Matt Williams

This Annual Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2026 outlines the Walla Walla County Conservation District's strategy to conserve and enhance natural resources through voluntary participation and education. Key priorities include improving soil health, reducing air pollution, restoring water quantity and quality, and protecting critical areas and wildlife habitats. The plan details specific goals and activities for these natural resource programs, alongside district programs focusing on operational support, education, and outreach.

This Annual Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2027 outlines the Walla Walla County Conservation District's efforts to conserve and enhance natural resources through voluntary participation and education. The plan identifies key natural resource priorities: Soil Health, Air Quality, Water Quantity, Water Quality, and Critical Areas & Wildlife Protection. These priorities are addressed through specific Natural Resource Programs and supported by District Programs focusing on operations, education, and outreach.

The Walla Walla Water 2050 Strategic Plan guides water resource decisions for the next 30 years in the Walla Walla Basin, aiming to balance ecosystem health with the continued growth and prosperity of human inhabitants. It focuses on key areas such as floodplains, critical species, habitat, water quality, water supply, streamflows, groundwater, land use, flood control, quality of life, and monitoring and metering.

The Walla Walla County Conservation District's 5-year strategic plan aims to conserve, protect, and improve the region's diverse natural resources through sustainable land and water management. Key focus areas include Water Quality, Water Quantity, Soil, Education, Wetlands, Air, Fisheries, Upland Habitat and Range, and Forest Health. The plan emphasizes collaboration with landowners, agencies, and partners, utilizing education and outreach to foster resilient ecosystems and thriving agricultural communities.

The meeting included discussions on VSP monitoring, specifically regarding requests to alter work plan goals related to fish passage barriers and water usage. The group voted to change the fish passage barrier assessment goal for clarity and to lower the goal to a manageable percentage. Additionally, changes were approved for screen and meter goals. Updates were provided on projects such as Mojonnier, Equestrian Way Riparian, and Dry Creek Screen. The new state VSP coordinator visited, and WSDA and Ecology Watershed Assessment outreach for well testing is underway. Partners provided updates on various projects and initiatives, including bridge projects, stream restoration, and salmon school programs.