Burnt River SWCD
Established in 1949, the Burnt River Soil and Water Conservation District is located in Baker County in Northeast Oregon. Baker County is unique in that it consists of four individual soil and water districts; Baker Valley, Keating, Eagle Valley and Burnt River.
These four districts vary widely when it comes to geography, population, commodities and even weather, however they share the same overall objective:
"To promote sustainable agriculture through the protection, restoration and conservation of natural resources."Long Range Plan
The Burnt River SWCD directs resource management programs at the local level by working with private landowners and partnering agencies to carry out projects for the conservation, wise-use and development of our natural resources.
Staff time is split between the four districts, however each district is comprised of their own Board of Directors. All members are publicly elected officials, and represent a specific zone or at-large area within the district boundary. The Burnt River Board of Directors is comprised of five members; three zone positions and two at large positions.
The SWCDs are prepared to provide technical assistance in any capacity, however the main resource concerns addressed in Baker County are:
- Water Quality Improvement
- Erosion and Soil Protection
- Off-Channel Livestock Watering
- Irrigation Efficiency
- Habitat and Riparian Restoration
- Fish Passage
