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Disaster Assistance Program
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Program level:
State
Provider:
Washington State Conservation Commission
Benefits provided:
Free technical assistance, Financial
Land use:
Agriculture
Water-focused program:
No
A short-term disaster recovery financial assistance program for farmers and ranchers sustaining physical damage or incurring expenses as a result of a natural disaster. It may partially reimburse eligible disaster recovery expenses or fund the implementation of best management practices that restore and/or increase disaster resiliency.
Overview
Description:
The Washington State Conservation Commission has activated the Disaster Assistance Program, a short-term disaster recovery financial assistance program for farmers and ranchers who sustained physical damage to their Klickitat County agricultural operations or incurred expenses as a result of the Big Horn fire of July-August 2024. It may partially reimburse eligible disaster recovery expenses or fund the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) that restore or increase disaster resiliency.
The program was first activated in 2021 in Whatcom County due to flood impacts.
2023 Proviso language states, “one-time funding is provided solely to support the continued development of the disaster assistance program established in RCW 89.08.645, which provides short-term financial support for farmers and ranchers during disasters. Funding must be prioritized for farmers and ranchers who are most economically vulnerable.”
2023 Proviso language states, “one-time funding is provided solely to support the continued development of the disaster assistance program established in RCW 89.08.645, which provides short-term financial support for farmers and ranchers during disasters. Funding must be prioritized for farmers and ranchers who are most economically vulnerable.”
Loss of anticipated income is not eligible for reimbursement. This program may partially reimburse producers for documented disaster recovery costs. Examples of potentially qualifying expenses include replacement or repair of damaged fencing, costs of debris removal in agricultural fields, replacing ruined hay and feed, damaged or lost equipment and more. Documentation is required. See the application for more information by clicking on "link to full program details".
Eligibility:
Must be located in Klickitat County and have an agricultural operation or incurred expenses as a result of the Big Horn fire of July-August 2024.
(A private landowner must work with their local conservation district to apply. Find your local conservation district using the "local service" button below.)
Financial benefit:
It may partially reimburse eligible disaster recovery expenses or fund the implementation of Best Management Practices that restore and/or increase disaster resiliency.
Contact information
Information last updated on July 15, 2025.
Planning Importance
Developing a forest, agricultural, or conservation plan helps identify and prioritize objectives for landowners. These objectives can determine what type programs to search for. Supporting organizations in your area often provide free consultation and planning.
Landscape Characteristics
See how your land fits into the broader context of regional conservation, ecosystem services, and working lands' values across the landscape through our interactive mapper tool. It could help you determine which program is a good fit for you!
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