The Washington State Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) Provides input to programs and initiatives, as well as whether Local Working Groups (LWG) are addressing state priorities and criteria for ranking program applications.
What is the State Technical Advisory Committee?
The State Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) is a group composed of agricultural producers, owners/operators of nonindustrial private forest land, federal and state agency representatives, and other professionals who provide information, analysis, and recommendations to officials of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on implementing and establishing priorities and criteria for natural resources conservation activities and programs. The STAC has no implementation or enforcement authority, but USDA gives strong consideration to the STAC’s recommendations.
The Washington STAC, which is chaired by the state conservationist, provides input to programs and initiatives, as well as annually reviews whether Local Working Groups are addressing state priorities and criteria for ranking program applications.
STAC subcommittees provide recommendations to the STAC. The State Conservationist can convene or appoint subcommittees to address a variety of issues including natural resource priorities and criteria for conservation activities and outreach.
How can I be involved in the Washington State Technical Advisory Committee?
Meetings of the STAC are open to the public and will be given the opportunity to address the committee and present their opinions and recommendations. Meeting information is posted on this web site. Presenters are encouraged to provide written comments to the committee, but are not required to do so. Written comments or suggestions can be submitted to Nick Vira via email. Individuals or groups wanting to become a member of the STAC may submit a request to the state conservationist explaining their interest and outlining their credentials for becoming a member. Decisions of the state conservationist concerning membership on the STAC are final and cannot be appealed. Requests can be sent to Roylene Comes At Night.
Who is the STAC?
US Department of Agriculture Agencies:
- Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Farm Service Agency
- FSA State Committee
- Forest Service
- National Institute of Food and Agriculture
State Departments and agencies including:
- Agriculture
- Fish and Wildlife
- Forestry
- Soil and Water Conservation Agency
- Water Resources Agency
- Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
And in addition:
- Agriculture producers representing the variety of crops and livestock or poultry raised in the State
- Owners of nonindustrial private forest land
- Nonprofit organizations with conservation expertise
- Nonprofit organizations with experience working with agriculture producers
- Agribusinesses
- Each of the federally recognized American Indian Tribal governments
- Local Working Group (LWG) chairpersons
Where can I get more information on the Washington State Technical Advisory Committee?
Policy governing the STAC and LWGs is available here.
Contact
Nick Vira
State Partnership Liaison
Natural Resources Conservation Service
1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Suite D
Olympia, WA 98512-5607
Phone: 360.704.7758
Email: nick.vira@usda.gov
STAC Meetings and Minutes
Washington State Technical Advisory Committee meetings were conducted via teleconference/webinar (unless otherwise specified) from 9:30 am until 3:00 pm on the following dates:
- December 6, 2023
- Feb. 28, 2024
- August 8, 2024
- November 7, 2024