Wasco County Rural Living Handbook A Resource for Country Living and Land Stewardship

Prepared and distributed by Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District Resource Directory Wasco County Soil and Water City of Dufur ...... 467-2349 Conservation District City of The Dalles ...... 296-5481 2325 River Rd. Ste 3 City of Mosier ...... 478-3505 The Dalles, OR 97058 Maupin City Hall ...... 395-2698 541-296-6178 ext 3 Fax: 541-296-7868 www.wasco.oacd.org Emergency Information Emergencies Only (Medical/Fire) All Areas . . . . 911 *Unless otherwise noted, area code is 541 Ambulance Services - South Wasco County ...... Federal Agencies Emergency . . 395-2500. .Business Ofc . .395-2571 USDA Juniper Flat Rural Fire Dept (Business Ofc). . 328-6388 Natural Resources Conservation Service . . 298-8550 Juniper Flat Rural Fire Dept (Fire Only). . 328-6300 Farm Services Agency ...... 298-8559 Maupin (Fire/Medical) - (Business Ofc). . . .395-2400 Forest Service, Barlow Ranger District. . .467-2291 Rock Creek Volunteer Fire Dept ...... 544-2370 Forest Service, Bear Springs District . . . 328-6211 Shaniko Fire Department ...... 489-6100 DOI -Bureau of Land Management (BLM). . 395-2531 Tygh Valley Volunteer Fire Dept (Fire Only). 483-2333 Pine Hollow Fire Dept (Business Office) . . .544-2338 The Dalles Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue ...... 296-9445 State Agencies Report a Forest Fire - The Dalles ...... 296-4626 Dept of Agriculture (Salem) ...... 503-986-4550 Dept of Ag Natural Resources Div. . . . 503-986-4700 Agriculture Water Quality Div (Bend)...... 617-0017 Irrigation Districts Dept of Environmental Quality (DEQ) . . . . 298-7255 Juniper Flat Improvement District ...... 395-9705 Dept of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) ...... 296-4628 The Dalles Irrigation District ...... 296-3366 Wildlife Violations ...... 1-800-452-7888 Barlow Water Improvement District . . . . . 544-2920 ODFW Wildlife Area ...... 544-2126 Dept of Forestry (ODF) ...... 296-4626 Water Districts Dept of State Lands (DSL) ...... 388-6112 City of Dufur (Sewer/Water) ...... 467-2349 Water Resources (Watermaster) ...... 506-2650 City of Maupin Public Works ...... 395-2684 Tygh Valley Water District (Sec)...... 483-2118 Wasco County Wasco Co. Public Works ...... 506-2640 Animal Shelter (Home at Last)...... 296-5189 Recreational Information Animal Control (Sheriff ’s Office) ...... 296-5454 Riders Club & Junior Rodeo . . . .296-5339 Assessor’s Office ...... 506-2510 Fort Dalles Rodeo Association ...... 296-9191 Building Codes ...... 298-4461 Gorge Equestrian Club ...... 386-7763 County Clerks Office ...... 506-2530 Maupin Chamber of Commerce ...... 395-2599 District Attorney ...... 506-2680 Northern Wasco Co. Parks & Recreation . . 296-9533 County Judge/Commissioners Office . . . . .506-2520 The Dalles Chamber of Commerce ...... 296-3399 County Planning & Development ...... 506-2560 Public Health ...... 506-2600 Utilities Public Works ...... 506-2640 Call Before You Dig ...... 800-332-2344 Sheriff ’s Office ...... 506-2580 Northern Wasco Co. Public Utilities Dist . .296-2226 Veteran’s Services ...... 506-2502 Tel - Centurytel (Tygh Vallley/Maupin) . . 800-201-4099 Weedmaster’s Office ...... 506-2650 Tel - North State Telephone (Dufur Area) ...... 467-2211 Wasco County OSU Extenstion Service ...... 296-5494 Wasco Electric Cooperative (The Dalles) . .296-2740 Wasco County Rural Living Handbook September 2009

Prepared by Wasco County Soil & Water Conservation District Contents

Introduction ...... 1 Riparian Areas and Wetlands ...... 14 Wasco County Facts ...... 2 Soil Quality ...... 15 Wasco County History ...... 3 Waste Management ...... 17 Buying Country Property ...... 4 Water Management ...... 17 Being Neighborly Weed Management ...... 18 Wheat Fields ...... 6 Wildlife Management ...... 19 Livestock Operations ...... 7 Woodland Management ...... 20 Fruit Production ...... 7 Important Things To Know Caring For Your Land Agricultural Water Quality ...... 21 Property Management Plans ...... 8 Recreation ...... 23 Fire Protection ...... 8 Bicycles ...... 23 Gardening and Landscaping ...... 9 Rural Roads ...... 24 Backyard Orchards ...... 10 Pasture and Livestock Management . . . 11 Wasco County Planning ...... 25 Winter Care of Livestock...... 13 References and Resources ...... 26 Manure Management ...... 13 Wasco County SWCD ...... 27

i Introduction About The Rural Living Handbook. The Rural Living Handbook was written to acquaint new landowners with some of the issues of country living. Services such as water, electrical power, telephone, internet, and transportation; as well as the lack of certain conveniences and shopping can be quite challenging. Development of self reliance, independence, and good neighbor skills are important for successful rural living. Newcomers often find the idyllic images of easy country living quickly dispelled when faced with the hard work of managing rural property. That said, hardy souls will also find the work rewarding, particularly when nature responds to cor- rectly applied conservation practices.

This handbook is one tool prospective and current landown- ers can use to begin to understand land management issues. It also provides an introduction to water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, woodland management, what it means to live next to an agricultural operation, and who to contact for assistance. Not knowing about certain things can get a person into trouble.

Who is Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District? Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a non-regulatory local government organiza- tion dedicated to helping local residents address natural resource issues on their land. The conservation district has several conservation planners on staff who provide technical assistance to landowners in addressing natural resource issues. They can provide advice, technical information, or assist in developing resource management plans. Some activities require local, state, or federal permits and the district can often help with information needed for permitting.

The SWCD works in partnership with the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) to help agriculture producers obtain technical and financial assistance to implement con- servation practices on their land. Good stewardship principles are not only good for the land, they can ensure the land stays productive for generations to come. Another valuable partner to the SWCD is Wasco County OSU Extension Service. Through their Master Gardener Program, 4-H, Family & Community Health, Horticulture, Small Farms, Field Crops, Farm Management, and Livestock Programs, Extension provides a well rounded group of services geared to the needs of the community. The conservation district also works closely with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), US Forest Service (USFS), as well as Wasco County Government.

This handbook, while not designed to render a thorough examination of all covered topics, will touch upon some of the most common issues the new landowner may face at one time or another. Water quality and the im- portance of fish related habitat being highest among them. Readers will be guided to the appropriate agency for further information on the topics covered in the handbook. When in doubt, the conservation district is a good first stop. If we can’t help, we can certainly put you in touch with the right people to get the help you need.

1 About Wasco County The majority of Wasco County’s economy is based upon agriculture (fruit production, wheat farming, and livestock ranching). Other economic industries include lumber and other forest products, light manufacturing, electric power, transportation, and tourism.

