Whatcom Conservation District Selected as 2023 Northwest Area District of the Year

Some Whatcom CD staff members pose with the 2023 Northwest Area District of the Year Award

We are proud to share that the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) has recognized our District as the 2023 Northwest Area District of the Year! We are honored

by this recognition.

“I had no inkling this award was coming and found myself a bit emotional. This award presents an opportunity to take a moment and absorb the acknowledgment of our peers in the conservation district community.” – Brandy Reed, Whatcom Conservation District Manager

The SCC commended Whatcom Conservation District as a trusted partner with an expert staff, that are a resource to other districts and to Whatcom County residents. Corina Cheever, Dawn Bekenyi, Vice Chair Snydar, and Brandy Reed were specifically recognized as being instrumental in delivering financial assistance to farmers impacted by the 2021 atmospheric river event.

“When selecting NW Area District of the Year, the Whatcom Conservation District quickly rose to the top of a very distinguished field. A number of things stood out. The District recently secured rates and charges – this vote of confidence from the local community will help bolster and stabilize the district’s highly-leveraged funding model, allowing them to better respond to emerging community needs. As one recent example of responding to community needs, the District worked in partnership with the Conservation Commission to implement a brand new program (think building the plane while flying it) that provided nearly $600,000 in targeted assistance to producers impacted by the 2021 atmospheric river/flooding event. Finally, with new energetic leadership and an outstanding staff, Whatcom Conservation District is emerging as one of the state’s strong districts, helping and providing inspiration to their peers.” – Jean Fike, Washington State Conservation Commission Puget Sound Regional Manager

Thank you to the SCC for this honor and to all our partners and supporters who help us in our mission. We look forward to continuing to provide excellent service and expertise

to Whatcom County, now and into the future.