Palouse-Rock Lake Conservation District earns highest honor from Washington Dept. of Ecology

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) recently awarded the Palouse-Rock Lake Conservation District with its highest honor, the Environmental Excellence award, for its work to promote water quality through healthy agricultural practices.

“Their work and steadfast commitment to conservation farming practices will benefit clean water now and into the future,” Ecology's Water Quality Program Manager Heather Bartlett said when presenting the award to the district’s staff and board of directors. “The district continues to secure funds for programs that keep agricultural lands working in an environmentally friendly way.”

The district has undertaken on-the-ground efforts that benefit water quality projects intended to combat warm temperatures, low oxygen and high bacteria in the Palouse River. Promoting direct-seeding or low-tillage farming in the area, the district is responsible for preventing soil erosion along 40 miles of streams and rivers. Since 2010, its cost-sharing program with private landowners has seen more than 100,000 native trees planted, benefitting more than 45,000 acres. Ecology’s recognition of the Palouse-Rock Lake Conservation District stems from the leadership and forward thinking displayed by its efforts.