Conservation District Awarded WaterSMART Grant

The Lincoln County Conservation District (LCCD) received a federal Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART grant to address water-quantity challenges in the Mid-Columbia Basin. According to Commissioner Mark Stedman, “Lincoln County cities, residential well users, and rural livestock producers have experienced declining water” with minimal improvement expected.

The $100,000 grant supports the Columbia Basin Sustainable Water Coalition (CBSWC) — a coalition that includes municipalities, counties, economic development councils, agricultural groups, and state agencies. LCCD Manager Elsa Bowen states the initiative aims to “find alternative projects before we experience dry wells.”

The coalition will refine its organizational structure, develop project alternatives, and establish groundwater monitoring in previously unmonitored areas — building on prior Columbia Basin Groundwater Management Area studies. The coalition meets monthly and welcomes stakeholder participation.

Contact: Elsa Bowen at ebowen@lincolncd.com for involvement opportunities.