State and local conservation districts that assist property owners with recovery after a wildfire or other disaster sometimes struggle to get projects approved and completed before funding expires. In fact, sometimes they have only a few months to get everything completed. The districts also face limitations because state law requires that only a fraction of the money can be used in advance. Most funds must be paid only to reimburse documented expenses. A recent review by state auditors underscores this tricky timing issue for such districts. A recent review by state auditors underscores this tricky timing issue for such districts. The auditors cited the Washington State Conservation Commission for providing too much money in advance to the Okanogan Conservation District to help with recovery from the Carlton Complex Fire. The state commission should have waited for an accounting of expenses and then reimbursed the local district, according to the audit, which was released at the end of July.