Conservation Planning & Assistance

Natural resources, such as soil, water, air, plants, and animals, can be adversely affected by the way we use our land. Agricultural operations can be major contributors of non-point source pollution if not managed properly. Through the process of Conservation Planning and the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP’s); we assist our clients in increasing farm production and pleasant aesthetics while reducing the impacts of farm activities on our shared natural resources. Clients can learn useful information and obtain assistance on implementing BMP’s including; gutter and downspout installation, cross fencing, pasture renovation, stream fencing, stream side and wetland planting for wildlife habitat and erosion control, creating sacrifice areas and more.

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What is a Conservation Plan?

• A voluntary process to improve natural resource management on your property;
• Exploration of management challenges and objectives;
• An inventory of natural resources on your property;
• A list of recommended alternatives to solve production and natural resource issues.

District Resource Technicians and Specialists assist landowners in developing these plans. Together, the client and District staff will explore management challenges and objectives as well as possible impacts on soils, surface and groundwater and other natural resources. For each challenge or concern, alternative management practices are suggested with the goals of the client in mind. The decision to implement these alternatives, more commonly known as Best Management Practices (BMPs) rests solely on the landowner. In certain cases, District staff can also assist the landowner with exploring options of financial assistance for the implementation of BMPs.

You don’t have to be a commercial operation to benefit from developing a conservation plan! Thurston Conservation District works with farms of all sizes, from backyard horse or llama owners to dairy and beef operations with larger numbers of livestock. We appreciate the diversity of the land in Thurston County and the diversity of ideas in its population. A Conservation Plan is developed specifically for you and your property. These plans are as dynamic as the individuals who create them and can be modified as management plans and/or circumstances change.

Did You Know?

Residents who develop a Conservation Plan and implement the BMPs as scheduled in the plan will be in accordance with the Non-Point Source Ordinance of Thurston County.

Technical Assistance

The district provides free technical assistance for residents of Thurston County. Our qualified resource specialists are here to assist landowners with all types of questions on land management, crop and livestock advice, forestry, soils, shorelines, wetlands, prairie, wildlife habitat, streams and lakes, erosion, native plants, riparian restoration, soil testing and much more.

Check out our Working Lands Resources for helpful guides and publications.

Check out the podcast episodes below to hear TCD’s conservation experts answer frequently asked questions and learn more about technical assistance and the cost-share process.

Thurston Conservation District uses MRSC Rosters to maintain their small public works roster. If you are interested in responding to or bidding on a Thurston Conservation District project, please visit www.mrscrosters.org and register online to complete your free business application​. To learn about future projects listed by Thurston Conservation District, make sure it is selected as one of the agencies you want to work with.

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Interested in learning more about Conservation Planning & Technical Assistance?

You can also use our contact form.