SANDPOINT — For the first time, the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission has produced a statewide performance report documenting the work of Idaho’s 50 conservation districts through conservation, education and outreach activities.  

At the regional level, the Bonner Soil and Water Conservation District undertook several major projects in 2024, most notably the upper Pack River streambank restoration project, which ranked first statewide for priority by the Idaho Basin Advisory Groups.   

The project was deemed necessary on the basis of a large scour and a failing gabion wall, which posed a risk of cutting off 100 homes from basic needs and services. According to BSWCD, the restoration stabilized 350 feet of eroding streambank, protecting the Upper Pack River Road from further encroachment and failure. The work also protected the critical fish habitat and limited the introduction of sediment to the Pack River.  

Another major project was a Rural Business Development Grant, which the district secured to revitalize a shared-use community kitchen in Ponderay.   

BSWCD Executive Director Sarah Garcia also highlighted results from the district’s 2024 activities, noting that more than 26,000 watercrafts were inspected prior to their entry into local waterways and that the district helped grow 72,000 high-quality native conifer seedlings for local landowners. Garcia said the cost of the program remained low due to reforestation assistance.  

“These seedlings are derived from local, high-quality seed sources that are naturally more productive and better adapted to our unpredictable climate,” Garcia said.   

Among many of the district's yearly efforts, BSWCD completed numerous community outreach and education activities, including participation at the Bonner County Fair, Ponderay Days and the Pend Oreille Food Summit, among others.   

To accomplish all of this, the district receives $14,500 in annual state funding. The state may also match funding up to a two-to-one ratio based on local support. In 2024, the district obtained $18,000 from Bonner County commissioners, resulting in an extra $24,073.55 in state matching funds.   

“All these funds are directed towards projects and programs within Bonner County. While the state average return on state to local funding is $2.83 for every dollar, we were able to achieve $15.56 for every dollar invested,” Garcia said. “This demonstrates strong financial leverage and an active district completing local-led voluntary conservation in our community.” 

Statewide, the 50 conservation districts were able to continue work in aiding farmers and landowners, offering technical assistance, education and affordable resources to grow the next generation of agriculturalists, according to the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

“There’s a lot of high points in the report. What’s really cool is to look at those numbers in the aggregate to see all of the stuff we’re getting accomplished all over the state. I was really impressed with that,” said Tori O’Neal, a Pahsimeroi rancher and board president of the Idaho Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. 

The statewide performance sheet overlooks data from Fiscal Year 2024, highlighting achievements through the partnerships of landowners and their communities, in addition to state and federal agencies.  

According to SWCC, each district is responsible for creating its own annual reports. This year, SWCC decided to compile the 50 districts’ data into one report, highlighting all the impacts and accomplishments throughout the state. 

The SWCC reported 176,062 trees, 22,450 flowering plants and 1,800 native shrubs planted throughout the state as part of restoration projects that took place across 20 districts in the state.  

Additionally, 130,994 community members were reached through district efforts, including watercraft inspection stations, educational classes, tours, plant sales, fairs and public meetings. 

The full report can be found at https://bit.ly/4bc0dLO.