Okanogan Conservation District

06/23/2026

This week we are highlighting the beautifully colored red-osier dogwood.

Red-osier dogwood is one of the most recognizable riparian shrubs due to its striking red stems, which remain visible even in winter. It produces clusters of white berries, providing food for many birds and other wildlife.

Much like willow, it also helps stabilize streambanks. Beyond its ecological importance, it has been culturally significant to Indigenous people for tools, basketry, and traditional medicines.

06/21/2026

Happy first day of summer! Today marks the summer solstice, when we receive the most daylight hours of the year. Today, Okanogan County will receive 16 hours and 13 minutes of daylight. We hope this summer brings you joy and natural beauty ☀️🍎

06/18/2026

This district office will be closed on Friday (6/19) in observance of Juneteenth. We will reopen on Monday (6/22) at 8:00am.

06/17/2026

ATTN: Residents in Coulee Dam, Elmer City, and Nespelem --- DATE CHANGE for the area chipping event. The event will now take place 6/23 - 6/25.

Due to an equipment issue, this week's chipping event is now taking place next week. A reminder that this is a FREE service for the community. Please have your woody debris piles stacked and ready alongside the road to have your materials chipped and hauled away.

For more on chipping event requirements, visit the sign up page: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019613a22a5f75dc8683633af7acf2fe
Learn more about clean air events on our website: https://www.okanogancd.org/single-post/time-for-fall-chipping-dumpsters

CCT Environmental Trust Colville Tribal Broadcasts, News and Information

06/16/2026

In recognition of National Rivers Month, this week we are highlighting willows!

Arguably the ultimate riparian plant, willows are among the easiest native species to establish along streambanks. Cuttings or stakes containing dormant buds can root readily when placed in moist soils near the water table. Their dense root systems provide excellent erosion control during floods and high streamflow events.

Willows also provide important habitat for birds and pollinators, while their early spring flowers are among the first food sources available to native bees. Some common native willows of Okanogan County include: coyote willow (Salix exigua), Scouler's willow (Salix scouleriana), and yellow willow (Salix lutea).

06/15/2026

Check out this prescribed burn that took place in May near Winthrop!

The North Cascades Prescribed Burn Association (NCPBA) has been working hard to bring prescribed burning to private landowners across Okanogan County. Prescribed burning can provide a wealth of benefits, including habitat enhancement, improvements to soil health, and reduced wildfire risk.

If this is something you're interested in learning more about, reach out to Eli Loftis at Okanogan CD ([email protected] / 509-429-3453) or the NCPBA [email protected]. Let's work together to improve the health of your forest!

06/14/2026

Great opportunity for agricultural producers!

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing $1.625 billion through a one-time bridge payment for acres grown of specialty crops. Enrollment is now open and will close on August 7th. The list of eligible crops includes: cherries, select peaches, apricots, apples, and many more.

Please reach out to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for questions, and visit the announcement website for more information: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/assistance-specialty-crop-farmers-ascf-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

🚨 $1.625 billion is available to specialty crop farmers through USDA's Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program. These payments provide financial support to allow producers to pay for production and marketing inputs in the face of significant market disruptions and elevated input costs during the 2025 growing season. The deadline to apply is Aug. 7, 2026.

On June 1, producers with a http://Login.gov account can access and submit their pre-filled application at fsa.usda.gov/ascf, and beginning June 8, producers can request their pre-filled application from their USDA Farm Service Agency county office. Payments will be issued as applications are submitted and approved, beginning as early as the first week of signup.

🔗 https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/05/29/usda-announces-enrollment-period-and-payment-rates-specialty-crop-farmers

06/09/2026

Happy National Rivers Month! This month, we will be highlighting one riverside plant each week--this week is the beautiful Black Cottonwood or Populus trichocarpa.

Black Cottonwood is one of the largest native trees of the floodplains making it one of the best choices to provide shading to cool streams and extensive roots to stabilize banks.

Cottonwood brings huge benefits for riparian systems; however, it can be quite difficult to establish. One reason is that it is a preferred food source for beavers. Without a large stand of cottonwood, beavers could clear out new plantings quicker than they could be established.

Cottonwood seedlings require freshly deposited river gravel bars, and consistently moist conditions. These requirements are often closely tied to seasonal spring flood and seed dispersal events.

06/08/2026

Upcoming DNR Listening Session in Okanogan: Thursday (6/11)

The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting another round of in-person and virtual public listening sessions to gather input from community members, local leaders, emergency managers, building code officials, fire marshals, planners, and other interested stakeholders regarding wildfire hazard mapping and ratings as outlined in SB 6120.

An in person meeting in Okanogan will be hosted on Thursday, June 11th at 6:00pm at the Okanogan City Hall, City Council Chambers.

Additional details and updates will be available on the DNR website: https://dnr.wa.gov/wildfire-resources/wildfire-prevention/wildfire-hazard-and-risk-mapping

06/05/2026

Free opportunity to learn the basics of raised bed gardening and simple drip irrigation!

🌱 From Dirt to Dinner: Raised Bed Gardening 101 🌱

Ready to grow your own fresh food right at home? Join us at the Omak Community Garden for a hands-on class that will teach you everything you need to know to get started with raised bed gardening!

📍 Location: 1007 Koala Drive
📅 Date: Sunday, June 14th
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM
👩‍🏫 Instructor: Lisa Leber

In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn:
✅ How to properly fill your raised garden bed
✅ Planting basics for a successful harvest
✅ Simple drip irrigation setup

Whether you’re brand new or have some gardening experience, this class is perfect for anyone looking to grow fresh, healthy food!

👉 Learn more: www.occac.com
📞 Questions? Call 1-509-422-4041 or email [email protected]

Come get your hands in the soil and start your journey from dirt to dinner! 🌿🥕🍅