Okanogan County

In an effort to help farmers and ranchers conserve water and build drought resilience in their communities, the USDA in investing $21 million on a variety of projects across the Pacific Northwest. The effort is part of the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) collaboration with the Department of Interior’s (DOI) WaterSMART Initiative. According to U ...

Last week, the Washington state Department of Agriculture awarded the Northeast Washington Wolf-Livestock Management grant to the Cattle Producers of Washington. The Association will receive $397,440 for its wolf deterrence project. CPoW’s project involves using conflict specialists to address wolf issues in Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille and Okanogan counties. I ...

Could an apple maggot quarantine soon be issued for Washington’s Okanogan County? Last year, the Washington state Department of Agriculture placed 281 adult fly traps on host trees in the pest-free area of Okanogan County. WSDA documented 69 positive sites that captured 471 adult apple maggots. In ...

On Wednesday Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the designation of seven central Washington counties as primary natural disaster area. Producers in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, and Yakima counties who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for FSA emergency loans ...

Washington's wolf population continues to increase. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the 2019 wolf count shows a population at the highest levels since the 1930's, the last time wolves could be hunted in the state ...

The state of Washington has awarded millions of dollars to conserve working farms and forests around the Evergreen State.  The $5.2 million in grant funding comes from the Washington state and Recreation and Conservation Funding Board.  The boa...

Earlier this year, the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a 90-day comment period on the proposed reintroduction of grizzly bears in North Central Washington.  That comment period comes to a close Friday October 24th, but before that window closes, a public meeting will take place where livestock producers and others in the Ag community can learn details of the plan

The Washington Department of Ecology recently awarded Okanogan County $85,000 to help purchase a new wood chipper as well as steam treatment equipment.  Ecology’s Andrew Wineke said the chipper will offer those living in Okanogan County a better option than burning slash when getting rid of a tree or limbs.  He said ...

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the 2018 Farm Bill, moving the key legislation to President Trump for his signature.  Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse took to the House floor this week, praising the legislation, saying it will benefit many.   “...

It became official Friday as portions of Okanogan County were added to the areas quarantined for apple maggot in Washington.  The quarantine impacts those living in the Methow Valley.  Those living in the impacted area must separate their waste, meaning woody debris, yard waste and fresh fruits and non-commercial raw veggies will no longer be accepted in normal waste.  However...