Wasco County located in what’s known as “south county.” Addition- is bordered by the ally, there are eight unincorporated communities - Ro- wena, Boyd and Chenowith in north county and Pine to the north, De- Grove, Pine Hollow, Wamic, Tygh Valley, and Friend schutes River to the in south county. According to the 2000 Census the east, Warm Springs county population was approximately 23,791 people. to the south and Centrally located on the Columbia River, residents Mt. Hood National have access to numerous recreational activities and Forest to the west. events up and down the gorge. Maupin, located on The county seat in The Dalles was established in the , is a favored getaway for fishing 1854, the same year the county received its designa- and rafting, while Pine Grove and Wamic are gate- tion. Initially, it served as a way station on the Oregon ways to Mt. Hood and adjoining wilderness areas for Trail for those heading to the . hiking and camping enthusiasts. The land base is 1,572,680 acres consisting of History buffs will find themselves steeped in the 263,000 acres of dryland and irrigated crops and legendary history of Lewis and Clark, the Oregon fruit production (cherry, apple, pear and vineyards). Trail, Barlow Trail, and early Native American folk- Rangeland encompasses 663,000 acres, forestland lore and traditions. Discerning photographers and 261,000, urban areas 8,000, and Warm Springs Res- naturalist will be delighted by sweeping vistas, breath- ervation 387,113. taking waterfalls, diverse native flora, and secluded hiking trails along the Columbia Gorge. Wasco County has six incorporated cities. The Dalles, Mosier and Dufur are located in the north part Want to know more? Visit The Dalles Chamber of Commerce of the county and Antelope, Shaniko and Maupin are www.thedalleschamber.com

2 Wasco County History Named after the Wasco (Wascopam) Indian Tribes, Wasco County was the largest county in the nation at 130,000 square miles. It embraced all of Oregon east of the Cascades - including most of Idaho and parts of Montana and Wyoming. Eventually, as territories and counties split away, Wasco County was reduced to its cur- rent size of 2,396 sq miles.

through the Dufur Threshing Bee, held the second weekend in August. Tygh Valley is named after the Tygh Native Americans, who are now part of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Tygh Valley is considered by some to be the beginning of the be- cause many wagon trains crossed the Deschutes River at Sherars bridge and proceeded west, bypassing The In 1805, and Dalles. However, the treats the became the first white men to enter the region. Af- first tollgate site at Gate Creek on the White River as terwards came fur trappers, traders, and other expe- the beginning of the Barlow Road. ditions. Missionaries were the first to settle Wasco County permanently in 1838. Wamic derives its name from early settlers named Womack - Asa and Levi Womack and their nephew A natural barrier was created in The Dalles by the Crawford. The Wamic Post Office was established cliffs of the Columbia Gorge. From the Dalles, wea- November 25, 1884 with James W. Sanford as post- ry travelers had the choice of navigating the mighty master. Once located inside Wamic Store, it closed Columbia River or traveling overland across the Cas- November 30, 2009. Wamic also holds a yearly Bar- cades by way of the Barlow Road. low Trail Rendezvous in July to celebrate its heritage. The Barlow Road got its name from , was named after Howard Maupin, a col- an emigrant angry over the high ferry prices that were Maupin orful character who came to Oregon in 1863. Maupin being charged to float the Columbia to Fort Vancou- owned a ferry on the Deschutes River which was ver. Barlow began construction in 1845 on a route bought by W.E. Hunt. The subsequent arrival of the from The Dalles across Mt. Hood to the Willamette railroad brought development and in 1909, through Valley and was finished in 1846, complete with toll a poor communications connection, the proposed gates that charged $5 per wagon. name of Maupin Ferry was shortened to Maupin and Often, the travelers found the tedious journey too the rest is history. much to bear and opted to settle, populating plac- es we know as Dufur, Tygh Valley, Wamic, Maupin, Shaniko was built as a railhead terminal because Shaniko, and everyplace in between. The following of the enormous wool production in Central Oregon. historical tidbits are just a glimpse into the rich heri- In order to expedite the shipment of wool to The tage of Wasco County. Dalles, a railroad was built from Biggs Junction on the Columbia to Shaniko in 1898. Shaniko is consid- Dufur was incorporated in 1893 and named af- ered a ghost town and some of its original buildings ter Andrew J. Dufur and his brother Enoch Burnham are still standing today. Dufur. The brothers settled there in 1859 raising their Want to know more? sheep on 600 acres of land where the City of Dufur Visit The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center now stands. Dufur celebrates its agricultural history www.gorgediscovery.org 3 Buying Country Property Knowing what to expect before you purchase your dream home can ensure your decision is the right one. There are many facets to consider that can affect your choice of where you ultimately settle. Rural living doesn’t necessarily have to be on several isolated acres of forest or range, it can be accomplished just as easily in a small community setting.

The most important question you need to ask yourself is why you want to “move to the country.” Buyer Beware! Understanding why will help you make the choice Before investing time, money and energy that’s right for you. into a piece of property, check with Wasco County Planning & Development. Ensure your If your goal is to buy undeveloped land, there are needs and zoning regulations for the parcel are important things to consider before you buy: compatible. Visit http://co.wasco.or.us/plan- • Ensure that it is a legal parcel and it is buildable. ning/planhome.html for more information Many are the times people have purchased acreage only to find out it isn’t a legal parcel and therefore Electricity: The county is serviced by two electric cannot be developed. companies: Wasco Electric Cooperative and North- • Know the parcel zoning. Buildable parcel sizes ern Wasco Co. Public Utilities District (PUD). Think vary depending upon the type of zone it is in. about alternative heat sources in case of a power out- • Understand land use laws governing the zon- age in the middle of winter. ing. Can the parcel be used for what you intend to use it for? Fire: Fire is always an issue, but never more so than • Is there water for a well? in a rural environment. Lightning strikes can smol- • Has it been perked for septic? If not, you’ll need der in the forest for weeks before erupting into a fast to find out if it can be. The parcel must be approved moving inferno that leaves little time for packing. for septic by the County Health Dept. Consider the proximity of trees to the home site and • How far away is the nearest utility pole? The the fire potential. Refer to the topic “Fire Protection” property owner is responsible for the poles needed to for some important safety considerations. bring power to the dwelling. • Has the property been surveyed? Fences are not Schools: Schools are located in Dufur, Maupin, necessarily an indication of property lines. Don’t rely Mosier, and The Dalles. Consider the condition of on them to be accurate. access roads. Talk to neighbors in the area about lo- • Is the property in the National Scenic Area? If cal conditions and where the bus routes are relative so you’ll need to get familiar with the laws that govern to potential property sites. How far will you have to property in the Scenic Area. They cover everything drive your children to meet up with the bus or to get from tree height to the color of your house. to work? What about medical and emergency servic- Acreage: Are you physically able to manage the land yourself or will you need to hire someone to do it for you? Owning land means maintenance. See “Caring for Your Land” for some important considerations. Climate: Wasco County has an arid climate with rainfall at 13” or less a year. Summers are hot, winters are cold, and the spring and fall rains can be unpre- dictable. Inspect potential home sites for runoff vul- nerability, flooding, and land slides. 4 es? Be realistic and weigh your needs carefully. Road same applies to TV. Cell phone signals are sometimes maintenance information can be found under “Rural spotty in lowlands and draws. If you plan on using Roads.” cell phone only, ensure there’s reception. Septic: If buying an existing home, it is a good idea Water: Depending on where you live you will have to have the septic system inspected and/or pumped either community water, a well, or, if undeveloped before purchase. Repairs can be an unexpected finan- land, no water. Well water should be tested for drink- cial burden. For undeveloped property, ensure it has ability. Drilling a domestic well can be expensive so been perked for septic drainage. check with area well drillers and budget accordingly. Oregon Water Resources has information on well Soil Types: Soils in the county can be clay, sand, construction and permit costs at http://www.wrd. loam, fertile, barren, thin, deep, dry, rocky, gravelly state.or.us. and everything in between. Clays can affect where you put the septic tank, drain fields, or drill for wa- Weather: It does snow here. Not often, but when ter. Water percolates through sand very quickly, which it does, it can accumulate fast. Consider how isolated can be of concern for septic, garden or landscape. the property is, what kind of preparations you would Refer to “Soil Quality” for helpful information. need to make, and if access roads pose potential weather related problems. Ice is a frequent issue in Neighboring Land Use: Wasco County is agricul- winter. Although main roads are often de-iced, this tural - consisting of orchards, wheat, hay, cattle, and isn’t true for side roads. vineyards. If you think active agricultural operations will cause you discomfort, then avoid these areas. Or- Wildlife: The opportunity to see wildlife up close egon has a right to farm law. Helpful information on and personal can be a big draw for rural living, how- what to expect in an agriculture environment can be ever, reality can be a big eye-opener. Wildlife will eat found in the chapter on “Being Neighborly.” your landscape, tip over your garbage, eat your cats, dogs, livestock, and dig up your yard. It is their nature Forested property has minimum acre- Forestland: and it is up to you to learn preventative measures to age requirements in order to be buildable. There are avoid these scenarios. Refer to the topic on “Wildlife also setbacks, defensible space, and land utilization is- Management.” sues covered under Oregon’s Forest Practices Act.. Zoning: Zones determine what uses the land can Utilities: DSL internet availability is limited to larger be put to as well as the number of acres required for towns. Elsewhere people use dialup services offered development. Wasco County Planning Office person- by telephone companies or satellite internet. The nel can help you with any questions concerning land use laws and zoning issues. Contact information can be found under “References and Resources.” Zones: Exclusive Farm Use (A-1); Agricultural/ Recreation (A-R); Rural Commercial (R-C); Environ- mental Protection District (EPD); Forest Zone (F-1 & F-2); Forest Farm (F-F); Limited Use Overlay Zone (L-U); Rural Industrial (R-1); Rural Residential (RR, RR-2, & RR-10); Tygh Valley Zoning; Wamic Zoning; and the National Scenic Area. 5 Being Neighborly Being neighborly in the country can sometimes be harder than it is in the city. However, it can also be more im- portant. Rules are as different as the perceptions behind them and many of your neighbors probably have lived on their land for generations. Take some time to understand the neighborhood and the general environment before you buy property and start making changes.

