Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 26, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke addresses water policy, urges greater accountability for state’s conservation districts

BELLINGHAM – Gov. Gary Locke today applauded conservation districts’ efforts to clearly define their mission to the public and urged them to ensure that the public’s trust and confidence in conservation groups remains strong.

The governor made his remarks at the Washington Association of Conservation Districts annual conference in Bellingham. Conservation districts provide technical and financial assistance to landowners for voluntary soil and water conservation practices.

“Today, we are asked to do more with less, to promote conservation with fewer resources,” Locke said. “The public expects accountability on where their money goes. They also want accountability for the success -- or failure -- of conservation projects. The nature of agricultural issues requires a greater role for your districts in habitat restoration, water quality protection and the economic success of farms.”

The governor acknowledged the Spokane, Mason and Foster Creek conservation districts for innovative programs to meet the new challenges.

Locke also noted that greater accountability and growing communities would require districts to be more visible in their communities.

“Farms, especially in our fast-growing urban counties, are more important than ever, but they’re faced with challenges to stay competitive with increased costs,” the governor said. “We must support and encourage the role of these farms in education programs, in protecting critical natural resources and in providing a nearby link to our farming heritage. And conservation districts are best suited to do just that.”

Locke cited the Skagit Conservation District’s exemplary education program called “Treetures,” which targets pre-school through sixth grade with year-round educational materials on the values of trees. The governor also acknowledged the Snohomish Conservation District’s work with the Stilly-Snohomish Fisheries Enhancement Task Force on riparian habitat restoration projects.

“I encourage all of you to explore new opportunities that will help make our farmers more successful, will help educate your communities on the value of farming and will assist landowners in the protection of our natural resources,” Locke added.

In addition to accountability, Locke urged an update to the state’s “use it or lose it” water policies.

“If we are going to find innovative ways to restore salmon, we need to give our farmers the tools they need to do their part,” Locke remarked. “We can change the outdated notion of ‘use it or lose it’ and we should.”

“I also believe the issue of water will require a fiscal commitment,” the governor continued. “I am working with legislators to put together a fiscal package for water infrastructure investments that move us forward in meeting our future water needs.”

In closing, Locke awarded the Asotin County Conservation District with an Environmental Excellence Award for its extensive work to enhance water quality and fish habitat in the Asotin Creek watershed. The governor presented the award on behalf of the state Department of Ecology.

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Related Links:
- Washington Association of Conservation Districts
- Snohomish Conservation District
- Washington State Department of Ecology
- Foster Creek Conservation District
- Skagit Conservation District
- Mason Conservation District
- Spokane County Conservation District
- Stilly-Snohomish Fisheries Enhancement Task Force
- Washington State Legislature
- Water 2002
- Asotin County Conservation District honored for environmental work

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