Thurston County proclaims Agriculture Day and World Frog Day, highlights conservation grazing and prairie stewardship

Thurston County commissioners on March 17 adopted a proclamation recognizing Agriculture Day, World Frog Day and the United Nations’ International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.

Presenters at the proclamation event described local efforts to restore and steward prairie and pasture landscapes, and to pair agricultural uses with species conservation. Sarah Hammond, director of science at Eco Studies Institute, framed prairie restoration as a partnership with tribal stewards and noted camas and other native plants were historically managed by indigenous peoples and are now being incorporated into restoration and co‑stewardship agreements.

Ranchers and land managers described conservation grazing as a practical management tool. Jake Yansy of Tracking Y Ranch said his operation stewards more than 1,000 acres, much of it in conservation easements, and uses rotational grazing and pasture deferment to manage invasive plants and support native species. Nick George, state coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, described a "frogs on the farm" partnership that uses targeted grazing to reduce dense vegetation and restore breeding habitat for the Oregon spotted frog while also lowering management costs for landowners. He said a recent landowner survey found about 53% of participants were willing to take part in the program.

County staff described an emerging county conservation grazing program; county ag staff said the county has acquired approximately 225 acres for public grazing and is pursuing additional conservation easements to expand working lands managed for both production and habitat values.

The proclamation was followed by a brief recess for photos and a public exhibit of regional rangeland art and educational displays.