The Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) is a non-regulatory approach for complying with state requirements to protect critical areas (Revised Code of Washington [RCW] 36.70A.030) on agricultural lands. Franklin County is one of the 28 counties across the state that opted to participate in the VSP process.

Instead of enacting further critical areas regulations on agricultural lands, the VSP provides an alternative approach to protecting critical areas by enacting voluntary measures while promoting agriculture in Franklin County. The VSP allows landowners to develop voluntary, site-specific stewardship plans to protect critical areas on agricultural lands while maintaining and enhancing the viability of agriculture. The VSP offers a flexible conservation program for landowners. Not only does it protect critical areas, but it also protects agricultural viability. This means that plans are catered to the landowner and their operation. Additionally, the program can foster a partnership between the district and landowners for continued success in the future.

There are five types of critical areas:
- Wetlands
- Critical aquifer recharge areas
- Frequently flooded areas
- Geologically hazardous areas
- Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas