Local entities partner together to provide conservation equipment to local landowners
MONTESANO – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Grays Harbor Conservation District, and Elma Feed and Farm Supply have teamed together to provide a No-Till Drill for local landowners. The Truax FlexII-812 model No-Till Drill was purchased by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife using Duck Stamp dollars and is being rented out by the Grays Harbor Conservation District and Elma Feed and Farm Supply. This innovative piece of equipment will be used to improve crop quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and water quality in Grays Harbor county.
Interested landowners can receive a rental discount by signing up for voluntary, beneficial programs including the WDFW Private Lands Access Programs and the Voluntary Stewardship Program.
About Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Private Lands Access Programs
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Private Lands Access Program serves to promote hunting opportunities and habitat enhancement on private land throughout the state. Currently four types of access programs provide private land hunting opportunities for landowners to participate in. Feel Free to Hunt (FFTH), Register to Hunt (RTH), Hunt by Reservation (HBR), and Hunt by Written Permission (HBWP). Landowners who participate in a Private Lands Access Program are eligible for a discounted rental rate.
If you are a landowner in Grays Harbor County who is interested in participating in the Private Lands Access Program, contact the WDFW 360.249.4628 ex 234.
About the Voluntary Stewardship Program
The Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) is a nonregulatory, alternative approach under the Growth Management Act for protecting critical areas on agricultural lands and enhancing agricultural viability. Landowners who participate in the VSP are eligible for a discounted rental rate. The VSP is implemented by the Grays Harbor Conservation District and Grays Harbor County, and is directed by a volunteer work group made up of local agricultural producers and stakeholders.
If you are a landowner in Grays Harbor County who is interested in participating in the VSP, visit graysharborcd.org or call the Grays Harbor Conservation District at 360.249.8532.
About the No-Till Drill
Truax drills are designed to plant grasses and legumes on a variety of site conditions including residue cover or interseeding into sod. Multiple seed boxes give operators the flexibility to seed native fluffy seeds, cool season species, small grains, and legumes. The FlexII-812 model’s planting width is 8 feet with a total width of 11 feet and requires a 40 HP tractor to transport and use. Rental rates for the no-till drill vary depending on the number of acres planted and participation in voluntary programs. The drill will be located at Elma Feed and Farm Supply and can be reserved by calling 360.482.3242.
