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NOVEMBER 2022 

In This Issue:

• Save the date: Quarterly reports are due Jan. 10
• Save the date: Next Joint TP & SAC Meeting is Jan. 12
• 2023 Joint Meeting Schedule: Regional and in person w/ online option
• Funding is Open! Tips for Successful VSP Project Applications
• New! Subscribe to the VSP Calendar
• WSU Energy Program Leads Least-Conflict Solar Siting Process

Chehalis River, Thurston CD

Upcoming Events

Joint TP & SAC Meeting

Jan. 12, 2023 @ 8 a.m.
In person in Lacey (location tbd) and online.

Meeting ID: 859 7490 0192

Passcode: 434300

Quarterly Reports

VSP quarterly reports were due Oct. 10. If you have not submitted your 3rd quarter report (July 1 – Sept. 30, 2022), please do so.

Next quarterly report due:

Jan. 10, 2023

2023 Joint Meeting Schedule

In-person meetings have returned (still online option)!

Jan. 12, 2023: Western region - Lacey & online
May 11, 2023: Central region - Ellensburg & online
July 13, 2023: Northeast region - Spokane & online
Oct. 12, 2023: Southeast region - Pullman & online

VSP counties will be grouped by geographical region, attempting to make meetings easier to attend in person. All VSP counties, CDs, and interested stakeholders are welcome to attend.

The format for each Joint Meeting remains the same. Each meeting will focus on presentations from a specific list of counties. Time on the agenda for each presenting county will serve as a “check-in” with the Statewide Advisory Committee and Technical Panel as they prepare for their next 5-yr report. A presenting county is invited to participate however they prefer. Examples of participation include, but are not limited to:

• a conversation with the Statewide Advisory Committee and Technical Panel.
• a presentation by the county (with or without PowerPoint).
• a tour (virtual or actual) of county VSP projects.

We hope to see you there!

Shrubsteppe in Lincoln County

Funding Open! Tips for Successful VSP Project Applications

The WA State Conservation Commission (SCC) is now accepting cost-share applications for Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) projects. Funding is now open and proposals will be considered on a monthly basis. 

Projects need to be completed by June 30, 2023.

Please review these tips for successfully funding a VSP project. For instance, please make sure all VSP-specific questions are answered when entering your application into the SCC’s Conservation Practice Data System (CPDS) and that you have approval of the project from your county VSP work group before submitting an application.

This VSP cost-share opportunity provides funding for voluntary on-the-ground conservation projects that protect the five critical areas — wetlands, areas that recharge aquifers used for potable water, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, frequently flooded areas, and geologically hazardous areas — while maintaining agricultural viability.

Proposed projects must meet a VSP county work plan goal or benchmark, be in a VSP watershed, seek to address salmon habitat resource needs/impacts, use Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) standards and specifications, and be approved prior to submittal by the county VSP work group.

Project proposals need to be entered into the SCC’s CPDS to be considered for funding. Before submitting, please review the VSP Supplemental Funding Guidelines.

SCC and the VSP project review committee look forward to receiving your proposals. For general questions about VSP projects and funding opportunities, please contact Bill Eller or Karla Heinitz.

Livestock watering station in Adams County

New! Subscribe to the VSP Calendar

The Commission is excited to announce that those interested in VSP meetings, such as the Technical Panel, Statewide Advisory Committee, monitoring symposiums, and other VSP happenings, can sign up to receive meeting information directly. New meetings and events will automatically appear on your calendar.

WSU Leads Least-Conflict Solar Siting Stakeholder Process

Washington State University (WSU) Energy Program is leading a voluntary, collaborative, non-regulatory effort that engages relevant stakeholders, tribes, and key agencies in a conversation and process to identify least-conflict areas for utility-scale solar development.

Here is information if you are interested in taking part in the stakeholder process.

”Exploring pathways to protect Washington’s unique and diverse habitat and agricultural lands while producing the solar energy needed to help the state’s utilities reach 100% clean electricity.” WSU Energy Program 

• Groups of stakeholders involved in farmland, ranchland, and environmental conservation are meeting to evaluate trade-offs and priorities related to solar energy development in the Columbia Plateau.

• The project aims to identify least-conflict areas for solar siting. Least-conflict areas are areas where less harm would be done (and thus less stakeholder opposition) to important rangeland, farmland, and habitat, as well as tribal sites, with solar development.
• The process for identifying least-conflict areas includes evaluating maps and data relating to the quality and quantity of rangeland, farmland, and habitat as well as anticipated changes due to climate change.
• Solar siting has been identified as a concern among some VSP stakeholders as it may result in the loss of habitat and agricultural lands.
• Data and maps used for this project may have other applications to VSP monitoring and planning.

VSP stakeholders that wish to learn more or participate in the project can visit the WSU website and/or contact Project Manager/PI, Karen Janowitz, (360) 956-2096

For questions about how this project may relate to VSP monitoring and planning contact SCC Natural Resource Scientist, Levi Keesecker, (360) 789-3650

Subscribe!

Not a newsletter subscriber? 

Sign up here and choose the subscription for the “Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP)” under the Programs and Policy tab.

If you have any questions please contact Bill Eller or Sarah Wilcox.

Copyright 2022 - Washington State Conservation Commission