, Josh served as Interim District Manager at Whidbey Island Conservation District. Current clients include conservation, watershed, and farming-focused districts and nonprofits. Find out more at https://www.monaghan-consulting.com/ . |
 | Larry Davis – FRIEND sponsorIn May 2021, Larry completed 12 years as a member of the Whatcom Conservation District Board of Directors. At that time, he self-termed out and shifted his status to Associate Supervisor. He remains involved with the Washington Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) as a member of the Tribal Relations Committee. He also is a member of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Tribal Special Committee. Away from these responsibilities, Larry is a member of the Washington State Envirothon Committee and is a long-time member and President of the Washington Conservation Society. |
 | Ducks Unlimited – SUPPORTER sponsorDU got its start in 1937 during the Dust Bowl when North America's drought-plagued waterfowl populations had plunged to unprecedented lows. Determined not to sit idly by as the continent's waterfowl dwindled beyond recovery, a small group of sportsmen joined together to form an organization that became known as Ducks Unlimited. Its mission: habitat conservationThanks to decades of abiding by that single mission, Ducks Unlimited is now the world's largest and most effective private waterfowl and wetlands conservation organization. DU is able to multilaterally deliver its work through a series of partnerships with private individuals, landowners, agencies, scientific communities and other entities.Find out more at https://www.ducks.org/ |
 | EarthScout – LEADER sponsorEarthScout is a Minnesota based AgTech company that manufactures Soil Moisture Sensors and Cellular Weather Stations. We partner with industry professionals such as researchers, agronomists, crop advisors, conservation districts, and NRCS representatives to bring farming solutions to growers. A popular feature is our End-of-Season Agronomic Report that summarizes a season of data and makes certifying cost share programs easy.EarthScout L-Series Products: Receive real-time soil moisture, soil temp, soil EC, air temp & humidity data hourly in the EarthScout Mobile and Web APP and always know where, when, and how much to irrigate. Soil Cub - Soil Moisture Meter is a portable device that gives you on demand soil moisture, temperature, and EC readings in the palm of your hand. WeatherCub™ 1 Cellular Weather Station monitors precipitation, wind speed & direction, air temperature, humidity and 6 other weather variables. Find out more at https://www.earthscout.com/ |
 | Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife – SUPPORTER sponsorThe Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and perpetuating the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. Headquartered in Olympia, the department maintains six regional offices and manages dozens of wildlife areas and hundreds of water access areas around the state, offering fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and other recreational opportunities for the residents of Washington. Find out more at https://wdfw.wa.gov/ |
 | NRCS – CHAMPION sponsorFor more than 80 years, we have helped people make investments in their operations and local communities to keep working lands working, boost rural economies, increase the competitiveness of American agriculture, and improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and habitat.Our Mission: We deliver conservation solutions so agricultural producers can protect natural resources and feed a growing world. Our Vision: A world of clean and abundant water, healthy soils, resilient landscapes, and thriving agricultural communities through voluntary conservation. Find out more at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/. |
 | BFI Native Seeds – FRIEND sponsorBFI Native Seeds LLC is commited to preserving local genetics and keeping native grass and forb source-identified seeds available for restoration.Over 1.4 million pounds of native, source-identified seeds have been provided to our customers over the last 5 years. You want to ensure that our habitats are responsibly taken care of, and using genetically-appropriate native seed is part of that goal. So thanks to, You, our customers, we do what you do. Full-service site and habitat restoration from project inception to final site monitoring and maintenance with all the steps along the way. Find out more at http://www.bfinativeseeds.com/. |
 | Rainier Seeds – SUPPORTER sponsorRainier Seeds produces high-quality grass seed for pastures, habitat, revegetation, conservation, and more. We are a vertically integrated seed company. We don't rely on other vendors to ensure our seed is high-quality. From growing stock seed to harvesting, processing, and packaging our product, we ensure consistent quality by performing all of this in-house. Rainier Seeds’ production fields lie in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, primarily located in the Columbia Basin of Eastern Washington. Our expert agronomists monitor crop quality from the ground up throughout the growing season. State seed certification inspectors visit our sites to verify compliance with every aspect of the seed production process. Find out more at https://rainierseeds.com/. |
 | Bill Knutsen – FRIEND sponsorIn May 2024, Bill completed 18 years as a member and Chair of the King Conservation District Board of Directors. |