Good Neighbor Tips took steps to protect commercial agricultural activi- • Get to know your neighbors and let them ties. get to know you. Oregon’s “right to farm” law can be found at ORS • Respect their environment. People who 30.930. In it, the Legislature set out in statute that live in a rural environment prize their privacy and “farming and forest practices are critical to the eco- space. Sudden and drastic changes are ingredients nomic welfare of this state,” and it is “in the interest for conflict. of the continued welfare of the state for farming and • Oregon has a right to farm law. Don’t live forest practices be protected from legal actions that next to a farm if the noise of farm machinery and may be intended to limit such practices.” livestock bothers you. They aren’t going to move. • Fences can often belong to one or the oth- Understanding the pros and cons of living next to er neighbor. Find out ownership before altering farming operations before you buy will make being them. neighborly a stress free experience. • Maintain boundary fences cooperatively. Wheat Farms Keeping permitted livestock off of private prop- Various grain fields account for the largest land erty is the responsibility of the property owner, use in Wasco County and the fields of green and rip- not the livestock owner. ening grain help foster the perceptions of an idyllic • Control your dogs at all times. Do not allow country existence. Which, it can be - at times! your dog to chase wildlife or livestock. Landown- ers have the right to protect their livestock and Spring through fall, mammoth tractors pulling may legally kill dogs that are caught chasing, killing strange and astonishingly large farm implements take or otherwise injuring livestock. to the highway and side roads on their way to fields • Respect property rights. Seek permission be- scattered throughout the county. Air planes spraying fore entering another’s property. Rural backyards crops and the roar of farm equipment will shatter are huge and always belong to someone. The old quiet mornings and seem to drone endlessly through- barn out in the back forty is not forgotten, the out the day. During harvest, combines the size of owner knows exactly where it is. small houses and grain trucks roar down highways, filling the air with dust and delaying traffic. Right to Farm Fire hazards in dry wheat fields and grasslands are The siting of non-farm uses in farming areas has always raised contention in urban/rural interface zones. Non-farm neighbors, unaccustomed to nor- mal farming activities, have often found agricultural noise, odors, and other activities objectionable. In the past, non-farmers used state or local nui- sance laws to obtain injunctions to stop agricultural activities. In the 1960’s state legislatures across the US 6 of major concern. Any small spark or hot exhaust can Actually, they crow anytime they feel like it, including cause a fire in tinder-dry conditions. The result can throughout the night. be huge losses - not only of crop and property, but lives could be lost as well. Extra care must be taken by Fruit Production anyone living in a rural environment. Pay attention to The pastorial quality of vineyards and orchards fire conditions at all times and act sensibly. can be quite inviting. However, before settling on liv- ing in that environment, there’s a few things to take Livestock into consideration. Wasco County’s farms and ranches are home to a Orchards are very busy places - and quite noisy wide variety of livestock including cattle, sheep, hors- at times. Tree pruning will occur November through es, goats, pigs, alpacas, llamas, emus, chickens, and February and farm workers will be moving from or- rabbits, just to name a chard to orchard. Some orchards employ large noisy few. machines to grind stumps and limbs into compost. Livestock opera- Throughout the growing and dormant season there tions range in size from will often be the high pitched whine of sprayers cov- just a few animals to a ering the trees with oil and sulfur to control insects few hundred animals, and diseases. Parades of orchard workers pulling and can bring all sorts sprayers up and down both main and side roads are of unexpected sights, frequently encountered during this time as well. sounds, and smells. There is also the fact that livestock Expect to be greeted on frosty mornings with the always want what’s on the other side of the fence. If helicopter sounds of frost fans that are used to move your yard is on the other side then expect the occa- cold air through the orchard. sional visitor. Livestock are quite the escape artists! Harvest begins with cherries in late June and con- Late fall and spring are especially busy for cattle tinues through fall with apples and pears. Orchard ranchers, with activities like calving, weaning, brand- workers will be picking fruit into bins to be loaded ing, and cattle drives – though not necessarily in that onto trucks. Traffic may be slowed by trucks traveling order. Weaning occurs when the calves are about sev- to and from the orchards. en or eight months old, it is very stressful time for the cattle - and to any neighbors who are not accustomed Those close to vineyards could be serenated by to the noise. Frantic cows and calves might bawl for periodic cannon fire throughout the day as growers one another for what seems like days on end. attempt to drive off voracious flocks of birds. Grapes are particularly sensitive to pesticides and herbicides Cattle drives will be encountered as ranchers move at crucial bloom periods. Careless chemical use near a their stock from winter to summer pasture or visa- vineyard could be financially devastating to the vine- versa. Drivers should be very cautions: cattle drives yardist and to the herbicide user if the chemical is may attain speeds of up to three miles an hour! On a traced back to the applicator. serious note, drivers should be aware that horses and cattle may be easily spooked by vehicles. If you do come upon a cattle drive, go slow and be patient. Barnyards as well as backyard livestock operations can be busy and noisy places. It is a little known fact that roosters do not necessarily crow only at dawn. 7 Caring For Your Land For the most part land takes care of itself. However, there are land management practices that can be used to ensure that the quality of life that brought us all here is maintained. Additionally, there are an array of rules and regula- tions that govern certain natural resource and land practices that must be adhered to. The following topics highlight land practices which have regulatory considerations as well as beneficial land stewardship practices.

