Interactive...
Environmental Workshop and Tour of Douglas County Farm Ecosystems &
Wildlife Habitat

June 23, 1997 in north central Washington

- Wildlife Habitat Needs
- Sustainable Agriculture & Water Quality Enhancement
- National Policy Implications

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ENVIRONMENTAL FACTS...

- Salmon and Steelhead Trout found in the Columbia River and
tributaries, which border Douglas County, are likely to be listed as
threatened and endangered in July 1997.

- Douglas County contains more than 1 million acres of unique
agricultural lands. The low population density found here equates to 1
person for every 40 acres of farm land.

- The 1996 Farm Bill brings with it many changes, challenges, and
opportunities directly impacting the environment. This includes nearly
90,000 acres of land in Douglas County which will expire from the
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in the Fall of 1997.

- Sage and Sharp-Tail Grouse may soon be listed as threatened and
endangered species. Douglas County contains the largest number of Sage
Grouse in our state. A majority of both grouse species' habitat is
provided by CRP lands.

- New No-till farm systems can reduce soil erosion in Douglas
County by 50% and rebuild critical soil organic matter levels.

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WORKSHOP AND TOUR AGENDA...

9:00 Depart from The Fair Market parking lot, Old's Station,
Wenatchee (north end) WA. Bus transportation provided to tour sites.

Introduction to agricultural and environmental issues in North Central
WA. David Granatstein, WSU and Wade Troutman, Foster Creek Conservation
District.

10:00 Sage and Sharp-Tail Grouse site near Withrow. Interact with
Mike Schroeder, a well-respected field biologist with WA Department of
Fish & Wildlife. He has been tracking the grouse for several years and
will share his knowledge of habitat requirements for successful bird
populations.

11:30 Picnic lunch (provided) at the Hansen Wheat Farm near
Mansfield.

1:15 Sustainable Farming Techniques enhance soil tilth and reduce
erosion. Local farmers are facilitating a research effort in
collaboration with Washington State University (WSU) to find new crops
that will thrive in this region. Dialogue with WSU scientists Bob
Gillespie and Diana Roberts, and Douglas County Wheat Grower's
Association President, Brad Wetli about alternative crops and
reduced-tillage farming equipment.

2:15 The 1996 Farm Bill brings many new changes, challenges, and
opportunities. Come learn about on-the-ground implications of these new
national policies from federal N.R.C.S. & F.S.A. personnel, and local
farmers & ranchers.

3:30 Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Trout have specific
habitat requirements. Many factors influence the quality of the water in
the Columbia River and thus the success of these fish. Come learn more
about the Mid Columbia Public Utility District's Habitat Conservation
Plan from Bob Bugert and WA Department of Fish & Wildlife plan for fish
recovery and enhancement from Jeff Tayer.

4:30 Adjourn in Wenatchee, WA.

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SPONSORS...This tour is hosted by the Foster Creek Conservation District
and co-sponsored by the WSU Cooperative Extension Service and the Natural
Resources Conservation Service.

FREE...This workshop and tour is being offered free of charge. We do,
however, request that you pre-register by June 16th so that we can plan
to have enough lunches and tour bus seats available.

RSVP... with your name, # of participants, and phone number to the Foster
Creek Conservation District, 509/745-8362.

FOR MORE INFORMATION..
Contact Michelle S. Mazzola, District Manager, Foster Creek Conservation
District, Waterville, WA. Telephone: 509/745-8362, Fax: 509/745-8758.
E-mail: mmazzola at juno.com

INVOLVEMENT... We need your help in sustaining wildlife habitat and
local communities. Please join us for an interactive dialogue about
shared environmental concerns. Partnering together we can make a
difference!


THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT...
This tour is made possible through financial support from the Verle
Kaiser Conservation Endowment. We would like to thank the Center for
Sustaining Agriculture at Washington State University for funding this
educational project. David Granatstein and Michelle Mazzola secured
funding for this workshop and tour.