 | AgWest – FRIEND sponsorAgWest Farm Credit is an agricultural lending cooperative with more than a century of experience serving farmers, ranchers, timber harvesters, and aquatic producers throughout the West. We are committed to providing consistent, reliable credit, insurance and financial services to the people who feed and clothe the world, from Alaska to Arizona. We serve all of agriculture from the smallest operations to the largest – and everything in between. As your trusted source, we’ll share our knowledge, insights and financial acumen to help you build strong, thriving businesses that last generations. At AgWest, we are people and purpose first. We champion the growth and advancement of agriculture and the value of rural communities. We work alongside you—offering dependable credit, risk management tools, and business resources to solve tough problems and ensure your enduring success. We understand the challenges you face and celebrate the rewards you’ve earned. Find out more at https://agwestfc.com/. |
 | Aspect Consulting – SUPPORTER sponsorFounded in 2001, Aspect is hydrogeologists, geologists, and engineers focused on earth + water solutions. From seven Northwest offices, our staff of over 120 provides earth science and engineering consulting services in five key practice areas: Environmental Services, Water Resources, Geotechnical Engineering, Stormwater, and Data & Mapping. Like our clients, we focus on implementation and outcome. Aspect delivers value. Find out more at https://www.aspectconsulting.com/. |
 | Country Financial – SUPPORTER sponsorCountry Financial has a long history of protecting people. And we work together to help you and your family achieve financial freedom. We’re more than an insurance company - COUNTRY Financial clients not only trust us with insuring their homes, cars, farms, businesses, and lives, but also to help them plan for the future with investing, retirement and financial planning. Scott Williamsen is your local Insurance agent in Burlington, WA. As you work through life, you may find you need to protect what you value most. Whether that's your home or car or the loved ones in your life, I'd like to help you, just like I help all my clients in and around Burlington, WA. Find out more at https://www.countryfinancial.com/. |
 | Plants of the Wild – FRIEND sponsorOur nursery was started in 1979 by a local farmer who saw a need for himself and other farmers in the area to be able to fulfill their Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts. The contracts called for plants and seeds to be planted on farming acres that were being taken out of crop production, to get them back to a natural state. Since 1990, Plants of the Wild is proud to be a division of Seeds, Incorporated, a Kentucky Bluegrass processing company that is locally owned by Paul and Jane Dashiell & Ross Dashiell. The Seeds, Inc. company motto is “Progressive business with old-fashioned values”, and that trickles down through all parts of our company. Find out more at https://plantsofthewild.com/. |
 | AGPRO – FRIEND sponsorAGPRO is located at 1112 Airway Avenue in Lewiston Idaho, come check us out. We are just off Thain Road in the Lewiston Orchards. Making the Lewis-Clark Valley our home for over 30 years. In 2006, we expanded our showroom and parts department. The results were a huge increase in our stock of day to day items and specialty parts. We offer the latest in guidance, pumps, valves, and plumbing.Our stock of storage tanks is one of the largest in the northwest. Whether it’s 4 gallons, or 10,000 gallons, we have it, and can deliver it too! Tanks for the ATV, truck, or implement. Chemical or potable water. We install plumbing, sight tubes, and bulkheads up to 4 inches. Come in and see the full line of AGPRO Conservation Drills, AGPRO Sprayers, Storage Tanks, Pumps, Valves, and Fittings. Find out more at https://agproinc.com/. |
 | Wilbur-Ellis – FRIEND sponsorSince the beginning, Wilbur-Ellis has prided itself on looking forward. This relentless vision helped us grow into a multibillion-dollar portfolio of four businesses focused on providing the essentials for the world to thrive. It’s this tradition of always staying ahead that will carry us into the future. From greenhouse and nursery to forestry and turf, and everything in between, it’s time to put Wilbur-Ellis to work for you. We have the products and expertise to help you grow a better, more beautiful planet, no matter your market. Find out more athttps://www.wilburellis.com/. |
 | JTI – FRIEND sponsorJones Truck and Implement is an authorized Case IH, GVM Sprayers and Mahindra dealership serving the Colfax, Walla Walla and The Dalles areas. We are proud to carry a large selection of new and pre-owned inventory. When you are ready to invest in your new tractor or other agricultural equipment, our friendly and knowledgeable sales and finance departments are prepared to make sure your experience is outstanding. Once you've made your choice, our service and parts departments will provide all the help you need in ongoing maintenance and customization. We value the opportunity to create a long-term relationship with our clients, and we do that by giving you the best customer service available. Find out more at https://www.jtii.com/. |
Virtual Presentations
WACD is pleased to present the following FREE virtual presentations to our entire conservation community. The presentations will cover a variety of topics and are brought to you by our Leader and Champion level sponsors.
