Community Voices Support County Conservation District's Role in Environmental Health

During the Clallam County Commissioner’s Board Meeting on September 2, 2025, community members voiced their support and concerns regarding funding for the County Conservation District (CCD), highlighting its importance to local families and environmental health.

Ellen Manshu, a resident of District 3, emphasized the vital role the CCD plays in supporting families through programs like soil testing and pasture management. She noted that many beneficiaries of these services were unable to attend the meeting but expressed their need for support, particularly as families increasingly turn to gardening to manage expenses. Manshu's testimony underscored the significance of the CCD in promoting sustainable practices and community resilience.

However, not all feedback was positive. Some attendees raised concerns about the proposed funding, questioning whether the requested $200,000 per year for the next decade was justified. One participant expressed skepticism, suggesting that the funding request seemed more like a want than a need, and urged the commissioners to consider the public's mixed feelings about the financial commitment.

Maggie Bockert, an appointed member of the CCD, defended the funding as a necessary investment in community health and environmental sustainability. She highlighted the importance of clean air and water, arguing that supporting the CCD is a form of mutual aid that benefits everyone in the community.

The meeting concluded with a call for more public engagement and representation, as several speakers noted the absence of voices from those who would benefit from the CCD's programs. The discussions reflect ongoing community efforts to balance environmental stewardship with fiscal responsibility, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue as Clallam County navigates its future priorities.