Collaboration, Conservation, and Culture Highlight 2026 Crab Creek Summit
- Columbia Basin Conservation District
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
What does the future of the Crab Creek Watershed look like? That question brought nearly 80 Tribal leaders, producers, conservation professionals, agency representatives, and community members to the Wanapum Heritage Center on May 28 for the 2026 Crab Creek Summit hosted by the Columbia Basin Conservation District. Throughout the day, participants shared knowledge, exchanged perspectives, and explored the challenges and opportunities shaping one of Eastern Washington's most important watersheds.
The day began with a welcome from Wanapum member and CBCD Cultural Resource Specialist Jason Buck and CBCD Executive Director Kristina Ribellia before attendees explored the history and hydrology of Upper Crab Creek through a presentation by Eric Weber of Landau Associates. The session provided important context for understanding the watershed and the challenges and opportunities facing the region today.
A morning agency roundtable brought together representatives from the Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Grant County, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the Bureau of Reclamation. The discussion highlighted ongoing projects, resource concerns, and opportunities for coordination throughout the watershed.
Following a traditional lunch provided by the Wanapum Heritage Center, attendees gathered for a Tribal roundtable featuring representatives from the Upper Columbia United Tribes, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Indigenous Just Transition, Yakama Nation, and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. For many attendees, this was one of the most memorable portions of the Summit.
In post-event feedback, attendee Mindy Miksch with Save Soap Lake reflected on the experience:
"Jason Buck and his family were the most gracious of hosts and shared a native traditional foods luncheon with their guests at the Wanapum Heritage Center. His leadership was genuine and led by example. His message of family and traditions being the common thread between all things was truly inspiring." - Mindy Miksch, Save Soap Lake
Left: Summit attendees watch a demonstration by Gill Calac. Right: Griffin Hansen, CBCD, visits with a Summit attendee. Photos by Callie Preston.
The afternoon featured updates from CBCD staff on ongoing watershed projects, followed by an open discussion that encouraged attendees to share ideas and ask questions. The Summit concluded with an interactive presentation from Royal Family Farming owner Austin Allred on regenerative agriculture and the role producers can play in building resilient agricultural systems. Allred kept the audience engaged with a lively T-shirt toss featuring Royal Family Farming shirts, adding a fun and memorable close to the day.
Left: Austin Allred, Royal Family Farming, presents on regenerative agriculture. Right: Jason Buck, Wanapum member and CBCD Cultural Resources Specialist, leads a traditional ceremony before lunch. Photos by Callie Preston.
The conversation continued beyond the Summit with two Farmer Field Days. On May 29, CBCD partnered with the Xerces Society for a field tour that began at Zirkle Fruit Co. near Mattawa, where participants learned about pollinator habitat and conservation practices. The group then traveled to Royal Dairy, part of Royal Family Farming near Royal City, to explore regenerative agriculture practices and dairy operations. Attendees got to witness calves being born, the automated feeding system for the dairy, a large-scale worm farm, a composting facility, and Royal Family Farming’s future biochar activities.
The following day, attendees visited Cloudview Farm near Ephrata to learn about soil health, cover crops, Salmon-Safe certification, and on-farm conservation practices. Attendees were given a tour of the small farm operations. Cloudview Farm Owner, Jim Baird, discussed what has worked and what has not worked for him on his farm, while WSU Research Associate Teal Potter discussed current research and farm trials for the area per cover crop type. The day concluded with lunch provided by Cloudview Kitchen, giving attendees an opportunity to continue conversations and connect with fellow participants.
Left: Cloudview Farm’s certified Heritage Garden in progress. Right: Dava Montgomery and Jim Baird at the Cloudview Farm field tour. Photos by CBCD.
Feedback from attendees highlighted the value of both the Summit and Field Days, particularly the opportunity to hear perspectives from Tribal leaders, producers, agencies, and conservation organizations. Many participants left with a deeper understanding of the complexity of the Crab Creek Watershed and the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges across agriculture, water, wildlife, and communities.
CBCD extends its thanks to all the speakers, vendors, volunteers, producers, and attendees who helped make this year's Crab Creek Summit and Farmer Field Days a success. As the Summit continues to grow, we are already planning for next year and look forward to bringing partners, producers, and community members together again for another successful Crab Creek Summit!
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