Tuesday, November 19th
9:00 am – NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) Updates
Join Bobby Evans, State Resource Conservationist for NRCS WA, to learn about updates and ongoing work with the FOTG. Did you know there is a new version of Bio TN 29 that addresses Monarch Butterflies in eastern Oregon and Washington? How about the new Cover Crop Tool for multi-species cover crops? The new Virtual Fence scenarios that are scaled based on herd size and have funding alternatives for multiple years to help with the cost of the practice? Last but not least do you know what Turbo Fladry is? If any of these topics sound interesting this is just the tip of the iceberg of what our great partners at NRCS have been working on! Zoom in to find out more.
10:00 am – State Technical Advisory Committee 101
The State Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) is a group composed of agricultural producers, owners/operators of nonindustrial private forest land, federal and state agency representatives, and other professionals who provide information, analysis, and recommendations to officials of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on implementing and establishing priorities and criteria for natural resources conservation activities and programs. The STAC has no implementation or enforcement authority, but USDA gives strong consideration to the STAC’s recommendations. The Washington STAC, which is chaired by the state conservationist, provides input to programs and initiatives, as well as annually reviews whether Local Working Groups are addressing state priorities and criteria for ranking program applications. STAC subcommittees provide recommendations to the STAC. The State Conservationist can convene or appoint subcommittees to address a variety of issues including natural resource priorities and criteria for conservation activities and outreach. Join Nick Vira, Partnership Liaison for NRCS WA, to learn about the purpose, objectives, process and procedures of the State Technical Advisory Committee!
Register in advance for our November 19th Webinars:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpdOisqjMrHtDn4JbRCCy6SaaCJvQD1fwP
Wednesday, November 20th
9:00 am – Benefits of Soil Moisture Sensors for Plant Growth and Irrigation Management
Join Anna Barr with EarthScout and explore the basics of irrigation water management and learn how collecting data through the addition of in-field soil moisture sensors help growers make more informed irrigation decisions on the farm. Soil moisture sensors allow you to determine where, when, and how much to irrigate more efficiently. In this presentation we will dive into how to interpret this data, build confidence in irrigation decision making, all while conserving water without causing plant stress.
10:00 am – Long-term Invasive Annual Grass Control with Rejuvra Herbicide
Join Noe Marymor, Education Outreach and Grant Coordinator for Envu, learn about invasive annual grasses that are a major driver of landscape degradation across the western U.S. Species like cheatgrass, medusahead and ventenata increase wildfire risk, decrease wildlife habitat quality and reduce livestock forage available. Rejuvra Herbicide is a new product with long-term soil residual activity that can outlast the seeds of these invasive grass species in the soil seedbank. This webinar will explain more of the issues with invasive annual grasses, why seedbank management is critical to effective control, and how to use Rejuvra Herbicide for lasting restoration success.
Register in advance for our November 20th Webinars:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkce6qqToqGdL0AzbFHntwK71kwz_rMewZ
Partners
Partner reports
- National Association of Conservation Districts Partner Report (4 downloads )
- Natural Resource Conservation Service Partner Report (0 downloads )
- WACD Plant Materials Center Report (4 downloads )
- Washington Association of District Employees Partner Report (3 downloads )
- Washington Conservation Society Partner Report (2 downloads )
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Partner Report (3 downloads )
- Washington State University Partner Report (1 download )
Awards
2024 award winners will be announced at the WACD Conference.
Find information about past award winners and nominations forms at https://wadistricts.org/wacd-awards.
Resolutions
WACD committees reviewed assigned resolutions and present one of three non-binding recommendations to the membership:
- Vote to recommend passage
- Vote to recommend passage with amendments; or,
- Recommend Do-Not-Pass
Policy Committee Recommendations
WACD’s Natural Resources Policy Committee and Legislative, Bylaws, and District Policies Committee met on November 4th to review the resolutions from the area meetings and vote on their respective committee recommendations. Sponsor districts and members were invited to participate in these discussions alongside the committee members.
