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Forest

Natural Resource Investments

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Program level:

State

Provider:

Washington State Conservation Commission, local Conservation Districts

Benefits provided: 

Financial, Free technical assistance

Land use:

Agriculture, Forest

Water-focused program: 

No

Install best management practices to improve natural resource conditions in a farm-friendly way.

Overview

Description:

Conservation districts use Natural Resource Investments funding from the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) to offer local, incentive-based programs that empower landowners to voluntarily install best management practices (BMPs). BMPs advance progress toward resource objectives, such as improved water quality and habitat, and are farm-friendly.

Natural Resource Investments funding enables landowners and communities to complete voluntary projects that address state and local natural resource priorities – such as salmon recovery, climate resilience, and forest health.

Using funding from this program, conservation districts offer “cost-share” as an incentive for landowners to install eligible conservation projects. Cost-share means a landowner only pays a portion of a project’s total cost – the remaining portion is paid by the conservation district. This incentive increases landowner interest and participation in conservation work. Use the "Local Service" button to find your conservation district for enrollment.

Eligibility:

Owner/producer must be willing to install best management practices and take before & after photos.

(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: 

Financial assistance for projects varies. Maximum cost-share per landowner per fiscal year is $100,000.

All conservation districts are eligible for ongoing Natural Resource Investments funding.

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!

Contact Us

Take Our Survey!

Let us know your experience using the Conservation Program Explorer!

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