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Farm Plans

 

The San Juan Islands Conservation District provides free information, technical assistance, and farm planning to farmers within the County. Farm planning consists of a site visit, natural resource inventory, a discussion of property owner goals, and recommendations in the form of a conservation plan to achieve those goals.

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What is a Farm Plan?

A Farm Plan is a document outlining a series of actions developed to meet farmer’s goals, while protecting water quality and the natural resources within and around the farm property. Many things are considered in a farm plan, including farm size, soil types, slope of the land, proximity to streams, wetlands, or water bodies, type and numbers of livestock or crops, resources such as machinery or buildings and finances available.

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How much does a Farm Plan cost? 

All services provided by the Conservation District are free and without obligation. The District’s mission is to help you protect the natural resources under your stewardship in San Juan County.

 

How do I get a Farm Plan?

Contact the San Juan Islands Conservation District and express an interest in having a natural resource planner come out to your property to discuss your goals in developing a farm plan. A District Farm Planner will visit with you to address your goals and concerns on your property and make science-based management recommendations relating to your vision and the current condition found on the land. Possible examples include streamside fencing, gutters and downspouts on buildings, and manure management techniques to improve the health of your animals, soil, water, and plants.

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How do I carry out a Farm Plan?

Once the initial draft of a farm plan is developed, you will review suggestions made by the Conservation District staff. Together, you and the Farm Planner may make changes to the plan.

Once the plan is finalized, you and the Farm Planner will develop an implementation schedule that works for you to accomplish the actions outlined in the farm plan.

Financial assistance through our cost-share program might be available for best management practice implementation. Ask your farm planner about our current fund availability.

 

What are the benefits?

Adopting a farm plan that incorporates “best management practices” will help ensure protection of water quality and will also make your farm a better place to live. Using appropriate conservation principles and practices on your farm, raising livestock and growing crops on a sustainably operated farm can contribute to the beauty of our landscape and the health of our soil, water, and animal and plant communities.

A farm plan helps you keep the farm economically viable, socially responsible, environmentally balanced and aesthetically pleasing.

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Click here for farm plan request form.

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