USDA grants $7.7 million for Spokane conservation project

The Spokane Conservation District, in partnership with state and local organizations, has secured $7.7 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program which directs funds towards conservation projects to help improve water quality, enhance soil health and support wildlife habitat. This is the second RCPP award in eastern Washington and northern Idaho since its inception in 2014.

Spokane Conservation District has long been active in promoting the sustainable use of natural resources throughout eastern Washington and parts of northern Idaho. The RCPP award will greatly expand that role through the partnership of more than 20 other organizations including the Spokane and Coeur d’ Alene tribes, multiple conservation districts from northern Idaho and Washington, along with state, county and local governmental agencies.

Several non-profits and service organizations representing the entire Greater Spokane River Watershed in both states will also be part of the coalition.

Each partner organization will play a specific role in the project which will include conservation of soil and water resources on more than 150,000 acres of agricultural lands. The partners will contribute matching funds with the cumulative match equaling $15.4 million available for this project.

The program is expected to be available for private landowners to enroll in innovative conservation programs in the fall of 2016. It is anticipated that more than 300 farm operators will become involved over a five year period.