September 16, 2024
Skagit County Volunteer Stewardship Program Implements $1 Million in Legislative Funding with On-The-Ground Projects
Using $1 million in 2023 legislative funding, the Skagit County Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) has protected water quality and restored critical areas on Skagit farmland:
- Completed 9.36 acres of vegetation management
- Planted 212 acres of cover crops
- Installed 3,579 feet of livestock exclusion fencing
- Controlled 46.25 acres of weeds
- Installed 220 feet of large woody debris
- Planted 20 acres of pasture
- Planted 50.31 acres of new riparian buffers
- Established 8.59 acres of trees and shrubs
- Constructed 6 livestock waste management facilities
The work was done in association with numerous local partners including the Skagit County Natural Resources Stewardship Program, Skagit Conservation District, Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group, and Skagit Land Trust. Project areas include the Skagit River, Samish River, Fisher Carpenter Creek, and Nookachamps Creek. The projects have contributed to protection of water quality and critical areas.
“This is a real success story,” said Skagit County Commissioner Lisa Janicki. “Collaboration with farmers is the best way to create a lasting win.”
“This shows that with appropriate resources our Voluntary Stewardship Program can protect critical areas on Skagit farmland,” said Commissioner Ron Wesen.
“I want to thank Senator Ron Muzzall for working with us to secure funding for the Voluntary Stewardship Program,” said Commissioner Peter Browning. “I also want to assure the public that we’ve made the most of this money, protecting water quality, Treaty rights, and Skagit farmland, using landowner-led solutions.”
More information on the Skagit County Voluntary Stewardship Program can be found here.
About the Skagit County Voluntary Stewardship Program
The Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) provides financial incentives and technical assistance to agricultural landowners who implement best management practices and natural resource enhancement on their property. VSP is the alternative, non-regulatory approach to protecting Critical Areas in Skagit County while maintaining agricultural productivity.
Skagit County’s VSP Coordinator pairs individual landowners with a suitable program tailored to their needs and goals for their property.
If you have questions or need additional information about the Voluntary Stewardship Program, please contact Skagit County VSP Coordinator Rebecca rising at rebeccar@co.skagit.wa.us or (360) 360-9355. For more information on the program, please visit our website.
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