HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSWCD notes 050812Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District Discussion (4/18/12)
1. Organizations interest in South Deschutes County
The Deschutes Soil and Water District’s (DSWCD) mission is to assist residents with resource issues
on agricultural lands. Their primary focus is on agricultural water quality (animal dry lot – manure
runoff; impact to surface water). Secondary issues include noxious weed abatement, fuels reduction
(lodgepole pine/juniper removal), and wildlife (riparian) issues. They can do site visits to assess and
offer ideas on landowners concerns and are initiating a South County assessment of dry land
farming. They offer free landowner assistance. They can help rural property owners create resource
plans and be a conduit to other resource professionals in the upper Deschutes basin.
DSWCD works with the Weed Board. Currently, they do not have representation from South County.
DSWCD wrote and co-authorized the Deschutes County Rural Living Handbook.
DSWCD is well positioned to engage property owners.
2. Twenty year vision
Would like to see
Cooperation/coordination with region
DSWCD reach out to South County with assistance programs
Effective code enforcement
Profitable agricultural tourism
3. South County assets and issues
Issues
Water quality issues from livestock
Weeds (particularly in the south South County area)
Protecting watersheds, groundwater, tributaries
Wildfire
Wildlife
DSWCD is initiating assessments of water quality and priority riparian areas, looking particularly at
livestock manure issues. They are looking for landowner partners.
4. Partnerships
The DSWCD’s role is to assist resource landowners, with a focus on water issues. A possible future
role for the DSWCD is as a clearinghouse, to understand partner’s roles and refer people to the
appropriate agency/organization for questions on issues such as water, fire, weeds or agricultural
issues. This depends on funding sources.