WSU Extension offering to inspect ‘Model Properties’

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WSU Clark County Extension recognizes property owners in Clark County who manage their land using practices to keep our local rivers and streams healthy. 

The Clean Water Model Property Program started in 2004 and recognizes small acreage landowners who go above and beyond, showing their commitment to land stewardship through their extra efforts in keeping our lakes, rivers and groundwater clean. The program awards these landowners a "Doing Our Part for Clean Water" sign and 57 properties have received a sign.

Serendipity Alpaca Ranch in Ridgefield is one of those 57 properties recognized as a Model Property by the extension. The five-acre ranch is maintained by Robin and Pam Conrad along with Pam’s mother, Karen Rice and houses 17 alpacas. 

The Conrads installed a sacrifice area as one management practice that helps keep local water bodies clean. Keeping the alpacas in a sacrifice area during the rainy, winter months reduces mud and sediment runoff during the winter and keeps their pastures lush and healthy.

Jacqueline and Joseph Freeman, owners of Friendly Haven Rise Farm in Battle Ground, have maintained their farm as a model property since 2009.

“Not too many people see our sign, but we’re glad to have it,” Jacqueline said. “The model property sign represents quite a bit of hard work done to qualify.”  



They intensively manage their soils by regularly testing them and adding nutrients according to test results. Their lush pastures stand as evidence of the care they take. 

“We are glad the Clean Water Model Property program has a way to acknowledge farms who work toward good water stewardship,”Jacqueline said. 

The Story Tree Farm, a four-acre, organic vegetable farm in Vancouver, received one of the first Clean Water signs back in 2006. Using gutters and downspouts on most of their farm buildings directs stormwater into dry wells and away from areas where it could create mud or erosion. The Lawrences, owners of the farm, also maintain their septic system through regular inspections and keeping heavy machinery off the drainfield.

“Stewardship is important because the next generation depends on us to hand them a healthy future,” Anne Lawrence, owner of Story Tree Farm said.