The Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) welcomes newly appointed Yakima County Commissioner, LaDon Linde, to represent county government on the Statewide Advisory Committee (SAC). Commissioner Linde will serve a two-year term, effective immediately. 

The Statewide Advisory Committee provides guidance to SCC and its Director about VSP implementation and participation. The SAC has eight seats for voting members: two from county governments, two from agricultural organizations, two from environmental organizations, and two from tribal governments.

The Washington State Association of Counties formally submitted a nomination for Commissioner Linde to fill the open position, formerly held by Commissioner Wes McCart of Stevens County. Serving as a county commissioner for Yakima's 3rddistrict since Nov. 2020, Commissioner Linde grew up in Lynden, WA, and has an extensive background in raising dairy cattle and the dairy industry. 

Commissioner Linde has expressed interest in continuing to find ways to balance agricultural viability with the incentive-based approach to critical area protection embodied by VSP. He also believes in the excellent work contributed by conservation districts to agricultural producers and the importance of balancing and incorporating the needs of partners and Tribes. Commissioner Linde remarked, “As a former farmer and one who believes in the mission and goals of the Voluntary Stewardship Program, I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to serve on its Advisory Committee. VSP strikes an important balance between environmental concerns and private property rights.”