Providing natural resource support and education to Skagit county since 1942
About Us
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About Us
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About Us
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The Mission of the Skagit Conservation District
To bring voluntary, incentive-based natural resource solutions to the citizens of Skagit County and beyond by providing technical, financial, and educational resources.
The District works with landowners and farm operators to plan and implement conservation practices on private land. The District is a non-regulatory agency; therefore, all practices implemented by landowners and farm operators who work with the District and participate in its programs (cooperators) are on a voluntary basis.
The District’s success is tied to cooperation with other agencies and organizations and with local tribes. The District works closely with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA); the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), the Commission, the Washington State Department of Ecology (ECY), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and other state agencies; Skagit County; local tribes; and many other organizations, such as the Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland (SPF), the Skagit Watershed Council (SWC), and the Western Washington Agricultural Association (WWAA).
Our History
What is a Conservation District?
After the Dust Bowl in the 1930’s, there was a national recognition of the need to conserve our natural resources. To combat the erosion crisis a bill to establish a permanent agency for soils passed unanimously. Letters were sent across the US urging governors to create soil districts locally. It was understood that they needed people who knew the land, the local concerns and the famers needs to be successful. States committed to Hugh Hammond Bennet’s vision of restoring our countries farmland and the number of Districts grew, now resting at over 3,000.
Hugh Hammond Bennett: The Story of America’s Private Lands Conservation Movement
W-742-9. 3/27/52. Supervisors of Skagit Soil Conservation District. Left to right --Jess Knutzen, Director of the State Association; Albert Gerriets, Vice Chairman; James T. Ovenell, Chairman; W. James Wylie, Secretary-Treasurer; and W. E. Jennings, member. Photo by A. F. Harms
The Skagit Conservation District has served the county since 1942. We have a reputation for putting conservation on the ground, meeting the current needs of our people, while planning for future generations. Our programs reduce soil erosion, help dairies achieve nutrient management standards, enhance wildlife habitat, establish riparian zones, assist in shellfish protection, and educate local citizens about our watersheds.
