About VSP

The mission of the VSP is to create a voluntary stewardship program that balances the protection and enhancement of critical areas with maintaining and improving the long-term viability of agriculture.

The 5 critical areas:

• Wetlands.
• Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas.
• Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas.
• Frequently Flooded Areas.
• Geologic Hazard Areas.

Timeline of the VSP

• 2011: House Bill 1886.
  • Amended GMA (RCW 36.70A).
  • Permits county to use a VSP.
  • Continue under existing law and update regulations for agriculture by 2013.
  • Limit VSP to certain watersheds. Update critical areas regulations for other watersheds.
• 2012: County Participates.
  • County elects to participate in VSP through ordinance.
  • Identifies and nominates all five watersheds to participate as priority watersheds.
• 2014: VSP Work Group.
  • County elects to administer funds and coordinate VSP Work Group.
• 2017: Work Plan Approved.
  • County submitted VSP work plan and it's approved by the State Conservation Commission.
• 2024: Program Evaluation.
  • Program is evaluated every five years to determine if benchmarks and goals are being met.