The Okanogan Conservation District signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Washington Department of Ecology in 1989 which established a process for the District to assist landowners on a voluntary basis when water quality violations have been identified.

The District agreed to assist landowners only by their request.  Our assistance typically includes a site visit to identify the source of the water quality problem or potential problem, discussing the landowner’s natural resource management goals, and identifying possible actions for the landowner to choose from to eliminate or prevent the problem.

The District has no regulatory authority and does not enforce water quality laws.  Under this agreement, if a landowner who has been contacted by the Department of Ecology chooses to work with the District and implements recommended practices they can protect themselves from very costly fines. 
Unfortunately, the District does not receive funds from the State, or any other entity to assist landowners with these referrals.  We must use existing grant funds when they are available or use what limited funds we get that are discretionary from sources such as our plant sale and a matching grant from the Conservation Commission.