Farm Planning

This guide lists federal programs that support sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation, and community development, providing descriptions, application procedures, and examples of funded projects to assist stakeholders in accessing government resources.

The Burke Herbarium Image Collection provides an extensive online database of plant, fungi, and lichen specimens, including high-resolution images and detailed records. It supports botanical research, identification, and education, particularly for species in the Pacific Northwest.

This publication provides science-based strategies for land managers to design and implement buffers that enhance ecological functions, improve water quality, protect wildlife, and offer economic benefits. It includes over 80 guidelines synthesized from more than 1,400 research articles, offering practical, easy-to-understand advice for creating buffers in both rural and urban landscapes.

Topics covered in the workbook include developing your vision, evaluating farm resources, understanding farm transfer tools, and preparing to meet with professional advisers. Available in English and Spanish.

This resource assists farmers in finding land, building capacity, and accessing resources to thrive as business owners and stewards of the land. It offers personalized support to current and aspiring farmers, farming collectives and cooperatives, farm organizations, and farmland owners in Washington, partnering with service providers to increase access to farmland around the state.

‍

The USDA PLANTS Database (Plant List of Accepted Nomenclature, Taxonomy, and Symbols) is a resource offering detailed information on plant species across the United States, including their taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status. It supports research, education, and land management with tools like plant guides and an extensive image library.

The Pacific Northwest Herbaria Consortium provides an online database for exploring plant specimen data from herbaria across the region, supporting botanical research and conservation. It offers tools for mapping, identifying, and studying native plants and their distributions.

This publication provides land managers in Whatcom County with practical guidance for managing their land and livestock in ways that protect fish, wildlife, soil, water, and shellfish. It offers strategies and ideas for sustainable practices tailored to local conditions.

Land managers seeking funding opportunities and support for conservation projects can contact their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office. These service centers provide valuable resources, technical assistance, and guidance on available grants and programs to help manage and improve natural resources.

The Washington Farmland Trust protects and stewards threatened farmland, ensuring its long-term productivity and sustainability for future generations. They also offer limited funding opportunities to support farmers and preserve agricultural landscapes through partnerships and community engagement.