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April 2026 VSP newsletter |
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 Looking for forms, guidance or updates? Learn more at vsp.wa.gov.
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Funding Opportunities
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Small Surface Water & Groundwater Storage Projects
Small Storage Program
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Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative Program
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Collaborative Capacity Program for Forests & Communities
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Cultural Resources Complied Statement Form Reminder:
Please remember that when first charging staff time, or goods and services to an awarded DIP project, to include the completed Cultural Resources Complied Statement Form, and a signed landowner agreement along with the reimbursement materials. Fiscal staff need these documents to begin reimbursing costs for the project.
If you require any assistance or have any questions regarding these documents, please feel free to reach out to fiscal staff at sccgrants@scc.wa.gov or Mike Poteet, the VSP coordinator at mpoteet@scc.wa.gov
Round 4: VSP Capital Funding Available
VSP will accept applications for capital funds associated with projects to help counties meet their work plan goals and benchmarks through April 15. There is only $250,000 estimated to be available in this competitive funding round, as the program has awarded nearly all available capital funds for the biennium.
Projects should be entered in CPDS before April 16 to be considered for funding.
If you have any questions, please contact Mike Poteet mpoteet@scc.wa.gov .
VSP Capital Funding Roundtable #2
Monday, May 4, 2026 @ 1:00 - 2:30 pm PDT
Registration Link Here
The VSP team plans to share and review some potential tweaks to the current funding approach and take additional feedback to begin finalizing the Funding Guidelines section of the new Program Guidelines that are under development.
The conversation will focus on three main topic areas, with examples provided for discussion and feedback: funding allocation (Upfront + Competitive), project eligibility and selection criteria, and caps/thresholds for Competitive awards.
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Statewide Advisory Committee Meeting
May 6, 2026 (Lacey & Online)
This meeting will review all of Group 2's VSP 10-year reports. These counties include: Benton, Cowlitz, Okanogan, Pacific, and San Juan.
The physical meeting location for this meeting will be at the Washington State Farm Bureau office building in Lacey, WA. There is also a virtual option. Counties’ reports that are being reviewed MUST have at least one representative attend either virtually or in-person.
All 10-year report review meetings will begin at 9:00a.m.
Please contact Mike or Victoria with any questions.
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VSP Open Office Hours
Join VSP staff & Technical Panel on the second Tuesday of every month, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.!
What to expect and how to prepare:
One-on-One County Support Sessions
No more reservable spots are available, but counties may still request 1:1 sessions by contacting Mike or Victoria, who will then work with the Technical Panel Coordinators to schedule your session.
Eastern Washington Planners' Forum
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m PST
Location: Online – Zoom meeting
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The next Eastern Washington Planners’ Forum is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026.
The Planners’ Forums offer a unique opportunity – at no charge – for planners, planning commissioners, elected officials, and community members to talk informally about local issues, to share ideas and to receive updates from state and federal agencies whose work may impact land use. The Planners’ Forums also satisfy requirements for credentialed planners toward professional development through advanced-level presentations provided by professionals on an array of timely and relevant planning subjects
Topics for the Spring Forum include:
• CAO’s for Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas – Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
• CAO’s for Wetlands – Washington State Department of Ecology
Register using this link: https://wastatecommerce.zoom.us/meeting/register/Sq7kw4chTEa_NDLilqK_9w
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B.C. Salmon Recovery &
Resilience Conference
October 15 & 16, 2026
Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, B.C.
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On October 15th and 16th of 2026, 450+ salmon leaders will gather at the Vancouver Convention Centre for two days of connection and knowledge exchange to advance collaborative action. Featuring diverse keynote speakers and dynamic discussion panels, this conference will provide a platform to align priorities for salmon recovery in the era of climate change and reconciliation.
Conference registration includes access to two full days of programming and networking, plus continental breakfasts, coffee and refreshment breaks, lunch each day, and entry to an evening welcome reception.
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Small Surface Water & Groundwater
Storage Projects
Small Storage Program
Apply by 17 April 2026
This Bureau of Reclamation program
provides funding for small surface water and
groundwater storage projects. Eligible
projects include the planning, design, and
construction of small surface and
groundwater storage projects that increase
water yield, expand or convey water to/from
storage, and provide benefits such as water
supply reliability. Activities can include
feasibility and engineering studies,
environmental compliance, project design,
and physical construction.
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Organic Agriculture Research and
Extension Initiative Program
Apply by 14 May 2026
This program funds research, education, and
extension/outreach programs that enhance
the ability of producers and processors who
have already adopted organic standards to
grow and market high-quality organic
agricultural products. Current funding
opportunities include research, planning,
and workshop grants. Eligible applicants
range from universities and research
institutions to federal agencies, private
organizations, and individual U.S. citizens.
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Collaborative Capacity Program for Forests & Communities
Apply by 14 May for Community Partner
Applicants and 13 July for Tribal Applicants
This program aims to strengthen collaborative capacity for natural resource management by
funding projects that prioritize shared decision-making to reduce wildfire risk, ensure sustainable recreation and public access, and build economically resilient forests and communities. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribal governments and federally recognized tribal organizations; nonprofit organizations; local government entities; colleges and universities.
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Questions? Contact Mike Poteet for more information.
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