Property Management Plans The following topics represent a variety of land A Property Management Plan is a comprehensive uses and things to take into consideration when shop- property inventory - from available resources and ping for property. Much work can be saved by pur- landscape issues to placement of structures. chasing land already suited for its intended use. It is helpful to make a base map that shows the Fire Protection property boundaries, buildings, fences, the well, sep- Fire has always played a prominent role in the nat- tic area, driveway and easements or roads. From there, ural environment. It is no different today. The ability using a system of overlays, you can indicate landscape to live more safely within this environment depends features such as gardens, open water sources, soil greatly upon the use of “pre-fire activities.” These are types, bare ground, grassy areas, trees, shrubs, shade/ actions taken before a wildfire occurs. The following sun areas, weeds, geographic features like slopes, hills, is provided from “Living With Fire-A Guide For The draws, eroded areas, and places where water might Homeowner” from the Pacific Northwest Wildfire pool. Coordinating Group. As you take notes, keep in mind your goals for the land, such as what you like about it, why you bought The three R’s of defensible space it, and what you want it to do for you. are defined as: • Removal - Elimination of entire Photo points are a great tool to measure progress plants, particularly trees and shrubs. For and to gauge land response to management practic- instance cutting down dead trees and/or es. Property management can take a lot of money. removal of highly flammable shrubs. However, through planning, focusing, and prioritiz- ing objectives, a person will often find several small • Reduction - Removal of plant problems being taken care of simultaneously. parts, such as dead limbs, low branches, and keeping dried grasses mowed. There are many agencies available to assist the ho- • Replacement - Replacement land- meowner in conservation land management decisions scape with less flammable plants and including: Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation planting irrigated flower beds near the District (SWCD), Oregon State University (OSU) Ex- home. tension, Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF), Oregon Dept of Agriculture (ODA), and Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW). For more information see These actions include vegetation management to the resource listing at the back of this book. maintain defensible space around structures and the use of fire resistive building materials, such as com- Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District and the posite shingles, tile and tin. Natural Resources Conservation Service have staff that can Step one - Analyze - The size of defensible space assist commercial agriculturists in developing forestry, range, around structures will depend on the type of domi- farm, wildlife, and wetland management plans. nant vegetation (grass, trees, or shrubs), and slope. 8 Recommended Defensible Space Gardens & Landscaping based on Steepness of Slope Wasco County is considered to be quite arid. Rain- fall is 13 or less inches a year. While there can be rainy Slope% 0-20% 21-40% 41%+ years, they are the exception rather than the rule. Grass 30’ 100’ 100’ Planting drought tolerant and native vegetation in the Shrubs 100’ 200’ 200’ landscape can make gardening less problematic. Trees 30’ 100’ 200’ Late and early season freezes can often wreak hav- oc on gardens and landscape plants. Plants appropri- Step two is to remove dead vegetation - branches, ate for USDA Hardiness Zone 6 (0 to -10 degrees) pine needles, etc., and mow within the space. Step can ensure your landscape survives average tempera- three - analyze continuous dense cover of shrubs or tures. trees, and identify plants to be removed to provide a separation between groups of plants. Winds are a common occurrence, as are extreme temperatures. In addition to having wind damage to Distance between shrubs is based landscape plants, wind causes faster evaporation of upon canopy “fullness” at maturity. water from plants and the soil. Add heat and evapora- Distance between tree canopies are in feet. tion rates double. Use of mulches to protect the soil Slope% 0-20% 21-40% 41%+ can slow down that rate. Shrub Distances 2x 4x 6x Researching the needs of the plants you want to Tree Distances 10’ 20’ 30’ grow can save a lot of money and energy. Consider the hardiness zone, frost, rainfall, soil tilth, and sun Step four - vegetation present at varying heights, exposure. Plants vary in their requirements for sun- similar to rungs of a ladder, can allow for fire to move light and choosing a location suitable to their needs from lower growing vegetation to higher. will help create a successful landscape. Step five - ensure at least a 30’ wide “lean, clean, Soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. In- and green” area surrounding the home. Step six is to corporating mulches and composts, reduced pesti- ensure your defensible space is maintained and per- cide use, appropriate soil pH, and crop rotation can form an annual review of your practices. all help to create a healthy soil biology. Testing your Visit http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/ for more in- soil in the spring helps to determine what it needs to formation on fire protection and prevention. ensure healthy plants. The Wasco County OSU Ex- tension Master Gardeners can help. See “References and Resources” for more information. In Wasco County, wheat fields and rangeland made up of bunch grasses, sage, Pests can be a challenge in any garden. However, juniper, and thick bunches of knapweed all not all insects in your garden will be pests. Beneficial provide a highly combustionable mix of fuels. insects are predators who feed on garden pests (and This combination enables fires to race across yes, other beneficials). By working with nature rather the landscape at unimaginiable speeds. than against it, you can create a micro-ecosystem that sustains itself with minimal assistance. This is called In these conditions, vehicle and ATV ex- Integrated Pest Management or IPM. haust are fire hazards. Use extreme care or avoid driving in tinder dry grasses altogether. It’s important to learn to identify beneficial insects from pests. The larvae of some beneficials can often 9 Caring For Your Land be thought of as pests, such as butterflies in the cater- pillar stage. Get to know the kinds of butterflies you Water Conservation Tips may encounter and what their larva look like. Planting Water conservation saves time, money, and en- with the intent to feed butterfly offspring will help to ergy. By using water-wise gardening techniques keep them around to pollinate. your plants and soil will get what they need and The larvae of some you’ll save money. beneficials, such as the lady • Group plants with similar water, soil and beetle, bear little resem- sun exposure needs. blance to the adult. To the • Select plants adapted to your environ- right is a lady beetle and ment. its offspring, which, by the • Water in the early morning or late evening way, will out-eat the adult in to decrease evaporation of applied water. its daily consumption of aphids and other pests. • Eliminate leaks from hoses & faucets. Pollinators play a major role in the success of • Avoid irrigating driveways & sidewalks. your gardening efforts. They ensure flowering plants • Mulch to reduce evaporation from the produce fruit and seeds for the next year’s crop. soil. Frankly, without pollinators there would be no food • Consider planting drought resistant plant for humans or animals. varieties. • Design irrigation for site specific needs. Setting aside some space for pollinator habitat, or incorporating it into the current garden, helps to en- sure the survival of native pollinators. This can be done by planting species that flower throughout the Backyard Orchard A backyard or- growing season, such as Gaillardia (Blanket Flower); chard can be fun and choosing plants which have value for the offspring, the fruit can help such as the birch for the swallowtail butterfly; or put- supplement the fam- ting up mason bee “homes.” Not only will you be ily food budget. How- helping beneficial species, you’ll be ensuring your ever, they can also be own crops get pollinated. a lot of work. The ho- Watering the landscape and garden can be a trial meowner is respon- at times. Drip or micro-irrigation installation, timed sible for keeping to a sprinklers, plant groupings, mulches (organic or land- similar spray schedule as any nearby commercial or- scape fabric), and watering in the morning or evening chard. The backyard fruit tree, if left unsprayed, can can all help to reduce water evaporation (thus usage) be a breeding ground for orchard pests and thereby and bills. endanger commercial orchard operations. Xeriscape is a term used for planting a drought Wasco County OSU Extension Office has a Home tolerant landscape. It is also called “water-wise” gar- Orchard Spray Guide to help with keeping a good dening. Many people are learning to incorporate na- spray schedule. tive and/or naturalized species to achieve this goal. A You will need to know what kind of fruit tree you landscape planted suitable to the environment means have. Different types of fruit trees require different less work, less water, less pests, and healthier plants. types of spray formulations, application methods and 10 seasonal spray schedules. generally only need applications of nitrogen in the spring and fall. Irrigated pastures, which often have Pests and diseases are often specific to certain trees alfalfa or clovers in the mix, will need additional ap- Knowing your tree species will help to identify pests plications of phosphorus, potassium and sulfur. Be- typical for that fruit tree. Being able to identify an cause soils vary greatly in the region, knowing what infestation before it gets out of hand will help keep kind you have and how much nutrients to apply is your backyard fruit trees healthy and producing. important. A soil test every 2-3 years is recommended Never spray pesticides on opened flowers - they to ensure the health of the feed stand. will kill pollinators, such as honey bees, mason bees, butterflies and others that feed on flower pollen. Pasture Use - How Much Forage? The rule of thumb for grazing is take half and Before using any chemical it is very important to leave half and never graze pastures below three inch- read the label. From it you will learn whether it’s suit- es in height. Pasture