The San Juan Islands Conservation District (SJICD) works cooperatively with San Juan County residents and partner agencies to develop and implement natural resource practices that protect and conserve our environment, while promoting sustainable agriculture. The SJICD serves all of San Juan County and was founded in 1947; it is one of 45 local conservation districts in Washington State. Conservati
on Districts (CDs) are non-regulatory, governmental entities established to provide landowners and residents with technical and financial assistance. CDs were formed on a national level following the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, which brought attention to the need to conserve natural resources, particularly soil. A model Conservation District Law was developed in 1937 with a goal of creating local leadership to coordinate conservation efforts and tailor them to meet local conditions and priorities. This idea was hugely successful and today nearly 3,000 Conservation Districts across the US work with local landowners and residents to develop solutions to local resource concerns. SJICD has multiple programs that are addressing water quality and habitat protection and restoration; sustainable farms and forests; youth environmental education and field experience; and climate and energy resiliency. To promote local sustainable agriculture, the Cost Share Program provides financial assistance to landowners to implement Farm Conservation and Management Plans through the installation of Best Management Practices (BMPs). These practices enhance and protect natural resources while often providing a much-needed resource for the farm. Installations on Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, and Shaw include compost facilities, heavy use area protection, fencing, and rain catchment systems. SJICD is also facilitating the Voluntary Stewardship Program in partnership with San Juan County. The Stormwater Monitoring Program just completed a three-year pilot study, in collaboration with SJICD, San Juan County Public Works, and WSU Extension. Findings from this study are available on the county's website at https://sanjuanco.com/publicworks/swu_DataAndReports.aspx. SJICD has also successfully partnered with OPALCO and Islands Energy to provide energy and climate outreach and education, as well as implement multiple energy conservation projects throughout the islands. The successful completion of our Community Solar for our Schools Program highlights four solar array systems installed on Orcas, San Juan, Lopez and Shaw school buildings. Along with the power generated, students receive renewable energy education and get a chance to see it in action. The San Juan Islands Conservation District is available to assist landowners and residents to develop sustainable natural resource management practices. Please contact SJICD with any questions. We are located at 530 Guard Street in Friday Harbor. You can also reach us by phone at (360) 378-6621 or at http://sanjuanislandscd.org.
