Welcome to Skagit Conservation District (SCD).

Most people agree that conservation works best when people who live and work in an area learn to take care of their own resources. As legal sub-divisions of Washington State government, conservation districts are self-governed by volunteers who establish priorities and set policy. The Skagit Conservation District (SCD) is composed of local farmers, landowners, and concerned citizens and is dedicated to maintaining Skagit County's renewable natural resources.

Washington State's 48 conservation districts make up a grass roots conservation delivery system that identifies local problems and guide solutions voluntarily. Between landowners and government agencies, conservation districts provide the necessary connection in order to communicate and implement the technical and financial assistance programs to conserve natural resources.  The SCD's priorities and goals include:

•   Protection and improvement of surface and groundwater quality

•   Watershed planning and implementation

•   Riparian restoration and enhancement

•   Forest stewardship

•   Wildlife habitat enhancement

•   Conservation education

•   Protection and preservation of prime agricultural land

•   County government assistance

These goals are met through SCD's extensive technical assistance and public outreach programs. A five-member volunteer board of supervisors, made up of local landowners, guides and administers the District's programs to provide education and on-the-ground assistance to local landowners and cooperators. SCD staff works with private partners, state and federal government agencies, agricultural and environmental organizations, and other conservation districts. The SCD is funded through grants, an annual native plant sale, and state general-fund money requiring a dollar-for-dollar match.

Much of the technical assistance provided to landowners and land users consists of helping them adopt conservation Best Management Practices (BMPs). SCD technicians provide farm conservation planning services free of charge to cooperators who request assistance. The SCD Service Forester uses an ecosystem management approach in Forest Stewardship planning services offered to non-industrial private forest land owners.

SCD public outreach and education efforts include hosting workshops on many topics including septic system maintenance, livestock management, forest management, and encouraging citizen involvement in watershed protection. SCD's education and volunteer programs include Watershed Masters, Beach Monitors, and Stream Team as well as working with schools to foster development of environmentally aware adults.

The Skagit Conservation District has a proven track record for putting conservation on the ground and involving volunteers in watershed education, monitoring and restoration projects. The SCD's programs reduce soil erosion and prevent sediment build-up, help dairies achieve nutrient management standards, increase wildlife habitat on private land, establish riparian enhancement projects, target shellfish protection by correcting nonpoint pollution, and educate local citizens about their watersheds.

If you have comments or suggestions, email us at skagitcd@skagitcd.org

1999 Skagit Conservation District - Revised 10/07