The Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) is a collaborative, incentive-based program designed to help farmers and ranchers protect critical natural areas on their land while continuing agricultural activities.

Unlike traditional regulatory approaches, the VSP allows landowners to adopt voluntary conservation practices that align with their unique operations.

Key Objectives of VSP:
- Protect critical areas, including wetlands, riparian zones, and habitats for endangered species.
- Maintain and enhance the long-term viability of agriculture in Garfield County.
- Provide a flexible, collaborative alternative to regulatory compliance.

How VSP Works:
- Customized Plans: District staff work with landowners to develop tailored stewardship plans that balance conservation and productivity.
- Voluntary Practices: Participants implement conservation measures, such as planting buffers, improving grazing management, and installing erosion control structures.
- Monitoring and Support: The district monitors progress, provides ongoing technical assistance, and reports results to ensure the success of voluntary efforts.

Benefits of VSP:
- Improve water quality and habitat without additional regulatory restrictions.
- Access technical expertise and financial assistance for conservation projects.
- Foster a collaborative relationship with the district to address resource challenges.

VSP Capital Funds:
Capital funds for VSP cost-share projects are awarded through the SCC’s application process. Counties submit their proposed capital cost-share projects via the Conservation Practice Data System (CPDS). All projects that receive capital funding must comply with the Commission’s Grant and Contract Policy and Procedure Manual.

If funding is available, the SCC typically awards VSP capital funds on a monthly basis. Projects are evaluated only when:
- The best management practices (BMPs) show a “ready for funding” status in CPDS.
- The applicant has selected the BMPs.
- All information is complete in CPDS, including the VSP-specific questions in the CPDS funding tab.

For more information about VSP or to participate, contact the Pomeroy Conservation District today.

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. Garfield 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 Garfield 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