These recommendations are non-binding, and serve solely as the opinion from some of the respected members of our community for the voters at the Annual Business meeting to consider.
Background Info on WACD Resolutions
- WACD Resolution Process
- NACD Resolution Process Flow Chart
- WACD Active Resolutions (5-year status table)
Resolution Recommendations by the Legislative, Bylaws, and District Policies Committee
- 2024-01 Updating and Modernizing Administrative Requirements for WSCC Grant Programs – Do Pass As Amended
- 2024-02 WACD Developing and Implementing a Board Supervisor Training Program – Do Pass as Amended
- 2024-03 Conservation Reserve Program signature requirements – Do Pass
- 2024-04 Increasing Access to WSCC Sustainable Farms and Fields – Do Pass
- 2024-05 Simplifying the WSCC Sustainable Farms and Fields Program – Do Pass
- 2024-06 Improving the USDA Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant Scoring Process – Do Pass
- 2024-07 Wildlife Insurance Policy Problem – Do Pass
- 2024-08 Support WSCC budget requests – Do Pass
- 2024-09 The Role of FSA and NRCS in Managing CREP and CRP – Do Pass
- 2024-10 Salary for NRCS engineers – Do Pass as Amended
- 2024-11 Tribal Engagement Training – Do Pass As Amended
- 2024-12 CTD Funding – Do Pass
Resolutions Adopted by Area Associations
- 2024-01 Updating and Modernizing Administrative Requirements for WSCC Grant Programs (38 downloads )
- 2024-02 WACD Developing and Implementing a Board Supervisor Training Program (Version A) (40 downloads )
- 2024-02 WACD Developing and Implementing a Board Supervisor Training Program (Version B) (28 downloads )
- 2024-03 Conservation Reserve Program signature requirements (41 downloads )
- 2024-04 Increasing Access to WSCC Sustainable Farms and Fields (43 downloads )
- 2024-05 Simplifying the WSCC Sustainable Farms and Fields Program (41 downloads )
- 2024-06 Improving the USDA Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant Scoring Process (36 downloads )
- 2024-07 Wildlife Insurance Policy Problem (31 downloads )
- 2024-08 Support WSCC Budget Requests (35 downloads )
- 2024-09 The Role of FSA and NRCS in Managing CREP and CRP (51 downloads )
- 2024-10 Salary for NRCS engineers (48 downloads )
- 2024-11 Tribal Engagement Training (37 downloads )
- 2024-12 CTD Funding (21 downloads )
2023 Business Meeting
Zoom Information
Zoom link – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85052403653?pwd=UDJORGJuV1FJL1Z5RHkrZTlnMGRSUT09
Meeting ID: 850 5240 3653 | Passcode: 199848
Zoom number – (253) 215 8782
9:00 am – 11:30 am
- 9:00 AM – Meeting called to Order/Roll Call of Member Districts
- 9:10 AM – Rules of Order & Meeting Procedures Briefing
- 9:20 AM – Approval of 2022 Business Meeting Minutes
- 9:25 AM – Public Comment Period
- 9:30 AM – Treasurer’s Report for FY2022 & Report on Current Fiscal Year
- 9:40 AM – Plant Materials Center Status Report
- 10:00 AM – Resolutions as Recommended by the Natural Resources Policy Committee (Resolution Table)
- 2023-01 Improved Cost Share for virtual fence development (Foster Creek CD) – Recommend Do Pass as Amended
- 2023-02 WACD supports of the use of food-grade biochar as an additive to livestock feed to reduce methane production and greenhouse gas emissions and to improve soil and animal health (San Juan Islands CD) – Recommend Do Pass
- 2023-03 Reducing and Recycling Plastics in Agriculture and Natural Resources (Thuston CD) – Recommend Do Pass
- 2023-04 Agricultural, forest, and rangeland mitigation (North Yakima CD) –Recommend Do Pass as Amended
- 2023-05 Hydropower Position Statement (North Yakima CD) – Recommend Do Pass as Amended
- 2023-06 Interest-free conservation agriculture equipment loan program (Palouse CD) – Recommend Do Pass as Amended
- 2023-07 Carbon Conservation Stewardship Program (Palouse CD) – Recommend Do Pass as Amended
