TSS has held a permanent conservation easement on the Hansen property on the South Fork Coppei Creek since 2002 protecting 279 acres of steelhead critical habitat. The easement prohibits farming, livestock grazing, commercial logging and home building and associated development on about 8 miles of the stream and tributaries. Funding for the purchase of the conservation easement was provided by a grant from the SRFB. Additionally, the grant enabled partnering with numerous organizations such as the Walla Walla Conservation District, NRCS, WA Department of Ecology and the WDFW to restore riparian habitat on the creeks. The Hansen family have been involved in resource conservation and protection for decades and have been recognized twice as Farmers of the Year. TSS recognizes the Hansen family for their contributions to conservation, resource stewardship and preservation of our precious natural resources for future generations.