Kathy Lambert, who represents Issaquah and Sammamish on the King County Council, has been honored with a special “Conservation Leader” award by the King Conservation District. The award recognizes her support of community members in embracing voluntary stewardship efforts.

The award was presented Nov. 8 at the district’s annual meeting.

Lambert’s district encompasses a rich and varied agricultural heritage. Among her many efforts in support of King CD and King County’s rural farmers, Councilmember Lambert championed preservation of funding for the Agricultural Drainage Assistance Program. She also worked to retain funding for the work of the Agriculture Commission and the Forestry Commission, both of which help rural landowners maintain agriculture and forestry uses in the face of development pressures.

In addition, she is working on development of a universal permit that would allow farmers to do regular maintenance of drainage ditches.

“Councilmember Lambert has been a champion for King CD and vital to our success,” said King CD Board Chairman Bill Knutsen. “She understands the work of the district and the importance of getting conservation on the ground in a way that’s manageable and affordable for the landowner.”

The King CD provides conservation information and technical assistance programs available to landowners within the District’s boundaries (most of King County) on a voluntary, non-regulatory basis.