​Natural Resouce Investment Grant

Assistance is available for implementation of management practices that protect natural

resources. There are a variety of best management practices (BMPs) that

landowners/producers can implement to help address resources concerns such as soil

erosion and health, water and air quality, and wildlife habitat.

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Direct Seed Grant

Funding will soon be available for producers looking to try direct seeding for the first time.

Operators must rent a direct seed drill or hire someone to seed for them, then submit an

invoice to be reimbursed. Costs may be reimbursed at a rate of $44.69/acre for up to 250

acres per seeding. 

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WA Shrubsteppe Restoration & Resiliency Initiative Grant

This program seeks to address wildlife habitat protection and restoration challenges while

supporting working lands and communities in the face of wildland fire. Conservation practices

include wildlife friendly fencing (including virtual fencing), habitat restoration, and deferred

grazing (livestock feed reimbursement following fire).

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Sustainable Farms & Fields Grant

This program helps operators implement climate-smart practices and projects that increase

carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Conservation practices that

address soil health, nutrient management, and pasture health are eligible. Assistance getting

equipment to implement these practices may also be available. 

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Voluntary Stewardship Program 

The Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) is a non-regulatory approach for complying with

state requirements to protect critical areas on agricultural lands. Instead of enacting further

critical area regulations on agricultural lands, the VSP allows critical areas to be watershed 

based, using a collaborative stewardship planning process that relies on incentive-based

practices for protecting critical areas and promoting viable agriculture.

5 Types of Critical Areas:

• ​Wetlands

• Critical Aquifer Recharge

• Frequently Flooded

• Geologically Hazardous

• Fish and Wildlife Habitat 

 

Participating in the VSP helps to meet requirements outlined in Growth Management Act (GMA) that are required to protect critical areas and it allows more local control and less regulations. Adams County has entered into partnership with Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD) to help implement the program. The county has 7 years to demonstrate that current levels of stewardship are protecting critical areas. The Conservation District will need your help to make this happen and ensure the VSP remains offered to producers as an option.

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Assistance is available for planning and implementation of management practices that protect natural resources in critical areas. ​​​​​If you're interested in participating provide CBCD with your parcel numbers or map so they can determine if critical areas exist on or in proximity of your farm. Information remains confidential.

​Two ways to start your participation, have your parcel numbers available:

• Submit an online form here

• Call CBCD at: (509) 765-9618

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VSP Work Group 

​A VSP Work Group comprised of agriculture, environmental, and other stakeholders, meets occasionally to oversee the VSP Work Plan for Adams County. If you are interested in being part of the Adams County VSP Work Group please fill out the Work Group Application Form and contact: Tim Unruh, Adams County Building and Planning Director, timu@co.adams.wa.us, (509) 488-9441.

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For more information on the VSP visit: 

CBCD's website at https://www.columbiabasincd.org/voluntary-stewardship-program

​Adams County's website at https://www.co.adams.wa.gov/417/Volunteer-Stewardship-Program

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