HELPFUL LINKS FOR MORE NATURAL RESOURCE-RELATED INFORMATION:

 

Natural Resource and Conservation-Related Agencies and Organizations (click on agency/organization/department):

 

• Colville Confederated Tribes -Fish and game information:  Information on regulations, licenses, fees.  Tourism and camping: Info on recreational opportunities, camping. Planning: Building permits, land use/shorelines permitting.

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• Colville National Forest - (US Forest Service):  Information on multiple uses of the Colville, including timber management and recreation.  Information on forest planning, recreational maps, camping and cabin rentals. Also information on fire restrictions  and links to wildfire info.

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• Environmental Protection Agency – Federal agency that protects human health and the environment. 

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• Farm Services Administration (FSA). -  The FSA (a branch of the US Dept of Agriculture) administers federal farm programs locally.  Read the Washington State FSA Newsletter to keep abreast of current available programs.

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• Washington Conservation Society (WCS) - Provides environmental mini-grants for citizen-led, voluntary-based conservation projects, activities, education and outreach efforts.  To apply for a mini-grant click here.

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• Ferry County Planning and Building Department -  County agency which takes applications and issues permits for various land use projects.

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• Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area - Information on boating, fishing, camping, swimming, history, environmental education.  

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• National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) – This site provides news and information for and about the nation's local conservation districts.
   

• Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) – Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture providing leadership in a partnership effort to help people, conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. This link goes to the Washington agency.

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• Washington Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) -  A voluntary non-governmental association which serves as the collective voice of the 45 conservation districts in the state,  the WACD provides leadership, advocacy, representation, influence, information, and products and services. ​

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• Washington Association of District Employees (WADE) - WADE's mission is to increase the effectiveness of conservation districts and their employees.  WADE's annual conference features numerous informational workshops focusing on conservation issues and provides a great opportunity for networking.​

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• Washington State Noxious Weed Board – This agency is responsible for identifying and controlling noxious weeds in Washington State. 

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• Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC) – State agency providing guidance to Conservation Districts across Washington.  Website also provides links to websites of state's Conservation Districts.

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• Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE)– Principal state agency responsible for environmental management, regulation, and enforcement. 

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• Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) - Preserves, protects and perpetuates fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.  Website provides information on hunting and fishing (recreational and commercial) regulations and licensing, as well and information on permitting some projects in or near freshwater (Hydraulic Project Approval -HPA). Website also provides information on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)and the process of completing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

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• Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)- Sustainably manages millions of acres of state trust land, generating revenue for schools and public entities, protects precious natural areas, protects forestlands and communities against wildfire, monitors geologic hazards and regulates mine reclamation.  Website contains resources on Firewise home protection and on Washington State Forest Practices Rules for landowners and commercial operators harvesting timber.  Website contains information on fire conditions and burning and woodcutting restrictions during wildfire season.  Click here  for information on what you can and cannot burn with or without a permit.

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• Washington State University / Ferry County Cooperative Extension-  Agency offering technical assistance and information on gardening (including food preservation and the Master Gardening Program),  forestry stewardship, agriculture and more. Many informative publication and videos available for purchase.  

 

 

Other Natural Resource Information:

 

Information on Garden Nutrient Requirements and Sources of Soil Amendments and Fertilizers:

• Info on Plant Nutrients from Kids' World - North Carolina Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services website

 

Information on Caring for Fruit Trees

• Van Well Training and Pruning Guide - Detailed info on all aspects of fruit tree pruning.

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Information on Building and Maintaining Bird Nesting Boxes:

• Nesting and Roosting Boxes for Birds- Wash, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife - comprehensive description and specs for boxes for a variety of species

• Winter Cleaning and Maintenance of Bird Boxes  Wash. Dept of Fish and Wildlife

 

Recreational Opportunities:

• NE Washington Trails -  This Tri County Economic Development District (TEDD) website features detailed topographic maps created by former Ferry County resident Joe Barreca.  These maps cover hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, ATV, horse, jeep, boat, horse, bicycle and wheelchair travel in the Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties.  Also included are instructions for loading the maps onto your smart phone for use outside of cell service area.