In the Hangman Creek watershed, producers and conservation partners are working together to improve water quality while supporting productive farms. A key tool is no-till farming — planting directly into last year’s crop residue to protect soil health, retain moisture, and keep sediment out of the streams and rivers.
Recently, partners of the Hangman Creek watershed workgroup gathered to see no-till practices in action with a presentation from the Spokane Conservation District.
Finding solutions for cleaner water together
The Hangman Creek watershed workgroup was created in 2018 and consists of partners from state and local government agencies, local Tribes, conservation districts, nonprofits, producers and landowners. The goal of the work group is to help improve water quality through coordination and collaboration.
That same year, the Spokane Riverkeeper established the Hangman Settlement Agreement with Ecology to tackle water quality issues in the watershed. Years of water quality data collected by Riverkeeper and Spokane Falls Trout Unlimited volunteers also helped underscore the urgency of cleaning up the watershed. While Ecology staff had been studying and working on a Hangman Creek cleanup plan, the legal agreement helped expedite the work with more funding, outreach, and implementation of conservation practices on the ground.
Every year, we develop a report to outline the progress made within the watershed. The 2025 Hangman Creek Settlement Agreement Annual Report is available online.
Source : wa.gov