Rock Lake Conservation NewsLetter - Summer 2025
Tell Us What You Need
We aim to serve our communities and meet the needs of our landowners. We can do that effectively and efficiently if we hear directly from YOU!
Please complete our short community needs assessment to give us some guidance on where RLCD should focus its energy for the upcoming year.
The 2023 - 2025 Biennium
Over the past two years, Rock Lake Conservation District has worked hand-in-hand with local farmers, ranchers, and community members to strengthen conservation, support working lands, and invest in the future of our natural resources.
From installing solar-powered wells to helping ranchers recover after wildfire, our efforts are driven by one goal: building a resilient, sustainable Whitman County.
Solar Livestock Wells
Access to clean water is critical for both livestock and land management.
This biennium, RLCD partnered with two landowners to install solar-powered wells through the Natural Resource Investments (NRI) program:
A rancher now provides clean drinking water to 9 head of cattle in a pasture that previously had no running water — reducing fuel use and improving herd health.
A farmer in northwest Whitman County installed a well to water native plants and shrubs to provide wildlife habitat. The well also doubles as a water source for firefighting efforts.
These projects support agriculture while reducing wildfire risk and protecting local ecosystems.
Wildfire Recovery Fencing
Wildfires in 2023–2025 damaged miles of fencing in our community. RLCD partnered with three landowners to replace 3.7 miles of fencing through the Fire Recovery and NRI programs.
This project allowed ranchers to:
Resume normal grazing rotations
Avoid overgrazing and invasive weeds
Reduce future fire risk
By restoring fencing, we helped alleviate both financial and labor burdens, keeping operations and conservation goals on track.
Community Outreach
Connecting with our community is at the heart of what we do. Over the past two years, RLCD has:
Shared resources at local fairs and festivals
Partnered with schools to encourage conservation education
Built relationships with other local organizations
We also refreshed our outreach materials so every booth, display, and conversation leaves people with useful, engaging information about conservation in the Rock Lake region.
Fish in the Classroom
This year, Fish in the Classroom was a highlight for students and partners alike.
In partnership with Pine Creek CD, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, Department of Ecology, and St. John-Endicott schools, students:
Raised trout from egg to fry in their classrooms
Monitored water quality and studied the trout life cycle
Released their fish into approved waters in May
Culminated the project with a field trip to Rock Lake, testing the water and identifying aquatic life
This program gives students a tangible connection to their local ecosystem — and reinforces the value of conservation for the next generation.
Upcoming Partner Events
Palouse Empire Fair - September 4 - 6, 2025 - Colfax, WA
Come visit with us at the conservation district booth while you’re out enjoying the festivities - we’d love to chat!
