Washington County proclaims April 26–May 3 as Soil and Water Stewardship Week; local district cites $1.1 million in federal support

The Washington County Commissioners Court on Tuesday voted to proclaim April 26 through May 3, 2026, as Texas Soil and Water Stewardship Week and heard from local conservation officials about recent federal support for county agriculture.

Gil Yanner, representing the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District, told the court the county has been pre‑approved for about $1.1 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) funds, supporting approximately 3,400 acres. "This is federal dollars and a lot of focus on the soil health and regenerative agricultural practices," Yanner said.

Yanner contrasted the new total with 2025 figures, saying the district received about $355,000 for roughly 1,100 acres last year. "As compared to 2025, we are up substantially," he said.

Allison Binky and district clerk Celeste Dickshot, who joined Yanner at the bench, described county outreach events planned for Stewardship Week, including a hands‑on STEAM project with second graders at Brenham Elementary School and donated books for elementary libraries. Yanner also noted the district's partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in delivering the EQIP and CSP programs.

Commissioner Meski moved to approve the proclamation; the motion was seconded and the court voted in favor. The proclamation was presented to the Soil and Water Conservation District representatives, who thanked the commissioners for their support.

The court proceeded to other agenda items after the presentation.