HomeMy WebLinkAboutSW Deschutes Presentation 2015
Crook County Soil and Water Conservation District
498 SE Lynn Blvd.
Prineville, Oregon 97754
Phone: (541) 447-3548 Fax: (541) 416-2115
Priscilla.johnson@oregonstate.edu
January 29, 2015
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 N.W. Wall Street, Suite 200
Bend, OR 97701
RE: SAGE-GROUSE CCAA UPDATE
Dear Commissioners;
Thank you for allowing me to update the county on the progress of the Candidate Conservation
Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) for sage-grouse within Crook and Deschutes County.
There has been a lot happening in the last seven months since we last spoke.
With the determination of listing sage-grouse as threatened or endangered on the near horizon,
Crook County Soil and Water Conservation District (CCSWCD) have worked with a variety of
partners to develop a CCAA. A CCAA is a formal agreement between USFWS and one or more
parties to address the conservation needs of a proposed candidate species before they become
listed as threatened or endangered. Landowners voluntarily commit to land management
practices that will remove or reduce threats to the species on private land. As part of the
agreement, USFWS provides assurances that, in the event the sage-grouse is subsequently listed
as threatened or endangered, USFWS will not assert additional restrictions or require additional
actions above those listed in the site specific plan.
The sage-grouse issue effects 458,964 acres of private land within Deschutes and Crook
Counties. Once landowners sign a letter of intent with Crook County Soil and Water
Conservation District, they participate in developing a site-specific plan for their ranch. As the
permit holder for USFWS, CCSWCD are responsible for developing the plans, monitoring sites,
and protecting landowners’ privacy.
We are also coordinating with Baker, Grant, Malhuer, Lake, and Harney counties to develop
funding opportunities to assist landowners with restoration projects. I look forward to sharing all
the new developments with you in February. Deschutes SWCD will be presenting the role of
their district and how Deschutes County can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Priscilla Johnson