Assistant Chief Visits Washington to See Conservation at Work on the Ground

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. - USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Assistant Chief Hans Hunt traveled through Eastern and Central Washington recently, meeting with staff, producers, and partners to see how voluntary conservation is shaping working lands across the state.

Over four days, Hunt visited 10 sites, observing how NRCS technical assistance and financial programs support soil health, water management, and long-term agricultural productivity. The tour gave employees the opportunity to present field-level outcomes directly to national leadership while underscoring NRCS's agencywide priorities, including preserving and protecting agricultural land and strengthening partnerships through streamlined processes and accountability.

Hunt began the visit at the NRCS Washington State Office in Spokane Valley, where staff briefed him on conservation planning, easements, and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Employees detailed how producers use NRCS programs to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and make more efficient use of water - core components of preserving agricultural land for future generations and maintaining the resilience of working farms and ranches.

At the Spokane Conservation District the next day, Hunt met with leaders from local, state, and federal agencies, who discussed how they work well together to help producers across Washington. The discussions also reflected another NRCS priority: strengthening partnerships by improving efficiency and accountability in service delivery. "Partnerships are essential," Hunt said. "Seeing staff and local partners working together shows how we can reach more producers with practical solutions that fit their operations."

Hans Hunt, Natural Resources Conservation Service Assistant Chief for the West Region, listens to Tracy Hanger, NRCS-Washington Snake River Team District Conservationist, as she talks about the successes of her team and the opportunities available to them through the Regenerative Pilot Program. The $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program will help American farmers adopt practices that improve soil health, enhance water quality, and boost long-term productivity, all while strengthening America's food and fiber supply. (USDA/NRCS photo by Nate Gallahan.)

Field visits across the Palouse highlighted how regenerative agriculture can reduce inputs, restore biological activity, and improve long-term soil health. At the Pullman Plant Materials Center, Hunt observed NRCS-Washington's drill rig, a vehicle used constantly across the region to assist producers looking to enhance their operations with modern waste storage facilities or to invest in stream restoration projects.

A visit with the Yakama Nation in Toppenish emphasized the importance of Tribal partnerships in advancing conservation goals. Hunt toured a Pacific Lamprey restoration site and an irrigation project funded through an Alternative Funding Arrangement (AFA), along with the Yakama Nation farm, which participates in RCPP and other NRCS programs. "These collaborations show how conservation can honor local priorities while strengthening agricultural lands," he said.

On the final day in Moses Lake, Hunt visited the Odessa Ground Water Replacement Program, where producers and partners described how efficient irrigation systems and science-based planning help reduce pressure on declining aquifers. The project illustrated how conserving water resources supports long-term farm viability and protects agricultural land across an entire region.

Hunt closed the tour by thanking staff, producers, and partners. "Washington demonstrates what's possible when everyone works toward the same conservation goals," he said.

More Information

To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don't have an account, sign up today.

For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.