King Conservation District Rates and Charges Renewal
The current King Conservation District (KCD) program of work, and supporting rate structure will expire in December of 2019. KCD has spent the last year working with stakeholders to develop a new proposed plan of work and supporting system of rates and charges. The proposed program of work has been developed in collaboration with landowners and program participants, partner organizations, cities, and community leaders, as well as KCD’s Advisory Committee. If you would like to learn more about the proposed program of work and supporting rate structure follow the links below.
KCD Proposed 2020 Program of Work from KCD Board Transmittal to King County Council
Rates and Charges Information
Since 1949, King Conservation District has been working to educate and empower landowners and land managers to implement voluntary conservation practices on their lands. KCD serves stakeholders in 34 cities and all of unincorporated King County. Over 2 million people call our district home, and we are committed to ensuring that all of them have access to local food, healthy forests and clean water. By working with urban residents, farmers, rural landowners, volunteers, community-based organizations, our partners in King County government, City Managers and staff from our member cities, as well as regional and municipal partners, KCD extends the reach of our programs and services and broadens the impact of our work improving water quality and habitat in support of salmon recovery; restoring tree canopy to improve air quality and reduce climate impacts; expanding wildlife habitat and protecting farmland to grow our regional food system.
In 2015, in response to stakeholder demand, KCD launched 6 new programs including programs addressing habitat restoration and water quality improvement in urban areas, expanding services to address urban forest health and creation of a community agriculture program to support increased food production in urban areas.
From 2015-2019 KCD programs have been largely supported with funding from a per-parcel rate and charge that ranges from $7.70 to $10 per year, per property, depending upon the type of property. These funds are collected in King County and are spent in King County.
We have been able to leverage these local dollars with state, federal, and foundation funds to create even greater impact.
The existing rate and charge was approved by the King County Council in 2015 and has not been adjusted for inflation or to address the true costs associated with implementing the six program areas launched in 2015.
Based on comments received during the full stakeholder process as well as the most recent public hearings and comment period, King Conservation District has forwarded to King County Council for consideration a program of work that continues existing programming at current costs for one year, and secures funding to return agricultural lands to production and for wildfire preparedness.
KCD Proposed 2020 Program of Work from KCD Board Transmittal to King County Council
The anticipated rate structure for this program of work will be a max rate of $13.57, and an average rate of $13.02 per household per year.
If you have questions, comments, or would like to submit a letter in support of KCD and the rates and charges renewal, please fill out the form below: