Dan (WSU Extension staff) briefed commissioners on Extension programming and funding changes and introduced Fallon Taylor, the county’s new 4‑H coordinator.

Dan said the Extension's SNAP‑Ed program will be discontinued statewide because of federal funding reductions and that Mason County's Cooperative Extension will wind down the long‑running SNAP‑Ed work by Nov. 30. "Due to federal funding reductions, we will no longer be offering our SNAP Ed program, here in Mason County and across Washington state. So, effective November 30 is the last day of that program," Dan said.

Dan and Fallon highlighted summer activities: Master Gardener open garden events at Catalyst Park, septic workshops for small farms, 4‑H summer camps with about 35 teen counselors, strong participation at the Grays Harbor County Fair and plans to recruit two to three new clubs and more volunteers. Fallon said she joined in May and described youth leadership and upcoming travel for selected youth to the national 4‑H conference in Washington, D.C.

Why it matters: losing SNAP‑Ed ends a 37‑year statewide program that had local reach in Mason County; Extension staff said they are trying to transition work into other community education areas. Extension requested renewal of the memorandum of agreement for ongoing programs; staff noted an MOA signing is planned for December or January and a 4‑H proclamation in October.

Discussion vs. action: this was a briefing; no county funding decision or vote was recorded during the meeting. Staff asked to proceed with MOA renewal and upcoming proclamation and will return with items for signature.