HomeMy WebLinkAboutDesch River Mitigation GrantDeschutes River Mitigation and Enhancement Committee
Grant Opportunity
Needed: Policy direction from the Board on whether to pursue a wetland grant that
funds a Local Wetland Inventory for South County and a subsequent process
that identifies and protects significant wetlands
Key Points:
• Central Oregon Irrigation District hydroelectric project upstream of Bill Healy
Bridge provides Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) with funds for a
fish and habitat enhancement program for the Upper Deschutes River Basin.
• The Deschutes River Mitigation and Enhancement (M & E) Committee approves
projects using hydroelectric project funding. County staff role is as an ex -officio
secretary.
• M & E Committee in October 2008, with input from ODFW, Upper Deschutes
Watershed Council and Deschutes River Conservancy, adopted a new Upper
Deschutes River Restoration Strategy that identifies and prioritizes restoration
actions necessary to support high quality riparian and aquatic habitats.
• The Upper Deschutes River Restoration Strategy lists priority actions including:
1. identifying high-value, at -risk riparian areas (HIGH);
2. reviewing and revising city, county, and state land use regulations (HIGH); and,
3. implementing land transactions to protect identified valuable areas (MEDIUM).
• M & E Committee alerted Deschutes County of an opportunity to apply for a
wetland grant that would fund a Local Wetland Inventory for south Deschutes
County and a subsequent process that identifies and protects `significant
wetlands.'
• A Local Wetland Inventory would build on the work of the 2007 USGS near-strearn
environment study, which documented groundwater flow paths and their interface
with near stream environments. Intact riparian and wetland areas can help protect
surface waters from impacts from nitrate -rich groundwater discharges.
• The timing of this opportunity coincides with the County's involvement with an
Endangered Species Act risk -assessment, the High Groundwater Development
project, the Comprehensive Plan Update, and Community Development
Department's FY 2008-09 work plan listing the need to develop and implement a
Local Wetland Inventory.
• A preliminary application estimates a grant request of $125,000 with a $25,000
County match of in-kind services.
December 16, 2008
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December 16, 2008