Services We Provide
Districts work with private landowners and partnering agencies to carry out projects for the conservation, wise-use and development of our natural resources.
The SWCDs offer services that include:
1. Technical Assistance
- Have a question regarding on-ground management, state policies, program details, local contractor lists or something in between? We are happy to help! For general questions or to obtain meeting call in information, please call 541-519-8291 or swcdtara@gmail.com or Contact Us via the website.
2. Grant Writing/Project Funding
- SWCD staff works closely with private landowners to design and create a grant application based on individual project types/landowner needs. Funding sources may vary, but we will primarily apply to the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), who uses lottery dollars to fund eligible conservation projects in Oregon.
- OWEB facilitates a large grant and small grant program based on estimated project costs. SWCD staff will help determine which program is the best fit, and will handle all of the steps and details from the grant application to funding requirements to project implementation. If you may have a potential project on your property, call 541-519-8235 or swcdcory@gmail.com to schedule a site visit.
- Applicable project types include but are not limited to:
*Off-Channel Livestock Watering Troughs/System
*Spring Developments
*Riparian Plantings and Protection
*Irrigation Efficiency Projects (flood to sprinkler; pipe; pumps; power; measuring
devices, etc.)
*Bank Stabilization and Erosion Control
*Permanent Diversion Structures
*Fish Passage Projects (fish friendly diversions and screens, headgates, etc.)
*Rangeland Health Improvements (cross fencing, etc.)
*Grazing Plans, and more!
3. Local Advisory Committees
- The Ag Water Quality Management Act (Senate Bill 1010) was passed in 1993, directing ODA to develop plans to prevent and control water pollution from agriculture activities, prevent soil erosion and achieve water quality standards throughout the regions. SWCDs have a lead role in working directly with farmers and ranchers to implement on-the-ground projects that support ag water quality area plans and rules.
- SWCDs provide technical assistance to landowners by leading Local Advisory Committee meetings, as well as providing education and outreach about the plan and development process. For questions specific to SB 1010 or Ag Water Quality Management Plans, call 541-519-8310 or swcdwhitney@gmail.com.
- Fun fact: Baker County has two Ag Water Quality Management Plans; Powder/Brownlee and Burnt River.
4. Equipment Rentals
- The Eagle Valley SWCD owns several pieces of equipment that are available for rent. Inventory includes: a range drill, aerator, culti-packer and a soil shaper. Call 541-519-8291 or email swcdtara@gmail.com to receive a rental agreement, inquire about pricing, and add your name to the rental list.
5. Agrimet Station
- The Baker Valley SWCD sponsors an AgriMet Station. This network consists of a series of automated data collection platforms that provide information necessary for near-real-time management of Bureau Reclamation's water operations in the Pacific Northwest. These stations provide valuable information to producers including weather data, crop water use charts and more. For questions specific to the AgriMet station/available data, call 541-519-8310 or swcdwhitney@gmail.com.
6. Education and Outreach
- The SWCDs are involved with various education and outreach events in the community, including Outdoor School, Ag in the Classroom Poster Contest, WaterSmart Workshops, Baker County Fair Booth, Conservation Tours, Keating Elementary Ag Focus, Baker School District Summer Academy Program, and more! To receive more information, or to inquire about partnering on an outreach event, call 541-519-8291 or swcdtara@gmail.com.