grasses should be at least 6-8” tall able for your plants, if it will kill the target pest, when before they are grazed. It is important to remember it should be sprayed (season), what temperatures are that you are looking for 50% removal by volume, not suitable to spray it in, how much to use and how to by height. Studies have shown that when over 50% mix it. You will learn what protective clothing to wear, of the grass is removed, 50% of the root growth is the lethal dose, and poison control measures. stopped. In addition to spraying, fruit trees usually require If overgrazing becomes an issue, it is time to de- pruning. Keeping trees compact helps to make spray- sign a rotational grazing system. This consists of sub- ing easier, puts fruit within reach, and helps keep dividing your pasture into several smaller ones, then branches strong and healthy. moving your animals through the pastures when grass Pasture & Livestock Management gets down to 3-4” in height. A sacrifice area in which Pasture is the key to you provide hay may be needed to hold animals when healthy livestock. How it is none of the pastures have tall enough grass (6-8”) to managed will make all the restart grazing. difference in forage quality, quantity and weed control # of Acres Needed to problems. Feed 1 Animal for 1 Month Overgrazed pastures Geographic Soil Name 1 Cow 1 Sheep 1 Horse Area Acre Acre Acre lead to soil erosion, sur- TDalles / Cherry Hill 1.5 0.03 2 face water run-off, and re- Mill Crk /Chenowith Acres Acre Acres duced forage quality/quan- Wrentham / Walla Walla 1.0 0.08 1.1 tity. Horses can suffer from Dufur /Dufur inhaling dust and eating less than desirable forage. Juniper Flat Maupin / 1.0 0.22 1.4 Consequences can be as severe as colic or neurologi- Watama cal problems from eating toxic weeds. Bakeoven Condon / 2.0 0.50 2.5 Bakeoven Pasture Fertility Management Tygh Ridge Condon / 1.2 0.25 1.5 Healthy pastures need good fertility management Cantala to maximize production and animal health. Most dry- Tygh Valley Sherar / 1.3 0.25 1.7 Sinamox land pastures in Wasco County are a mix of annual and perennial grasses, which, if the soil is healthy, Data obtained from Wasco County NRCS Soil Survey 11 Caring For Your Land The previous table is based on soil types common- what weeds you have and controlling them when they ly found in each geographic area. It shows the num- are small is critical for successful weed management. ber of acres each animal needs for 1 month under average conditions - providing the pasture is healthy Shade Sq. Ft. of Shed Space and capable of supporting grazing. Animals should be provided with suitable Recommended per Head How Much Does An Animal Eat? shade during the sum- It is important to know how much forage an ani- mer and shelter in the Cows 30 mal needs to be winter. This reduces Calves 15 healthy. This will Needed Grazing stress and increases Horses 80 help you balance Animal Forage weight gain. Shelter can Sheep 8 (Dry Matter in lbs/month) number of ani- be in the form of plant- Ewe w/Lamb 12 mals you can put 1 Cow (1000 lbs) 800 lbs ed windbreaks made up Goats 10 on your pasture 1 Horse 1000 lbs of trees or structures. Llama 12-20 with the amount 1 Sheep 200 lbs Structures should be of forage avail- 1 Llama 300 lbs designed open sided in able. Thus avoid- 1 Goat 200 lbs the summer, oriented north-south, and at least 10-12’ ing over use and These weights are for actual consump- high to improve air movement and cooling. Wind- cutting down on tion; when feeding hay, include 10% breaks or shelter belts are planted perpendicular to supplemental feed more to account for waste. the direction of the most wind, although this can vary requirements. depending on the topography of the land. Seeding How Much Water? Pasture/range reseeding can increase the quality Cool, clean water is just as essential for healthy and quantity of forage. However, in an arid climate, livestock as it is for humans. In livestock it also plays seeding at the appropriate time can save considerable an important role in digestion and the animals’ ability time and money. To get the best results, time your to cool itself. Water consumption will vary based on planting with available moisture, such as in the fall or outside temperature, animal size, lactation, and feed early spring. This will make the most of winter rains intake. and snow. Once planted, avoid grazing reseeded pas- tures for at least the first growing season. This may Automatic water units are desirable; if not possible, wa- Estimated gallons necessitate supplemental feeding for awhile, but the of water per day result will be increased pasture carrying capacity. ter should be made available several times a day. Allowing Horses 8-12 Weed Identification & Control livestock to have uncontrolled Cows 7-12 Good pasture access to streams for wa- Sheep 1-4 management will ter causes damage to stream Goats 1-4 keep pasture plants banks, riparian vegetation and Llama 2-5 vigorous, healthy degrades water quality. and competitive, which reduces the Pasture & Livestock Management by - ability of weeds Brian Tuck, Wasco County OSU Extension Agent; Shilah Olson, to become estab- Wasco County SWCD Conservation Planner; and Ellen Ham- lished. Knowing mond, ODA Water Quality Specialist. 12 Winter Care of Livestock stems, not coarse with thick stems. The best hay has Most livestock can handle wind chills above 20° plenty of protein-rich leaves and relatively few stems. F without much stress. However, when possible it is It doesn’t have debris such as weeds, manure, or other best to have a dry place for livestock to escape from foreign materials. cold rains, wet snow and wind. Weather stress can Check the maturity. Grass hays should not be fully have a detrimental affect on the animal’s health. headed-out; optimally it should contain about 10% While natural protection and windbreaks may be heads. Alfalfa should be harvested at about 10-13% adequate, three-sided sheds opening away from pre- bloom. If it’s full of blooms then it is lower in nutri- vailing winds are desirable. Allow enough room for ent quality. Make sure the feed has been tested for livestock to safely lie down without being trampled or nutrient values. This should really apply to all the feed smothered. Good clean dry bedding provides insula- you buy. Knowing what you are buying will help you tion from the cold ground. in getting the best feed for your dollar. Feed - It is often thought that providing extra If you are going to buy grass seed straw, you grain in cold conditions is the thing to do. However, need to make sure the straw has been tested for or in reality, livestock produce body heat through the is known to be free of toxins caused by endophytes. fermentation of fiber, which creates heat while re- Endophytes are fungus that produce toxins which are leasing energy. Therefore, good quality grass hay or harmful to livestock at high concentrations. alfalfa are actually the best source of total digestible For information on sampling for endophytes and nutrients (TDN) for cold weather. a more complete discussion of endophyte toxicity, Refer to the chart under “Pasture Use - How Much see the article: “Alert to Livestock Owners: Be Aware Forage” for forage requirements. The rule of thumb of Endophyte When Using Grass Seed Straw to Re- is to plan on feeding 2-3% of an animals body weight place Hay in Livestock Feed” at http://extension.or- in dry matter per day. If poor quality forage is fed the egonstate.edu/yamhill/pdf/alert_to_livestock_own- volume of hay will need to be increased. Hay con- ers_07.pdf. tains about 10% water, so if you need to feed 100 lbs One last thing of note: hay can contain noxious of dry you would have to feed 111 lbs of hay. Also, and toxic weed seeds. Ensure your hay is purchased weights shown in the table are for actual consump- from a reputable source as weeds can quickly become tion in dry matter, so include at least 10% more to a problem for you and your neighbors if allowed to account for waste. spread. Hay - Rely on your nose, eyes, and hands when purchasing hay. Good hay is usually very green. Green Manure Management Good livestock management practices have to in- hay has plenty of Vitamin A and the protein is usu- clude manure management. ally of good quality. Brown or bleached out hay will be deficient in Vitamin A and the protein denatured. An average horse weighing 1,000 pounds will pro- Good hay will smell fresh and grassy, not moldy, duce between 50 to 55 pounds of manure per day. musty, damp or dusty. Annual manure production ranges between 8 to 9 tons. Horses kept in stalls will also use 8-15 pounds Good hay is tender to the touch with thin, small of bedding per day, which is another 1 cubic foot. Winter Care of Livestock by - The resultant storage requirements for an average Brian Tuck, Wasco County OSU Extension Agent horse is 720 cubic feet per year (12’ x 12’ x 5’). 13 Caring For Your Land One ton of the pile moist; protection from winds which can dry horse manure with Manure and cool the pile; and good drainage so standing water bedding contains Animal Lbs per doesn’t impede the decomposition process. Compost approximately 13 Day piles should be situated away from buildings, wood, pounds of nitro- Dairy Cow 120-150 or trees which can be affected by the decomposition gen, 5 pounds of Heifer 50 process. phosphorus, and 13 Beef Cow 75 pounds of potas- Horse 50-55 sium. When nitro- Ewe w/Lamb 12 gen and phosphorus Goats 10 contained in manure Llama 12-20 are transported to lakes, streams, rivers, or ponds these nutrients will fertilize aquatic plant life and accelerate their growth. These plants deplete oxy- gen levels in the water, reducing the amount of oxy- gen available for aquatic life such as fish. Excessive algae blooms are another problem associated with large amounts of nutrients in the water. In addition to water contamination, manure also Heating of the pile is a vital part of the compost- contains harmful pathogens that can make water un- ing process. The right amount will kill pathogens and fit for drinking. These include viruses, parasites, and weed seeds, too much will kill off the microbes. bacteria such as C. Parvum, Giardia, and E. Coli. Al- The temperature is expected to increase in a com- lowing livestock waste to directly enter a stream is a post pile due to the breakdown of organic material violation of the Clean Water Act and a prohibited by microorganisms. The pile will start out at the out- condition in the Lower Deschutes Ag Water Quality side temperature when it is first mixed and can reach Management Area Plan. 150°F in less than 2 days. The maximum compost- So what does one do