SKAGIT'S VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
The Voluntary Stewardship Program provides an alternative approach to address the state's Growth Management Act requirements. On Agricultural (Ag-NRL) and Rural Resource (RRc-NRL) Natural Resource Lands, the VSP uses voluntary actions to protect and enhance Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas (streams and their buffers). These are protected by a simple rule: agriculture may not clear existing native riparian vegetation but may continue existing farming adjacent to streams. Other critical areas are protected and must adhere to the County critical areas ordinance rules.
Failure to protect fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas could trigger a regulatory approach to critical area protection where agricultural activities occur under the Growth Management Act. Please see the Skagit County Work Plan for more information on goals and benchmarks for the program.
Want to learn more about the Voluntary Stewardship Program? VSP is managed at the state level by the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC). Visit their site for more information.
Landowner Information
If you are a landowner who is looking for financial or technical assistance, contact Taylor at taylors@co.skagit.wa.us or 360-630-9355. Funding may be available to help you with practices that protect critical areas, such as fences, riparian management zones or improved pastures and paddocks.
Producer Survey
The work you do on your property to improve soil health and protect water quality makes a big difference, even if you’re not part of a formal program. Your voluntary stewardship means less regulations for you and other farmers. You can take our agricultural producer survey to tell us about how you protect land, soil, and water. The success of VSP relies on the participation from our Skagit agricultural community!
WORK GROUP AGENDA & MINUTES
Next Meeting: 5/11/2026
March Agenda | Minutes
January Agenda | Minutes
Previous meeting minutes and agendas available by request
2026
January 12 | Agenda | Minutes
March 9 | Agenda
May 11
July 13
September 14
November 16
QUICK LINKS
|
ADOPTED MATERIALS
Charter and Ground Rules
VSP Work Plan
Skagit County VSP 2-Year Report (2025)
Skagit County VSP 2-Year Report (2023)
Skagit County VSP 2-Year Report (2019)
VSP RESOURCES
VSP Program Overview
VSP Legislation
VSP Counties and State Resources
Skagit County Critical Area Ordinance
GMA planning goals
|
PROGRAM CONTACT
Taylor Scott
Voluntary Stewardship Program Coordinator
360-630-9355
taylors@co.skagit.wa.us
|
