King County Agricultural and Forestry Program recipient of King Conservation District’s “Rock Award”

Awards program spotlights programs, municipalities and individuals

The King Conservation District (King CD) announced that the King County Agricultural and Forestry Program is a recipient of the district’s “Rock Award” as “Best Partnering Organization” in 2008.  The awards program recognizes programs, municipalities and individuals that have demonstrated service and leadership in conservation efforts within the district over the past year.

The King County Agricultural and Forestry Program was spotlighted for positive collaboration between the program’s staff and the King CD in achieving shared goals of sustainable agriculture and healthy working lands.

Examples include the recent farm flood pad ordinance, a successful cost share program, collaborating on landowner education events, developing the agriculture permit at DDES, supporting the Ag Commission and responding to requests for assistance.

“These awards highlight programs and individuals who have shown initiative and cooperation in stewardship programs and habitat enhancement within our district,” said Jeffrey Possinger, executive director of the King CD.  “It recognizes effective strategic partnerships with local governments and conservation groups that extend our mission.”

“King County’s Agriculture program protects farmland, helps farmers to be successful, and provides a link between local producers and consumers across the county,” said Council Chair Dow Constantine. “Our Forestry programs give citizens the resources to be better stewards of their forests, which comprise one-third of King County’s land area. Both programs provide major public benefits for all King County residents.”

“Our farmers depend upon the county’s agriculture program to provide the technical assistance they need to thrive while facing challenges such as flooding and land-use restrictions,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who represents the agriculturally rich Snoqualmie Valley. “This program has been able to help farmers provide access to locally grown, fresh produce for county residents. A nutritious, readily available food supply is essential for the health of our community, and this collaborative work ensures that local agriculture will continue to grow.”

Other 2008 winners include Pesha Klein, supervisor for King County’s DDES Critical Areas Section;  landowner Cory Huskinson of Fall City, and the City of Sammamish.

Winners were selected by District staff based on criteria established for each award.

The King CD provides information and technical assistance programs that are available to all landowners within the district’s boundaries (which includes most of King County) on a voluntary, non-regulatory basis. The district provides grants for conservation-focused projects and programs, and initiates community outreach activities that include workshops, education programs, site visits, farm plans, and consultation on land, water, and wildlife management.

As one of 47 conservation districts in the state, the King CD is a natural resources assistance agency authorized by the State of Washington and guided by the Washington State Conservation Commission.

For more information on the King Conservation District, visit www.kingcd.org.

Related information

Agriculture Program

King County Water and Land Resources