with all the poo? Compost! ing rate occurs when the temperature is between 110 A well managed compost pile will cause naturally oc- and 150°F. It has been shown that a temperature of curring chemical compounds in the manure to sta- 131°F for 3 days will kill all parasites, weed seeds, and bilize and reduce the potential for adverse environ- disease-causing organisms. It is important to turn the mental impact. Additionally, besides turning livestock piles frequently to ensure that all parts of the pile are waste into garden gold, the volume of the material exposed to these temperatures. will be reduced to about 1/3rd of its original mass. There are some things to take into consideration Riparian Areas and Wetlands These areas require special attention. Oregon has when choosing a composting site, including distance laws in place to ensure that the integrity of these ar- from a water body, property lines, residence, wells, or eas are maintained. other environmentally sensitive areas. A good loca- tion is very helpful for a successful compost pile. Sun Riparian Areas is important to help heat, yet it can also cause exces- A riparian area is a vegetative strip (buffer) along a sive drying out. Additionally, water availability to keep creek, stream, or other water body. In addition to pro- 14 viding habitat for wildlife, trees and shrubs provide Wetlands shade for fish and other aquatic animals. Plant roots Wetlands are a unique ecosystem unto themselves. hold soil in place which prevents and/or reduces ero- These are areas that are typically saturated by surface sion along stream banks, and filter toxins before they or ground water, at a frequency or duration, sufficient can reach the water. to support a prevalence of vegetation adapted for Lack of vegetative cover in the riparian area af- saturated soil conditions. fects water temperatures and allows unchecked ero- Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires a sion of the stream banks, particularly during high wa- landowner to obtain a permit from the US Army ter events. Livestock owners can address water quality Corps of Engineers prior to beginning any activity issues by fencing off access to creeks and streams. involving placement of dredged or fill material in wa- Strategic placement of off-stream water sources can ter bodies, including wetlands. Oregon Department also help with pasture management techniques. Tech- of State Lands (DSL) has responsible oversight over nicians with the conservation district can help land- “waters of the state.” owners with designing off stream watering systems. Water is highly regulated by both state and federal Lawns that extend to the edge of the water pose agencies. It cannot be stressed enough that prior to a hazard by allowing herbicides and fertilizers to di- any restructuring activity involving a water body or rectly enter the water. These toxins affect water qual- wetland, regulatory guidance be sought. Your local ity, endanger aquatic invertebrates, as well as animals USDA/SWCD office is an important first step in -de who depend upon it to drink. Planting a vegetative termining what permits may or may not be needed. buffer between the lawn and the water can help filter runoff before it reaches the water. For Section 404 and Swampbuster go to: www.sac. usace.army.mil/assets/html/regulatory/wetlands/ Oregon has water quality rules that cover what can sb.html. and cannot be done near water bodies. Construction, diversions, dams, etc. typically require permitting. See Soil Quality the topic “Ag Water Quality Management” for infor- The entire earth—every ecosystem, every living mation on Oregon’s Agricultural Water Quality Pro- organism—is dependent upon soils. Soils make our tection Rules. lives possible. We build, play, and drive on them, and eat food grown in or raised on them. Soils grow the plants and trees necessary for the oxygen we breathe, the medicines we take, the clothes we wear, and the clean water we drink. It does this by performing five essential functions.  Regulates water – soil helps control where water goes. Water and dissolved particles flow over the land, into and through the soil.  Sustains plant and animal life – the diver- sity and productivity of living things depends on soil.  Filters pollutants – the minerals and mi- crobes in soil are responsible for filtering, buffering, degrading, immobilizing, and detoxifying organic and 15 Caring For Your Land inorganic materials, including industrial and munici- have positive effects, it can also trigger excessive or- pal by-products and atmospheric deposits. ganic matter degradation, disrupts soil structure and can cause compaction below the surface.  Cycles nutrients – carbon, nitrogen, phos- phorus, and many other nutrients are stored, trans-  Careful management of fertilizer and pes- formed, and cycled through soil. ticide use – pesticides and chemical fertilizers have revolutionized food production, however, they can  Support structures – Buildings need stable soils for support, and archeological treasures associ- also have unintended consequences. They can harm ated with human habitation are protected in soils. non-target organisms (above and below ground) and pollute water resources. Misused organic fertilizers How well soil does what we want it to do is known such as manure can also be a source of pollution. as “Soil Quality”. It is important to understand what  soil is in order to be able to protect and improve its Increase ground cover – Bare soil is suscep- long-term productivity. tible to wind and water erosion, as well as drying and crusting. Ground cover protects the soil and can im- Soil is made up of minerals, air, water, and or- prove water availability. Cover crops, perennials, and ganic matter. They are classified by the composition surface mulches are some of the practices people use of the mineral component, which are categorized by to protect their garden soils. particle size into sand, silt, and clay. The percentage  of each textured particle size in any given soil classi- Increase plant diversity – Diversity is ben- fies it as a loam, sandy loam, clay loam, and etc. The eficial as each plant species contributes a unique root properties and behavior of soils is in large part de- structure and will often have different nutrient de- termined by its textural classification and the amount mands. Diversity can help control pest populations, of air, water and organic matter it contains. Each one encourage a greater abundance of soil microorgan- will have different requirements in order to enhance isms, and reduce disease. its quality. However, there are several common prac- Soil Chemistry tices that apply in most all situations that any home As plant material dies and decays it adds organ- gardener can use. ic matter in the form of humus to the soil. Humus  Add organic matter - compost made up of improves soil moisture retention while affecting soil vegetative and animal manures, can improve water chemistry. Nutrients are bonded to the humus. The holding capacity, provide nutrients to soil organisms availability of these nutrients for plant uptake is de- and plants, and can help protect against erosion. termined by a soil’s pH. Soil pH is the alkalinity or acidity of the soil. 7.0 is considered neutral pH. Any-  Avoid excessive tillage - while tillage can thing above 7.0 is considered alkaline. Anything be- low 7.0 is considered acidic. Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K), and Phosphorus (P) are typical nutrients that plants need in specific amounts to grow, thrive and fight off disease. If the pH of the soil solution is above 5.5, but below 8.0, Nitrogen is available to plants. Phosphorus, on the other hand, is available to plants when soil pH is be- tween 6.0 and 7.0. If the soil solution is too acidic plants cannot uti- 16 lize N, P, K and other nutrients they need. In acidic water running clean and free of toxins by disposing soils, plants are more likely to take up toxic metals and of waste in a responsible manner. some plants eventually die of toxicity (poisoning). A soil pH inappropriate to a plants’ needs will of- Water Management Unless you live in a town serviced by a water ten be the underlying cause of a disease. It is highly district you’ll obtain your water from a well. Under recommended that a soil pH test is conducted before Oregon law, all ground water is considered a public planting. Wasco County has arid, clay soils which lean resource. In general, a water right permit must be ob- towards being alkaline, whereas soils on the west side tained before using water from any well. However, of the mountain, where there is more rainfall, tend the following uses of ground water do not require an to be acidic. Televised gardening programs will often application for a water right permit. recommend the use of lime. Lime is used to make acidic soils alkaline. Thus, the Wasco County gardener typi-  Group and single-family domestic use up to cally needs elemental sulfur rather than lime. 15,000 gallons per day.  Stock watering. Waste Management  Watering any lawn and/or non-commercial gar- Wasco County has a landfill located just outside of den totaling one-half acre or less in area. The Dalles; Mel’s Sanitary out of Tygh Valley takes  Any single industrial or commercial develop- care of rural garbage pickup, and The Dalles Transfer ment up to 5,000 gallons per day. Station takes care of residents within the The Dalles. For current state well construction standards and The Dalles Transfer Station has an active recycling regulations, visit www.oregon.gov/OWRD/. program, and A&P Recycling will take cardboard, tin, aluminum, glass, and some metals. In order to draw water from an irrigation ditch or an open water body you must have a water right to do Fire is always an issue. If you choose to burn pa- so. Irrigation water rights are attached to individual per waste, and you are outside the city, contact the parcels of land and should be disclosed prior to pur- US Forest Service Barlow Ranger District in Dufur to chase. You may want to contact the Watermaster for find when an active burn ban is in place. If within the verification of the right as well as how much you can city limits, check with the local fire department. draw per day, metering requirements, water use re- Always burn in a safe manner. Remove dry debris porting, and any other restrictions. from around the barrel, make sure the barrel is stout Irrigation districts control the use of water through and not crumbling. Ideally, have a graveled area kept their ditch systems and typically assess charges to free of dead grass and weeds. Use a mesh cover to maintain the system. Most irrigation