FRANKLIN
CONSERVATION
DISTRICT
For Landowners — Participate in VSP
DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT MAY PROTECT OR ENHANCE CRITICAL AREAS ON YOUR AGRICULTURAL LAND?
Franklin Conservation District is here to help you learn more about the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) and take advantage of financial incentives for eligible VSP projects.
As it says in the name, VSP is completely voluntary. With your help, Franklin County has the opportunity to demonstrate that we can protect critical areas using a non-regulatory and incentive-based approach. The success of the program — which is our only option to avoid the traditional regulatory approach to critical area protection under the County’s Critical Areas Ordinance — depends on willing landowner participation.
Flexible & Farm-Friendly
VSP offers a flexible conservation program for landowners. Not only does it protect critical areas, but it also protects agricultural viability. This means that plans are catered to the landowner and their operation. Additionally, the program can foster a partnership between Franklin CD and landowners for continued success in the future.
VSP Administration
PLANNING & IMPLEMENTING VSP IN FRANKLIN COUNTY
The Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) is a collaborative process that helps Washington communities ensure healthy landscapes and ensure strong farms for the future.
How It Works:
Plan
Counties work with stakeholders and local residents to develop a VSP work plan to manage growth., protect critical areas, and maintain viable agriculture.
Franklin County’s VSP Work Plan was approved by the state in 2018.
Implement
Once a county’s VSP work plan is approved, the plan moves into implementation. Franklin Conservation District is leading the effort to implement the Franklin County VSP Work Plan.
Monitor & Measure Success
One way we can measure the success of the VSP Work Plan and show proof of performance is through the documentation of conservation practices on agricultural lands with critical areas since 2001 (the year VSP was enacted). Franklin County has submitted Two-Year and Five-Year VSP progress reports.
Contact
Riley Zionce, Resource Conservationist
509.416.0440​ (office)
Kelsi Potterf, VSP Coordinator
509.736.6000 (office) | 509.832.2131 (cell)