September 2024

SCC is excited to announce Hilary Aten has started as the new Office of Farmland Preservation Coordinator (OFP). A respected leader in farmland protection, Hilary brings more than two decades of land conservation experience to this role. She has successfully lead teams, fostered strong relationships with the agricultural community, secured significant grant funding, managed complex real estate transactions, and developed and executed long range conservation plans. Hilary will be a tremendous asset to both OFP and SCC. Hilary’s first day is September 16, 2024. She can be reached at haten@scc.wa.gov, (564) 250-0691. You can read more about Hilary here.

Agriculture in the news

• Key Skagit County Farm Property on Agricultural Scenic Corridor Protected | Skagit County
  
  
• Feds: Tidegate fixes threaten Puget Sound salmon | Capital Press
  
  
• Idaho loses farmland to development. What it means for food | Idaho Statesman
  
  
• Renting acreage appealing for new producers, but complicated | Capital Press
  
  
• Inside the plan to build a new dam and reservoir in WA | The Seattle Times

NRCS Updates

• Eric Nelson has joined our team as the NRCS/WSCC Conservation Easement Liaison. Eric will be assisting NRCS with new RCPP easement proposals, ALE applications and closings, conservation partner feedback, and improvements. 
  • Eric brings a wealth of experience from King County, Skagit County, King Conservation District, American Farmland Trust, and a lifetime integrated into the agricultural community and natural resources of Washington. Eric can be reached at: eric@skagitcd.org or by cell at 360-899-2036.
• Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) application batching is October 4 and December 20.
• Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) application is October 4 and December 20.
• NRCS-WA and American Farmland Trust (AFT) are working together on successional planning outreach to NRCS program participants.

Job Announcements

The Washington State Conservation Commission is searching for qualified applicants for its next Legislative Director. The Legislative Director will develop and execute the agency’s state legislative strategy. They will serve as an adviser to the Executive Director and Director of Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs. This role requires a strategic and creative thinker with expert knowledge of the legislative process and the ability to provide clear analysis on legislative and regulatory matters. Key Responsibilities Include:

• Ensure SCC’s strategic priorities are represented in legislative action, including policy and budget bills.
• Position SCC as a trusted source of information for policy makers and policy influencers.
• Meet all legislatively mandated deadlines and deliverables.
• Keep SCC Leadership, the Commission, and stakeholders informed throughout the legislative process.
• Proactively engage in the legislative process and address emergent issues effectively.

If this sounds like you and you are passionate about protecting and conserving Washington's natural resources, please take a look at the full job description.

Resources and Events

2024 Tilth Conference | Tilth Alliance - The annual Tilth Conference will take place on November 14-16, in Vancouver WA. 

Down Payment Assistance Grant | Minnesota Department of Agriculture - The Minnesota Department of Agriculture had developed a down-payment assistance program to help new farmers purchase farmland. 

Census of Ag Fact Sheet | American Farmland Trust - AFT has published a four-page summary of the 2022 Ag Census that highlights national issues and includes guidance on how to access unpublished data.

Subscribe to the Farmland Preservation Monthly Newsletter, brought to you by the Office of Farmland Preservation. 

The Washington State Conservation Commission administers the Office of Farmland Preservation to address the rapid loss of working farm and forest lands in our state. Learn more: www.scc.wa.gov/ofp.