New co-chair appointed to Agriculture and Water Quality Advisory Committee

SPOKANE – June 5, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Continuing to build partnerships remains a key goal as a new co-chair is appointed to the Agriculture and Water Quality Advisory Committee.

Washington Department of Ecology Director Maia Bellon created the committee in 2014 to expand upon and improve working relationships with agricultural landowners and livestock producers. The aim is to provide an open forum for dialogue ensuring both water quality protection and a healthy agricultural industry.

Vic Stokes, Past President of the Washington Cattleman’s association co-chaired the committee for the past 16 months and is stepping down to focus on his family ranch in the Methow Valley.

“Vic’s leadership and guidance helped us make progress and get through tough conversations. I’m grateful for his service to ensure that together we identify long-term solutions to protect clean water and keep working lands working,” said Director Bellon.

“Our work is far from finished and I’m committed to continuing the exchange of information,” Bellon added. “I look forward to continuing the dialogue as Aaron Golladay steps into the co-chair role.”

Golladay is a diversified farmer from Grant County and currently serves as the first Vice President of the Washington Farm Bureau.

The Farm Bureau is an independent organization that represents farm and ranch families through county, state, and national forums. There are more than 6.5 million member families nationally and more than 41,000 member families in Washington state.

A broad array of agricultural interests participate in the Agriculture and Water Quality Advisory Committee and meet quarterly. Meetings are open to the public and rotate between eastern and western Washington.

Contact:

Brook Beeler, Washington Department of Ecology, 509-329-3478, and @ecyspokane