The Okanogan Conservation District, in partnership with the Washington Departments of Ecology, State Health, Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Conservation Commission, and Washington Emergency Management Division, will host two drought information open houses on May 9 and 10. The May 9 open house will be at the Twisp Valley Grange, while the May 10 event […]
Okanogan Conservation District
Okanogan County plan intended to protect a variety of critical areas
Agricultural activities are often conducted in close proximity to wildlife habitat, wetlands, and areas prone to erosion. Now a plan to protect and enhance these critical areas near Okanogan County’s farmland — through voluntary actions — has been submitted to a state commission for review and public comment.
Agencies discuss response criteria for wildland fires
A recent community meeting about wildland firefighting raised questions about how agencies coordinate in fighting fires, the ramifications for firefighting of closed roads on public lands, and how decisions are made about protecting …
Benson Creek watershed gets state water-quality grant
By Marcy Stamper Since the 2014 Carlton Complex Fire and subsequent mudslides, the Benson Creek watershed has struggled with degraded water quality and increased sediment. A state-funded program will begin to address those issues by planting vegetation and getting more-detailed data about the extent of the damage to creeks and rivers. The $250,000 grant, provided […]
Winthrop urged to become ‘Fire-Adapted’
When it comes to wildfires, Winthrop has dodged the bullet so far, but a local resident is suggesting that town leaders do more to prepare for a time when the town may not be so fortunate.
“We’ve been really lucky in our community,” Winthrop resident …
State audit highlights timing issues in fire-recovery funding
State and local conservation districts that assist property owners with recovery after a wildfire or other disaster sometimes struggle to get projects approved and completed before funding expires. In fact, sometimes they have only a few months to get everything completed.
The districts also face limitations because state law requires that only a fraction of the money can be used in advance. Most funds must be paid only to reimburse documented expenses.
Reviewing options for ravaged watershed
Risks from erosion, mudslides and floods remain high in the Benson Creek watershed, which was ravaged by wildfire and floods almost two years ago. Federal and state agency officials and conservation planners are exploring options for …
Conservancy names annual award winners
The Methow Conservancy announced the recipients of its 2015 Methow Conservation Awards at an event last week. Classroom in Bloom is the winner of the Ken White Award — honoring those who carry on Ken White’s love for the Methow Valley — in recognition of the program’s commitment to inspiring young people to understand agriculture, ecology, and natural history […]
Conservation District seeking board members
There are two openings on the board of supervisors of the Okanogan Conservation District. One is an elected position and the other will be appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission. Conservation districts are subdivisions of state government, much like school boards. Each district is governed by five supervisors who serve voluntarily and without pay. […]
Community briefs: Nov. 4, 2015
Get mobbed up this weekend Sometimes a mob mentality is not a bad thing, as when it’s for a good cause. Join the Methow Conservancy and the Okanogan County Electric Co-Op on Saturday (Nov.) 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a Seed Mob to plant native grass seeds in areas disturbed during this […]
