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Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP)
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Program level:
State
Provider:
Washington State Conservation Commission
Benefits provided:
Financial, Free technical assistance
Land use:
Agriculture
Water-focused program:
No
VSP programs help to preserve the natural environment, maintain fish and wildlife habitat, and protect drinking water. Protecting critical areas also helps reduce exposure to risks, such as landslides or flooding, and maintains the natural elements of our landscape.
Overview
Description:
VSP is voluntary and non-regulatory. You can choose whether to do a stewardship plan for your farm.
If you choose to do a stewardship plan, you will balance protecting critical areas with keeping your agricultural operation economically viable while managing your farm or ranch in ways that meet your needs.
Funding will be available to help you put in practices that protect critical areas, such as fences or improved pastures and paddocks.
You can help by participating in your county VSP work group – building the future of your county, your farm, and our environment.
VSP protects 5 critical areas of conservation:
- Wildlife Habitat
- Wetlands
- Frequently Flooded
- Aquifer Recharge
- Geologically Hazardous
If you live in one of the 27 counties that are enrolled in VSP, there may be opportunities for you to receive on-site, expert assistance with developing a Stewardship Plan for your property and providing cost-share funding for new or adjusted land management practices that protect critical areas. There also may be opportunities to get involved with your county’s VSP plan and progress.
Eligibility:
Must be an agricultural owner or producer within the critical area. Use this map to find your land (copy and paste into your browser): http://wacds.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2930001d16314992ab4d6aa1c387e589
Financial benefit:
Funding available for different projects (e.g. fences)
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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