KCCD to be honored for environmental stewardship

Washington State Department of Ecology

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Department of Ecology News Release - November 5, 2007

07-329

KCCD to be honored for environmental stewardship

YAKIMA – Kittitas County Conservation District (KCCD) is administering several multi-million dollar projects that support agriculture and protect the environment in Kittitas County.

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) will honor the conservation district with an Environmental Excellence Award, to be presented during a KCCD board meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at 607 East Mountain View in Ellensburg.

The conservation district is boldly tackling projects that enable farmers and ranchers to comply with environmental laws, improve water quality and protect the environmental health of Kittitas County.

"KCCD has led the way by enthusiastically and creatively taking on some very challenging projects in Kittitas County," said Derek Sandison, Central Regional director for Ecology. "Landowners have partnered with KCCD to improve habitat conditions for fish, implement irrigation efficiencies and learn environmentally friendly ways to operate their farms and ranches."

A few highlights of their achievements include:

Yakima Tributary Access & Habitat Program – Now in its fifth year, the habitat program assists landowners with projects addressing fish protection, fish passage, irrigation and streamside improvements. Local landowner "tributary teams" are helping to implement the more than $7 million project.
Manastash Creek Restoration Project – KCCD has been instrumental in mediating negotiations for this project that will increase stream flows in Manastash Creek. The project exceeds $2 million, authorized directly by the Washington Legislature.
Irrigation efficiencies program – Since 2002, KCCD has provided $2.7 million in cost-share funds to find better ways to deliver water to irrigators, netting a total of more than 2,900 acre-feet of water placed in trust, increasing stream flows in several Yakima River tributaries.
Small-Acreage Landowner Programs – KCCD, with WSU Extension, annually hosts workshops supporting small-acreage landowners. Additionally, they publish the Rural Living Handbook and the Small Ranch Manual, both filled with practical environmental tips for local residents.

The Environmental Excellence Award is the state's highest award for recognizing environmental stewardship. Ecology issues the award to individuals, businesses and organizations that have shown leadership, innovation or extraordinary service in protecting, improving or cleaning up the environment.

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Media contact: Joye Redfield-Wilder, 509-575-2610