Washington State Conservation Commission

Congratulations to Ray Ledgerwood on receiving the National Conservation Partnership’s Rich Duesterhaus Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Association of Conservation Districts Annual Meeting!

Ray’s impact on conservation in Washington and across the country is hard to overstate. From his roots in eastern Washington agriculture to leadership roles supporting conservation districts across the Pacific region and beyond, Ray has brought extensive knowledge, leadership, and a commitment to locally led, voluntary conservation.

During his time with the Washington State Conservation Commission, Ray played a key role in strengthening the agency through planning, training, facilitation, and program delivery. His work helped shape programs and partnerships across the conservation community.

Congratulations, Ray! Thank you for a lifetime of leadership, mentorship, and service.

Pend Oreille Conservation District is putting grant funding from SCC's Riparian Plant Propagation Program to work to support local restoration.

At the district's nursery, staff added w**d fabric and mulch to protect young plants and reduce invasive w**ds. This spring, about 500 of the 1,700 plants grown at the nursery were used at a restoration site at Sandy Shores. More plants will be used this summer for riverbank and floodplain projects.

Pend Oreille Conservation District is also testing new growing methods, including improved soil mixes, a new shade structure, and biochar, to help plants retain water and nutrients. Propagation will start again in April, with planting at project sites planned for early summer.

This work supports several restoration projects, including a partnership with the Kalispel Tribe to turn floodplain farmland into wetlands for amphibians and waterfowl. The district is also working with the County W**d Board to support nursery and field work.

Thanks to Pend Oreille Conservation District and its partners for helping build healthy, resilient habitat for the future.