- 2023-08 Opposition to Removal or Breaching of the Four Lower Snake River Dams (Franklin CD) – Recommend Do Pass as Amended
- 2023-09 Solar and Wind Project Moratorium (North Central Area Association) – Recommend Do Pass as Amended
- 2023-10 Prohibition of Washington State Natural Resource Agencies Acquiring Land (Pacific CD) – Recommend Do Pass as Amended
- 11:00 AM – Resolutions as Recommended by the Legislative, Bylaws, and District Policies Committee (Resolution Table)
- 2023-11 Multiple Year Plant Materials Contracts with Conservation Districts (Grays Harbor CD) – Recommend Do Pass as Amended
- 2023-12 – SCC SRF funding including planning and design funding (Pacific CD) – Recommend Do Pass
- 2023-13 – Cluster Archaeologist (Thuston CD & North Central Area Assn) – Recommend Do Pass
- 2023-14 – Communication about Fire Breaks in CRP (Walla Walla County CD) – Recommend Do Pass
- 2023-15 – Encouraging NRCS Field Office Staff Attendance at WACD Meetings (Okanogan CD) – Recommend Do Pass
- 2023-16 – Support Supplemental Funding to Conservation Commission (Okanogan CD) – Recommend Do Pass As Amended
- 2023-17 – Support SCC supplemental budget requests (Palouse CD) – Recommend Do Pass)
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Lunch Recess
12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
- 12:30 PM – Resolutions (Continued)
- 2023-18 – Affirming and Empowering Locally Led Voluntary Conservation (Central Klickitat CD) – Recommend Do Pass
- 2023-19 – Fire Response through creation of Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (Foster Creek CD) – Recommend Do Pass
- 2023-20 – Addressing VSP Management Issues (Okanogan CD) – Recommend Do Pass
- 2023-21- WACD, SCC, CD’s Summer/Fall Legislative Workshops (Pacific CD) – Recommend Do Pass as Amended
- 2023-22 – Cancelling of Farm Service Agency Contracts (Whitman CD) –
Recommend Do Pass - 2023-23 – Gaining CD Eligibility for RCO Land Acquisition Grants (Eastern Klickitat CD) – Recommend Do Pass
- 2023-24 – Washington State Coastal Marine Resources Committees Administration Change (Pacific CD) – Recommend Do Pass
- 2023-25 – CREP Contract Communication and Payment Inconsistency (Columbia CD) – Recommend Do Pass
- 2023-26 – Conservation District and WA Dept. Ecology Alignment of Roles and Responsibilities (Mason CD, Stevens County CD, & WACD Livestock Committee) – Recommend Do Pass as Amended
- 2023-27 – RCO SRRF funding moved to SCC (Pacific CD) – Recommend Do Not Pass
- 2023-28 – Dropping population criteria and removing per parcel maximum annual rate under RCW 89.08.405(3)(a) (Pierce CD) – Recommend Do Pass as Amended
- 1:30 PM – Other Business (If necessary)
- 1:45 PM – WACD Proposed Bylaw Changes (If necessary)
- 2:30 PM – Election of WACD Officers
- Secretary (two-year term)
- Treasurer (two-year term)
- National Director (two-year term)
- 3:00 PM – Tentative Business Meeting Adjournment
Recordings
Monday Afternoon Recording
Due to the technical difficulties experienced during Monday’s conference session, no recording is available at this time. WACD is working to recover a usable recording of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Successes and Challenges session.
Tuesday Morning Recording
This recording includes the Opening Session, the 2023 Farm Bill Session with NRCS Western Regional Conservationist Astor Boozer and NACD President Michael Crowder, and the 2023 Legislative Session Panel with Senator Kevin Van De Wege and Rep. Tom Dent.
Tuesday Afternoon Recording
This recording includes the Conservation Commission’s programming block, including: a presentation by Enduris, a Food Policy Forum update, Commission Policy updates, updates on Washington water topics, and the Meet and Greet for the Western Regional Commissioner candidates.
Wednesday Recording
This recording covers the entirety of the 2022 WACD Business Meeting.
Sponsors
