Rock lake Conservation Newsletter - Summer 2026
As harvest approaches, Rock Lake Conservation District wishes all of the communities in Whitman County a safe and successful season. Summer is a busy time across the Palouse, and RLCD remains focused on supporting local landowners, agricultural producers, and conservation projects through financial and technical assistance. We are grateful for the many farmers, truck drivers, elevator operators, mechanics, and everyone else who help get the 2026 crop from the field to the table.
RLCD Project highlights
Downing Creek Riparian Restoration Project
Progress has been made on the permitting front - the Downing Creek Riparian Restoration Project is almost approved to begin work on the ground. Through a cultural resource investigation and multiple permit applications from several agencies, the project is very near to receiving all of the necessary approvals to begin clearing the site and conducting in-water work. RLCD will eliminate the invasive poison hemlock and prepare the site for native tree and shrub plantings. Then, a contractor will build Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs) in Downing Creek to slow the flow of the water and restore the aquatic habitat. Work is expected to kick off this fall.
This diagram shows the structure of a BDA and how they are installed into the creek bed.
Palouse River Riparian Restoration Project
The battle against poison hemlock has been a long one - but Bob and LeAnn have persevered in the field to get the Palouse River Riparian Restoration site ready for tree plantings this fall. The image below on the left shows Bob riding a 4-wheeler through the hemlock to knock it down, and the image on the right shows the site now, clear and level.
Solar Watering Facility Success
A new solar watering facility has been built off Hwy 23 between Ewan and Lamont! RLCD was able to assist the landowner through a cost-share program with funds secured through the Nature Resource Investment Fund. This solar watering facility will be used by approximately 25 head of cattle on 85 acres of pasture that would otherwise be unusable due to lack of access to drinking water.
Continued Technical Assistance
RLCD continues to explore every funding avenue that comes our way and is always available to connect with community members to brainstorm ways we can better serve the Rock Lake Conservation District.
Community Outreach
Fish in the classroom - Rainbow Trout release at Rock Lake
RLCD, in partnership with Pine Creek Conservation District and the Department of Ecology, hosted a successful fish release at Rock Lake on May 28th. 50 students and teachers attended from Oakesdale, St. John, and Endicott Elementary Schools and released nearly 450 rainbow trout fry into the lake. This was the conclusion of the 2026 Fish in the Classroom project after these classes had raised the trout from eggs that were donated through the Department of Fish and Wildlife School Cooperative Program and the Spokane Fish Hatchery. RLCD is proud to promote this project and to create meaningful curriculum and lessons for our local youth to participate in!
Upcoming Events
Unearth the Story of St. JOhn - July 15, 2026
Join Maya and the St. John Branch of the Whitman County Rural Library District for a fun soil-conservation-related activity at the pubic park! Kids are welcome to attend at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 15. Prepare to dig deep into St. John’s roots and learn all about what the soil beneath our feet is made of.
Coffee talk Friday - Resumes September 4, 2026
Coffee Talk Friday has been postponed for the busy season and will resume on Friday, September 4, at 7:00 AM. Come hang out at the office to catch up on what happened over harvest and what people have planned for seeding. September’s discussion topic will be Keeping Soil in Place: Why Erosion Matters in Whitman County.
Palouse Empire Fair - September 10 - 12, 2026
Come see our conservation partners from across Whitman County at the Palouse Empire Fair booth!
Whitman County no-till and low-till drill demo day - September 15, 2026
Join RLCD and our Whitman County Conservation partners for a demonstration of the latest and most popular direct seeding systems that are being used on the Palouse. From 10 AM to 2 PM, come to connect with your fellow farmers, learn from the industry experts, and enjoy a catered meal! Registration and sponsorship information will be released next month.
Southeast area washington association of conservation district meeting - october 28th, 2026
The Rock Lake Conservation District is hosting the 2026 SE Area WACD Meeting for all conservation districts in the regions to share their annual project reports and hear from area conservation experts on what is happening in the field.
