Conference News

Conservation: Getting To Yes

Schedule

Download a PDF version of the WACD 2023 Conference Schedule.

Hotel Registration

We recommend our conference attendees stay on-site at the Northern Quest Casino. We have secured a group discount rate set at the state per diem amount of $127 for Sunday, December 1 – Thursday, December 4.

Attendees may call the Northern Quest Reservation Line at 1-877-871-6772 and request the “Washington Association Conservation Conference” rate or use the Group Code of 30560 on the Northern Quest website

Speakers

Scroll down to learn more about our featured speakers!

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 descriptions

Logo	Description
	Tapteal Native Plants – HELPER sponsor Tapteal 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 sponsor Over 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 sponsor The 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 sponsor Envu 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 sponsor The 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 sponsor We 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 sponsor Enduris 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 sponsor We 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 sponsor Monaghan 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 sponsor In 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 sponsor DU 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 conservation Thanks 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 sponsor EarthScout® is a global company with Midwestern roots in the heartland of agriculture and our products are proudly manufactured in the USA. Our company is comprised of international experts who share a passion for helping growers to innovate through the use of timely data. At EarthScout, we are growers helping growers develop smart, industrial grade tools for gathering useful, grower-owned data. We help growers optimize growth, reduce inputs, conserve resources, and build living soils for a stronger, healthier future. Our vision is to create the world’s premier community of science-minded growers dedicated to advancing living soils and sustainable agriculture using an intuitive and robust Internet of Things (IoT) platform that promotes collaboration, education, and applied data analytics. Find out more at https://www.earthscout.com/
	Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife – SUPPORTER sponsor The 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 sponsor For 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 sponsor BFI 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 sponsor Rainier 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 sponsor In May 2024, Bill completed 18 years as a member and Chair of the King Conservation District Board of Directors.

Partners

Partner reports

Envirothon

Jump to the Envirothon site: https://waenvirothon.org/support-envirothon/auction/

Awards

Find information about WACD awards 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 13th and 14th respectively 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. Click here for the full list of committee recommendations on the 2023 resolutions

Background Info on WACD Resolutions

• WACD Resolution Process
• NACD Resolution Process Flow Chart
• WACD Active Resolutions as of 2023

Resolution assignments to WACD Committees

2023 Natural Resource Policy Committee Resolutions (Combined)

Natural Resources Policy Committee

2023 Legislative, Bylaws, and District Policies Committee Resolutions (Combined)

Legislative, Bylaws, and District Policies Committee

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
  • Parliamentary Procedure Cheat Sheet
• 9:20 AM – Approval of 2022 Business Meeting Minutes
  • 2022 Business Meeting Draft Minutes
  • 2022 Business Meeting Zoom Recording
• 9:25 AM – Public Comment Period
• 9:30 AM – Treasurer’s Report for FY2022 & Report on Current Fiscal Year
  • WACD FY 23 End of the Year Report
  • WACD FY 23 Financial Report
  • WACD FY23-24 Budget
• 9:40 AM – Plant Materials Center Status Report
  • PMC Written 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

• Cloud link available here

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

• Cloud link available here

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

• Cloud link available here

This recording covers the entirety of the 2022 WACD Business Meeting.