What's New at Sherman County SWCD

• Buck Hollow was featured in "The Dalles Chronicle" on Wednesday, January 17th, 2007. Conservation ethic and watershed enhancement were evident on January 3rd of this year when runoff from heavy rain in the area produced clear flowing water in Buck Hollow. Click here to see the article and pictures that showcase the benefits of conservation practices in improving water quality and overall watershed health.
  
  
• Click 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.
  
  
• The Conservation Security Program (CSP) signup for the Mid Columbia-Hood Watershed has ended, but there are still two watersheds left to go in Sherman County. The Lower Deschutes and Lower John Day Watersheds have not been deemed eligible for CSP yet, but producers can start preparing now for future CSP signups. If a producer's operation falls within an eligible watershed, signup requires the landowner/operator to have the following two forms completed prior to meeting with an NRCS conservation planner. NRCS encourages producers to begin filling out the forms now to become familiar with what is necessary at each tier level. Contact Kristie Coelsch at kristie.coelsch@or.usda.gov if you have questions.
  
  
• The Grass Valley Watershed Assessment has been completed. Contact the office to get your copy today!
  
  
• The Lower Deschutes and Lower John Day Ag Water Quality Management Plans have been developed, and Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) have been adopted into law. Pick up a copy of the plans at the SWCD office or online. Since the OARs have been adopted by the state, all landowners within the Lower Deschutes and Lower John Day Watersheds will be responsible for complying with the rules on their lands. Contact the SWCD by phone or e-mail if you have questions.
  
  
  • Download the Lower Deschutes Ag Water Quality Management Plan (Plan with rules inserted into plan body)
  • Download the Lower Deschutes Ag Water Quality Management Oregon Administrative Rules (Rules only)
    
    
  • Download the Lower John Day Ag Water Quality Management Plan (Plan with rules inserted into plan body)
  • Download the Lower John Day Ag Water Quality Management Oregon Administrative Rules (Rules only)
  
  
• Water Quality monitoring is near completion for the Lower John Day River Mainstem and development of the TMDL will run through 2007. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has nearly completed its monitoring to assess water quality along the mainstem of the John Day River. The assessment will culminate in the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), a tool that identifies whether there is excess heat, sediment and other constituents that can be addressed through local planning processes, and identifies what’s already working to enhance water quality. The TMDL incorporates stream monitoring throughout the basin, in part through the use of in-stream sensors to capture summer heating. Instream temperature recording devices will be located primarily on public lands (BLM, State, and City). Landowners are encouraged to ask questions and/or participate in the monitoring. Comments or questions may be directed via e-mail to: Don Butcher or Mitch Wolgamott. Visit DEQ's Website for more information.
  
  

Sherman County SWCD Mission Statement

Sherman SWCD Goals

• Soil and Water Conservation - Reduce soil erosion and improve water quality
• Watershed Enhancement and Restoration - In conjunction with Senate Bill 1010 and The Oregon Plan
• Agricultural Water Quality Management Plans - Lower Deschutes and Lower John Day Rivers
• Securing Funding for On-The-Ground Projects - Funding Opportunities
• Education - Schools, Tours, Natural Resource Youth Camps, Quarterly Newsletter

On the Ground Planning and Technical Assistance

• Upland Erosion Control - Terraces, Water and Sediment Control Basins (WASCOBs), reduced tillage practices, and planting upland areas
• Grazing Management - Range Seeding, Water Development (for livestock and wildlife), Developing Grazing Management Plans
• Vegetation Management - Brush / Weed Control / Eradication, Controlled Burning, Juniper Clearing, Invasive Species Management
• Riparian Area Enhancement - Riparian Vegetation Planting, Riparian Fencing, Riparian Conservation Programs

Sherman SWCD Partners

Sherman County SWCD Board of Directors

Sherman County SWCD Staff

Sherman County NRCS Staff