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f. Create measurable benchmarks that, within ten years after receipt of funding, are designed to <br /> result in (a)the protection of critical areas functions and values and (b)the enhancement of <br /> critical areas functions and values through voluntary, incentive-based measures. <br /> RCW36.70A.720 (1)(e). <br /> g. Incorporate into the work plan any existing development regulations relied upon to achieve the <br /> goals and benchmarks for protection of critical areas. RCW 36.70A.720 (h). <br /> h. Develop timeline for periodic evaluations, adaptive management, and provide written reports of <br /> plan status/accomplishments to the COUNTY and the Washington State Conservation <br /> Commission. <br /> i. Meet any other requirement for the successful implementation of VSP in RCW 36.70A.720. <br /> Deliverables: <br /> 1. The DISTRICT will provide technical assistance to operators/producers including producing <br /> stewardship plans to identify critical areas and potential stewardship (best management) <br /> practices that protect and/or enhance critical areas. <br /> 2. The District will provide additional technical assistance and financial assistance to producers <br /> working to implement stewardship practices when funding is available. <br /> Task 5: Monitoring and Reporting <br /> The DISTRICT will assist the Watershed Group in continued development of a timeline for periodic <br /> evaluations, adaptive management, and provide written reports of plan status/accomplishments to the <br /> COUNTY and the Washington State Conservation Commission. <br /> A. The DISTRICT will coordinate monitoring programs with other state agency <br /> activities. <br /> B. The DISTRICT will implement the requirements of the VSP and RCW Chapter 36.OA.700-760. <br /> a. Two-year status reports. No later than August 30, 2025, provide the written biennial report to <br /> the COMMISSION. The biennial report must provide the status of plans and <br /> accomplishments of the work plan to COMMISSION. The biennial report should include a <br /> summary of how plan implementation is affecting each of the following: <br /> 1. The protection and enhancement of critical areas within the area where agricultural <br /> activities are conducted. <br /> 2. The maintenance and improvement of the long-term viability of agriculture. <br /> 3. Reducing the conversion of farmland to other uses. <br /> 4. The maximization of the use of voluntary incentive programs to encourage good <br /> riparian and ecosystem stewardship as an alternative to historic approaches used to <br /> protect critical areas. <br /> 5. The leveraging of existing resources by relying upon existing work and plans in <br /> counties and local watersheds, as well as existing state and federal programs to the <br /> maximum extent practicable to achieve program goals. <br /> 6. Ongoing efforts to encourage and foster a spirit of cooperation and partnership <br /> among county, tribal, environmental, and agricultural interests to better assure the <br /> program success. <br /> 7. Ongoing efforts to improve compliance with other laws designed to protect water <br /> quality and fish habitat; and <br /> 8. A description of efforts showing how relying upon voluntary stewardship practices as <br /> the primary method of protecting critical areas and does not require the cessation of <br /> agricultural activities. <br /> b. Five-year review and evaluation report. If a Five-year VSP report is due during this contract <br /> period, than no later than the current deadline for submittal of the report to the <br /> COMMISSION, and in conjunction with the county watershed group, facilitate, develop, <br /> assist and submit the five year report to the director of the COMMISSION. See RCW <br /> 36.70A.720 (2) (b)(i)and (c)(i). When submitting the five-year review and evaluation report <br /> VSP Agreement Between the KITTITAS COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT and KITTITAS COUNTY-Page 14 of 17 <br />