2026 Crab Creek Summit Speakers Announced

The 2026 Crab Creek Summit will take place on May 28 at 9:00 am at the Wanapum Heritage Center, bringing together regional leaders, agency representatives, and conservation partners for a full day of collaboration and discussion focused on the future of the Columbia Basin.

Hosted by the Columbia Basin Conservation District, the Summit serves as a key convening point for agencies and stakeholders working across water resources, wildlife, agriculture, and natural resource management. The event is designed to strengthen coordination and support shared solutions for some of the region’s most important environmental and agricultural challenges.

Speakers

This year’s Summit will include presentations and participation from a range of state, federal, tribal, and local partners, including:

• Austin Allred, Royal Family Farming

• Brook Beeler, Washington Department of Ecology

• Chris Clemens, Natural Resources Conservation Service

• Columbia Basin Conservation District Staff

• Eric Weber, Landau Associates

• Jaclyn Hancock, Washington State Department of Agriculture

• Jim Cook, Grant County

• Joel Metcalfe, Washington Department of Ecology

• Johnny Buck, Wanapum Member

• Justin Haug, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

• Marc Maynard, Bureau of Reclamation

• Phil Rigdon, Yakama Nation

• Rodney Cawston, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

Each organization will share updates and insights related to ongoing work in the Columbia Basin, with an emphasis on collaboration, resource management, and long-term sustainability.

FREE Event with Registration Required

The Crab Creek Summit is free to attend and includes a complimentary lunch for all attendees. While there is no cost to join, advance registration is required to help with planning and accommodations.

Participants can view the full agenda and RSVP online at: www.columbiabasincd.org/ripple-effect.

Farmer Field Days to Follow

Attendees are encouraged to stay engaged beyond the roundtable, as Farmer Field Days will follow on May 29 and 30. These hands-on events will feature field demonstrations, site tours, and conversations centered on agriculture and conservation practices in the Columbia Basin.

Together, the Summit and Field Days offer a unique opportunity for producers, agency staff, and community partners to connect, learn, and collaborate on the future of the region’s working landscapes. We look forward to seeing you there!