Sherman County Soil and Water Conservation District

North Sherman County Watershed

In 2008 the North Sherman County Watershed Council came under the representation of the Sherman County Area Watershed Council. It should be noted that this watershed area is still operational and functioning.

Rufus EWP Project CompletedClick here to see pictures of the Rufus Emergency Watershed Protection project funded by the USDA NRCS and sponsored by Sherman County & the City of Rufus. The project was implemented in the Fall of 2005 to keep debris from causing damage to roads and property in the City of Rufus during high intensity rainfall events. Two large steel racks that span the entire channel were designed to trap large debris and allow smaller debis and runoff to pass through. See how the structure performed during the last storm event between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Download the North Sherman County Watershed Council Action Plan.

A watershed council for North Sherman County was established in December 2001, however conservation practices have been implemented well before this. In March 2005, North Sherman Watershed Council combined with the Fulton-Gordon Watershed Council to cover the entire North portion of Sherman County.

The North Sherman Watershed Council originally encompassed 89,470 acres of land drained by China Hollow, Mud Hollow, Spanish Hollow, Biglow Canyon, Box Canyon, Draper Canyon, Emigrant Canyon, Fox Canyon, Gerking Canyon, Helm Canyon, Scott Canyon and their tributaries. After consolidation with the Fulton-Gordon Watershed Council, the North Sherman Council increased to 127,290 acres and now includes both Fulton and Gordon Canyons.

Click on image to enlarge

The North Sherman County Watershed Council was formed to address watershed management issues. The council works to improve water quality in the area's streams by reducing soil erosion and flood damage through effective resource planning. A Watershed Action Plan will be revised for North Sherman County watershed, and the council is actively in search of funding for monitoring and implementation of the plan. The council seeks support and cooperation from the Sherman County Court, the Sherman County Soil and Water Conservation District, and other interested agencies or individuals in developing and implementing the Watershed Action Plan.

The North Sherman County Watershed Council will act as an advisory body to other public organizations. As such, the council makes recommendations and proposals concerning the protection, restoration and enhancement of the North Sherman County watershed.

North Sherman County Watershed Concerns

Reducing erosion (sheet, rill, and wind erosion)
Controlling spread of noxious weeds and pests
Reducing flood damage (damage to roads and the City of Wasco)
Increasing plant productivity and suitability
Improving water quality (sedimentation & temperature)
Increasing water quantity (water developments: springs, wells, etc.)
Improving fish and wildlife habitat
Enhancing range conditions and management practices
Decreasing flow rates to prevent bulk sediment movement
Increasing streambank stability
Protecting threatened or endangered species
Enhancing livestock management
Removal of excess sediment

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