ditches in Wasco prevent large pieces of burning material from being Co. are very old and relatively inefficient methods of caught on wind currents. Have an active water source transporting irrigation water. Wasco Co. SWCD and on hand. Understand that winds are always a concern other agencies are assisting irrigation districts in re- as they can come up quite suddenly and very fiercely. placing ditch methods with piping to conserve water. Fire gets out of hand very quickly in our arid environ- Irrigation ditches are not necessarily streams, there- ment. Don’t burn when it is windy! fore do not expect that water to always flow by your Dumping is illegal. Not only that, improperly dis- property. Irrigation districts in Wasco Co. are listed at posed of household debris is detrimental to the en- the front of this publication. vironment, particularly ground water. Help keep our 17 Caring For Your Land High impact sprinklers use a lot of water. Com- taken when introducing new plants on your land. bine that with watering on a windy or hot sunny day Weeds not only destroy the quality of forage your and your use is increased threefold. Best management animals consume, toxic plants can be harmful to chil- practices include converting to micro sprinkler sys- dren, livestock and pets - such as deadly nightshade tems, watering in the early evening or morning, keep- (which has attractive berry fruit) and poison hemlock ing grass taller to shade the ground, measuring how which looks like carrot in its early stage. It’s always a much water is being applied, and using soil moisture good idea to inspect your property periodically and sensors to see how moist the soil is at root level. identify the plants growing on it, particularly if the Wasco Co. OSU Extension has guides available property is new to you. to help gardeners with determining the water needs The following are two examples of just how harm- of particular plants. Wasco Co. SWCD and USDA ful some weeds can be. Both are common which be- NRCS can provide technical assistance and perhaps lies the insidiousness of their nature. funding for commercial growers to convert to more water efficient irrigations systems. Foxtail Barley (Hordeum jubatum L.) is a native grass that grows lush in A note about ponds: In addition to aesthetic ap- the spring and spreads peal, recreational and agricultural uses, ponds pro- rapidly. It quickly heads vide critical habitat for numerous species of plants out, dries up and be- and animals. In most cases a permit will be required sides being a fire hazard, to construct the pond. Reservoirs with a dam 10’ or the awns of its seeds are more in height that can store 9.2 acre-feet or more of barbed which can cause water require engineering plans and specifications ap- serious eye and mouth proved by the Oregon Water Resource Department injuries in animals. They prior to construction. will often find their way For dams less than 10’ high or storing less than into pet ears and, if not 9.2 acre-feet the process for permitting is generally a quickly removed, can end little less expensive and faster to achieve. Again, the up buried into the ear Watermaster can help with this. drum. Untreated, a resul- Stagnant ponds can be a breeding ground for tant infection can eventually affect the animals equi- mosquitoes and become unhealthy with algae growth. librium. Consider a way to provide aeration. Pond aeration Puncture vine (Tribulus windmills as well as solar setups are available com- terrestris) is a particularly nas- mercially. ty customer. Puncturevine punctures tires, feet, shoes, Weed Management and mouths if mixed with It is said that a weed is merely a plant growing in animal feed. It is easily con- the wrong place. In our case a lot of weeds are not trolled with herbicides. The only in the wrong country, they are also displacing problem is, one plant with a beneficial native plants and grasses. Many weeds that 4’ to 6’ span has the capac- now occur in Wasco County were inadvertently intro- ity to produce hundreds of duced by landowners as ornamentals. Care should be “burr fruit”. These burrs dry up and splint into 5 seed 18 packets, which in turn contain two to four seeds. The well beyond that. Weed and feed products have been seeds stay viable in the soil for 3 to 7 years, depend- known to cause damage to trees planted in lawns. The ing on circumstances. Every year they are allowed to effects are slow and by the time the damage is noted, go unchecked increases the number of years you will the tree is usually on it’s deathbed. There are formu- have to deal with them. lations for broadleafs that can be used safely around Proper weed identification makes it possible to de- trees without great adversity. termine the best cultural and chemical strategies for Read the product label thoroughly before purchas- control. Once that occurs, the next step is choosing ing. Make sure the product will do exactly what you the best formulation for the intended use. want it to do. It will tell you what weed it is effective A couple excellent book resources are “Weeds of on, how much to use, safety gear you may need, poi- the West” and “The Field Guide to Plants Poisonous son control information, and importantly minimum to Livestock: US” by Shirley A. Weathers. and maximum temperature for use. Some formulations can become volatile when Herbicides used above a particular temperature. This means that Its important to consider the effects of herbicide after spraying, high temperatures can cause the com- formulation because many vary in their effectiveness ponents of the liquid mixture to turn into an invis- on weeds, the tolerance of turf and ornamentals to ible gaseous state that can travel along the ground and the formulation, undesirable residual effects, and damage non-targeted plants. some can be more costly without necessarily being better. Plants can be brought to the Weedmaster’s of- fice, Wasco Co. OSU Extension, and the Wasco Co. Formulation means an active ingredient (the chem- SWCD/NRCS Office for identification. The PNW ical that actually controls the weeds) plus a carrier, Weed Management Handbook can be found at such as water or oil for liquid chemicals, or clay with http://weeds.ippc.orst.edu/pnw/weeds. granular formulations. Herbicide formulations can contain other additives to enhance mixing, applica- tion and to improve adhesion and uptake by weeds. Wildlife Management Being able to see wildlife up close and personal Herbicide formulations can be target specific, is one of the such as a broadleaf formulation that will not harm draws of rural grasses, or they can be a “kill-all” which kills every- living, but that thing it’s sprayed on. There are formulations that kill peaceful pic- the target weed yet become inert when in contact ture is quickly with the soil. There are some, which, when sprinkled replaced with on the ground, prevents seed germination for a pe- the horror that riod of time. There are some that can remain active deer are eat- for a month or even years, thus preventing new weed ing your prize growth. roses, the veg- Formulations with longer effects are considered etable garden, residuals and have the potential to weaken trees and trees, shrubs, shrubs over time. A tree’s root zone is considered to and flower beds. extend out along the ground to the edge of the leafy Your cat disap- canopy above, though the roots can actually extend peared and you 19 Caring For Your Land notice that your chicken flock is mysteriously shrink- Woodland Management ing. Soon, your garden has a seven foot fence around it, as do all your small trees, shrubs, and garbage can. Wasco County has around 62,000 acres of land Your chickens can no longer roam free unsupervised, divided between timber and grazing held in private your cat becomes housebound, and you’re searching hands. They are administered under the guidance of for plants that deer don’t like. Welcome to the rural Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). What tim- lifestyle! ber isn’t privately owned is held by the US Forest Ser- vice. The the most common issues that arise are with ei- ther raccoon or skunks. Oregon Department of Fish Forests in Oregon, whether commercial or pri- and Wildlife (ODFW) notes that most of the prob- vately owned are governed by Fire Protection Regula- lems associated with these animals can be avoided by tions and The Oregon Forest Practices Act (OFPA). following a few general guidelines. These include: • Chapter 629 of OFPA, was adopted in 1971 to pro- Keeping trash cans sealed tect Oregon forest resources. The act covers harvest- ing, reforestation, road construction and repair, slash  Keep all pet food indoors. If pets must be fed disposal, chemical use, stream, lake and wetland pro- outdoors, remove all food in the evening. tection, as well as sensitive resources - such as bird  Compost piles provide an excellent attractant. nesting sites, and threatened and endangered species. Covering or fencing the pile can help deter unwanted Specifics can be found at http://www.oregon.gov/ snackers. ODF/ as well as helpful information concerning tax incentives, management techniques, fire, insect and  Reduce denning and hiding cover. Seal around disease management, and logging. foundations to eliminate pathways, and create tight brush stacks to reduce their appeal. ODF has an office in The Dalles. They can help private landowners manage their forest lands. In ad- Fencing out deer is really the only answer when dition to the obvious products, such as timber, wood- it comes to protecting gardens and landscape plants lands can offer other ways to create income. Special from unwanted browsing. Trees and shrubs, once they forest products such as mushrooms, nuts, berries, get high enough, won’t be troubled by the occasional medicinals, and handicrafts can be cultivated or made. nibble. However, during rut, bucks can shred tree With research and proper management techniques bark with their horns and can snap small saplings. forest resources can be protected and productive. While there are plants which deer don’t particu- Fire is a big issue in this arid climate. Under ODF larly like, many of them are poisonous, so careful consideration should be taken in planting them. OSU Extension publication EC 1440 - Deer-resistant Or- namental Plants - is a good place to start your re- search. It can be found at the extension website listed under the “Resources and References.” For Backyard Habitat enthusiasts ODFW also of- fers a comprehensive guide titled “Naturescaping” that is a must have for any gardener. It can be pur- chased from the web at www.dfw.state.or.us, click on “Store” in the left hand column.

