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Conservation Planning

Soil, water, air, plants and animals can all be adversely affect by varied land uses. Poorly managed agricultural operations can be major contributors of non-point source pollution. Through the process of Conservation Planning and the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs); landowners can increase farm production and pleasant aesthetics while reducing the impacts of farm activities on natural resources. Landowners can learn useful information and obtain assistance implementing BMPs including; gutter and downspout installation, cross fencing, pasture renovation, stream fencing, streamside and wetland planting for wildlife habitat and erosion control, creating sacrifice areas and manure management.

What is a Conservation Plan?

  • An inventory of soils, water, plants and animals on your property;
  • Exploration of production problems on your farm;
  • A list of suggested alternatives to solve production and natural resource issues.

A District Technician assists landowners in developing these plans. Together, the landowner and technician will explore the problems with production and impacts on soils, surface and groundwater and other natural resources. For each of the problems, alternative management practices are suggested. The landowner's objectives are taken into consideration when developing these alternatives. The decision to implement these alternatives, more commonly known as Best Management Practices (BMPs) rests solely on the landowner. In certain cases, the District Technician can assist the landowner with exploring options for financial assistance for the implementation of BMPs.

We appreciate the diversity of the land in Thurston County and the diversity of ideas in its population. A Conservation Plan is custom made for you and your property. These plans are as dynamic as the individuals who create them and can be modified as management plans and/or circumstances change.

Did You Know...Residents who develop a Conservation Plan and implement the BMPs as scheduled in the plan will be in accordance with the Non-Point Source Ordinance of Thurston County.

If you would like additional information and/or are interested in developing a Conservation Plan, please call us at (360) 754-3588 or write us at tcd@thurstoncd.com.