Project Abstract

Project Location

This project will provide technical assistance needed to support the Oregon Conservation Reserve Enchancement Program (CREP) in Wheeler County through Wheeler SWCD.

Project Need 

The goal of the CREP program is to restore riparian vegetation on argricultural land along streams, protecting water quality and restoring fish and wildlife habitat. Wheeler County lies primarily in the Lower John Day subbasin, which has been degraded by years of misuse resulting from stream channelization, poor grazing management, riparian roads/crossing, and other agricultural activities and developments. 

Proposed Project Work

Funds through this technical assistance grant will be used for experienced staff time to assist with conservation planning, and development and implementation of CREP contracts. Bonneville Power Administration will provide the necessary funds for planning and technical assistance on CREP projects and anadromous streams, while OWEB funds are requested for outreach and implementation on direct tributaries (non-anadromous streams) to ensure technical assistance can be provided on all eligible and beneficial streams. 

Project Partners 

Project Partners include Oregon Watershed Enchancement Board (OWEB), Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD), and landowners.