*This is a future program that could be offered. As Rock Lake Conservation District grows, this program could be available as the community's interest in it grows. Please contact Rock Lake Conservation District to get involved.*

The Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) is a new incentive based approach for Washington counties to participate in a watershed-based, collaborative planning process that protects critical areas while promoting agricultural viability. Prior to the creation of VSP in 2011, the Growth Management Act and Critical Area Ordinance were the main tools for counties to ensure protection of critical areas on agricultural land. VSP was created under the GMA to give counties an alternative to traditional approaches. The VSP is a collaborative process that helps Washington communities ensure healthy landscapes and strong farms and ranches into the future. The VSP workgroup identifies stewardship strategies for agricultural viability and protecting and/or restoring five critical areas: wetlands, frequently flooded areas, fish and wildlife conservation areas, critical aquifer recharge areas and geologically hazardous areas on private lands.

Whitman County is one of 28 counties that has opted in to VSP and has received funding to develop a VSP Work Plan. The work plan is a locally driven watershed plan including voluntary, incentive-based tools to protect critical areas and maintain and enhance the viability of agriculture, put together by a work group representing key stakeholders and agricultural groups within Whitman County.