COLUMBIA/WALLA WALLA Counties—With Columbia and Walla Walla County’s Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) plans accepted by the state, implementation is underway.

The VSP provides an alternative approach for counties to meet Growth Management Act requirements for agricultural activities. The Washington State Conservation Commission administers funds for counties to designate work groups to develop their own, unique plans to protect critical areas while maintaining economically viable agriculture. Both Columbia and Walla Walla Counties opted in to the voluntary program.

Columbia County...