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WA - Rural
Here we provide information on entities that provide naturescaping and naturescaping related assistance primarily to rural residents. This information is divided into the following categories, in that order.
Federal State Nonprofit
Be sure to also check related listings for a city near you in our urban/suburban section.
Federal
U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NCRS)
The NCRS has several programs that provide financial and/or educational assistance to private landowners to help conserve or restore natural resources on private lands. Financial assistance often consists of easement payments for retiring wet fields, though other arrangements are possible. Their "Environmental Quality Incentives Program" provides financial and educational assistance to farmers and ranchers who address environmental concerns in an ecologically beneficial manner. Their "Backyard Conservation Program" provides assistance to individuals to naturescape their yard. Visit: www.nrcs.usda.gov
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
The USFWS is part of the Deptartment of the Interior and works with rural landowners to assist in planning and implementation of habitat conservation and field retirement. The USFWS has earthmoving equipment and operators that can be made available to rural landowners for field retirement, habitat improvement and related activities. The main office is in Portland and several regional offices, often affiliated with wildlife refuges, are provided around the state. The earthmoving equipment is often housed at the refuges. Visit: http://habitat.fws.gov
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Oregon is located in EPA - Region 10. The EPA provides various information resources related to native plants, naturescaping and beneficial landscaping. The EPA may also have limited grant money available for education projects related to beneficial landscaping. General information may be found at: For more information visit: www.epa.gov/greenacres
For more specific information on naturescaping, a list of local "Demonstration Gardens" that illustrate beneficial landscaping concepts, and a "Source Book for Public Officials" with information on the economic and environmental benefits of naturescaping, including case studies, visit: http://yosemite1.epa.gov/R10/ECOCOMM.NSF/BLstartpage?OpenPage
State
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) - Habitat Department
The WDFW Habitat Department has a Watershed Stewardship Team that is a team of biologists assigned to areas across the state to provide scientific and technical assistance to volunteer groups, lead entities and others working on habitat protection and restoration projects for salmonids. WDFW also offers a manual entitled "Restoring the Watershed: A Citizen's Guide to Repairing the Watershed in Western Washington" which can be downloaded for free from their website. This guide has information on, revegetating riparian areas with native plants and related naturescaping information.
T:360. 902.2200
or visit: www.wa.gov/wdfw/habitat.htm#habrest
WDFW's Upland Wildlife Restoration Project conducts long term habitat enhancement efforts throughout the State. The project aims to create valuable partnerships with private landowners, sporting groups and schools to improve wildlife habitat in agricultural lands and forested uplands. Financial and/or educational assistance may be available. Visit: www.wa.gov/wdfw/wlm/game/hunter/gametrails/upland_wildlife.htm
WDFW Regional Offices include:
North Puget Sound, Region 4
(425) 775-1311
Southwest Washington, Region 5
(360) 696-6211
Coastal Washington, Region 6
(360) 249-4628
Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
DNR offers scientific and technical assistance to landowners on agricultural conservation, forest stewardship and community forestry. DNR's Natural Heritage Program searches for at-risk native plant species and provides information about sensitive ecosystems and plants in need of protection. Visit: www.wa.gov/dnr
The Forest Stewardship Program (administered in Washington by DNR) is a nationwide program designed to assist non-industrial private forest owners in managing their properties for a variety of resource values. They offer technical, on-site assistance as well as financial assistance. T: 800.527.3305 or visit: www.wa.gov/dnr/htdocs/rp/steward.htm
DNR's "Backyard Forest Steward Program" provides information to homeowners with forested properties on beneficial landscape practices and attracting wildlife. Visit: www.wa.gov/dnr/htdocs/rp/stewardship/bfs/WESTERN/introduction.html
Non Profit
Ducks Unlimited (DU)
Works with State and Federal Agencies and private landowners to transform retired farm and ranch land into habitat refuges. In addition, DU works in cooperation with private landowners to develop land management practices that benefit both agricultural operations and water quality to the benefit of waterfowl, salmon and other wildlife.
Western Regional Office
3074 Gold Canal Dr.
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670-6116
T:916.852.2000
F:916.852.2200
www.ducks.org/conservation/pacificnorthwest.asp
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) of Washington
The Conservancy uses a non-confrontational, market-based approach to protecting Washington's critical habitats, working closely with communities, government agencies, corporations and land owners. They have many volunteer opportunities for restoration, invasive species removal and more.
217 Pine Street, Suite 1100
Seattle, WA 98101
T:206.343.4344
F:206.343.5608
washington@tnc.org
www.tnc-washington.org
Washington Native Plant Society
Website has sections on naturescaping, plant salvage programs and related events.
Washington Native Plant Society
7400 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115
T:206.527.3210 or 888.288.8022
wnps@wnps.org
www.wnps.org
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