The Walla Walla County Conservation District is a consolidation of two previously organized conservation districts – the Walla Walla and South Walla Walla conservation districts. Consolidation was on December 18, 1961. Earliest organization dates back to April 22, 1941 for the Walla Walla Soil Conservation District and February 13, 1947 for the South Walla Walla Soil Conservation District. The District consists of 762,151 acres of privately owned land and approximately 45,000 acres of publicly managed lands totaling 807,315 acres. These lands drain into the Walla Walla, Snake, and Columbia Rivers, all of which host populations of ESA listed as threatened bull trout and steelhead. The population of 55,000-60,000 people live mostly in the cities/towns of Walla Walla, College Place, Waitsburg, Prescott, Dixie, Touchet, Lowden, Burbank and adjacent areas. The majority of the acreage of the District is cropland with approximately 312,000 acres of non-irrigated land and 91,000 acres under irrigation. Native forest and rangelands make up the balance of the district. Tourism has increased the growth of the Walla Walla Valley wine industry that now boasts over 100 wineries.
WWCCD Board of Supervisors
- Jeff Schulke, Chairman
- Don Schwerin, Vice-Chair
- Jesse McCaw, Secretary
- Jim Kent, Treasurer
- Vacant, member
What does a conservation district do?
As a non-profit conservation district, we obtain grants to assist landowners in implementing conservation practices that protect natural resources. We offer technical assistance (professional advice) and cost share when possible. For example, if an irrigator is concerned about saving water, but can’t afford expensive upgrades, he or she can come to the district for help. We can offer free technical assistance and possibly help pay the cost of upgrading to a water saving system. This helps conserve our county’s water resources. Other district programs help landowners reduce erosion, protect endangered fish species, improve water quality, and conserve their soil.
See the District Story 1-2016 and WWCCD-About-CDs for more details on the work of local landowners and the WWCCD.
Interactive Map of Projects
This interactive map, maintained by the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board, shows many salmon recovery projects done by conservation districts and other entities all over the state, including Walla Walla.
Annual Reports
The Annual Report highlights some of the District accomplishments for the year. Minutes of recent meetings are under the Resources tab.
Please contact the WWCCD office at 509-956-3777 for previous years documents