20 ImportantImportant Things Things to to Know Know General File 1-1-1-510, dtd Jul ‘98, forestland is de- eased trees limits fuel availability. Fires happen. The fined as any “woodland, brushland, timberland, graz- task is to ensure that the forest is healthy and strong ing land, or clearing, which during any time of the enough to withstand it. year, contains enough forest growth, slash or vegeta- With any fuels reduction program, there is a loss tion to constitute, in the judgement of a forester, a of wildlife habitat. However, all is not lost as an ODF fire hazard, regardless of how the land is zoned.” forester can help you to recreate habitat that will not ODF recommends that all forest operators con- only satisfy the needs of wildlife but also be less of a duct a self inspection prior to conducting any forest fire hazard. operations. The checklist includes tools necessary for fire suppression - such as shovels, pickaxes Agricultural Water Quality and fire extinguishers; Management and equipment pre- The 1972 Federal Clean Water Act was developed cautions such as clear to clean up water pollution from human activities. areas, spark arrestors, Water quality can be affected by a variety of human chainsaw use, water activities including forestry, wastewater treatment availability, hoses, and plants, industry, storm water and agricultural runoff. etc. More information can be found from In 1993 the Oregon Legislature passed the ODF publication “A Agricultural Water Quality Management Act, also Guide to Legal Re- known as Senate Bill 1010 (SB 1010). SB 1010 requires quirements for Pre- the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) to venting and Control- help reduce water pollution from agricultural sourc- Photo Credit - ODF Staff ling Fires by Operators es, thus improving water conditions in watersheds Logging, Clearing, and Construction on or Near For- through the state. est Land in Oregon.” The Federal Clean Water Act requires testing and Productive and Healthy Forests listing of waterways which do not meet water qual- ity standards. The Department of Environmental Active management is needed to maintain a healthy forest. Over time trees increase in size and compete for water, nutrients and sunlight. Additionally, many forest stands are much denser than they were histori- cally. Fire, once a natural reoccurring event, is no lon- ger allowed to burn through forests. It is up to the forest manager to do what fire used to. That means removing weak, diseased, damaged, and competing stands for optimum forest health, Thinning and limbing are two important tools the landowner has to protect their forest property. Thin- ning reduces competition for water and allows trees to grow faster and stronger and reduces incidences of disease. Limbing, slash removal and eliminating dis- 21 Important Things to Know Quality (DEQ) in Oregon was tasked to develop Over 90% of seeded cropland in Wasco County is standards designed to protect beneficial uses of water direct seed. This means the ground is no longer tilled, such as agriculture, recreation, fisheries, and drink- so topsoil stays on the land. New spray technology ing water supplies. DEQ has identified many streams combined with GPS guidance systems reduces chem- throughout Oregon that do not meet water quality ical inputs onto the land while pasture and manure standards. management is helping to reduce runoff issues. Many DEQ has developed Total Maximum Daily Loads producers are establishing riparian buffer systems un- (TMDLs) which represent the amount of pollution a der farm bill programs. These vegetative buffers help body of water can absorb from a variety of sources filter toxins, hold soil in place, shade the water, and and still meet water quality standards. provide wildlife habitat. Irrigators are capturing tail water and/or converting to more efficient irrigation Who is Involved with SB 1010? systems which not only conserves water but also re- ODA and county Soil and Water Conservation duces potential runoff conditions. Districts (SWCDs) identified 39 watershed based Ag- ricultural Water Quality Management Areas (AWQ- Does SB 1010 Tell Me How? MA) across the state. With the assistance of ODA The AWQMAP addresses issues unique to its Water Quality Planners, SWCDs that were selected to area and presents possible solutions and options that oversee an AWQMA identified local farmers, ranch- could be taken to solve a particular situation. How ers, and community leaders to serve on a Local Ad- the issue is addressed on the ground is up to the indi- visory Committee (LAC). Each LAC identifies water vidual. The important thing is that the problem gets quality problems and opportunities for improvement solved and management practices implemented. For in their respective areas. The result is an Agricultural instance, if someone stores manure near a stream and Water Quality Management Area Plan (AWQMAP). runoff is allowed to run unchecked into it, this would Once approved by Oregon’s Board of Agriculture, it be considered a water quality issue. While SWCDs are becomes a guide by which agricultural water quality not regulatory nor enforcement agencies, they are of- issues are addressed. ten called upon to offer assistance when a complaint is filed with ODA. It is totally up to the individual The Lower Deschutes AWQMA encompasses whether or not to accept the assistance offered. Wasco County and part of Sherman County. The Natural Resource Division of ODA administers the Is SB 1010 Enforced? program throughout Oregon. ODA works first with landowners on a voluntary basis to solve problems through education and tech- What Can Be Done To Help Keep Water nical assistance. Those who are asked to solve a prob- Clean? lem but continually refuse to do so could be subject Every farmer, rancher grower, homeowner, and to enforcement action including civil penalties. hobbyist is asked to do his/her part to help solve wa- ter pollution problems. This means identifying poten- Where To Learn More tial sources such as: bacteria and nutrient runoff from A copy of the Lower Deschutes AWQMAP can animal waste, soil erosion from crop and pasture be found at the district’s web site at www.wasco.oacd. lands, irrigation, commercial fertilizer and sediment org. This article information was extracted from runoff, removal or reduction in riparian vegetation, ODA’s “Water Quality and Agriculture” brochure on and improper fertilizer and pesticide use; and taking SB 1010. More information on SB 1010 can be found steps to eradicate them. at www.oda.state.or.us.

22 Recreation cyclists on roads typically driven only by farmers and Being centrally located, you’ll find that Wasco the occasional sightseer is becoming a major safety is- County has plenty of opportunity for recreation. sue. There is definitely a need for increased awareness for both parties. The following excerpts from Oregon ☼ to the west provides the winter Statues are presented to clarify the duties and respon- sports enthusiast with downhill and cross country ski- sibilities of both the driver and the bicyclist. ing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. In the summer it provides climbing, hiking, backpacking, trail riding, Under Oregon Revised Statue (ORS) 814.400 (1) and camping opportunities. Every person riding a bicycle upon a public way is subject to the same rights and duties as the driver of ☼ To the south - rock climbers everywhere find any other vehicle operating on highways. (3) These that Smith Rock in Madras a suitable challenge to their provisions do not relieve the motorist or bicyclist of skills. For indoor and outdoor family fun the Confed- the responsibility to exercise due care. erated Tribes of Warm Springs features a full service hotel and casino as well as family friendly outdoor ORS 814.400(b) “...the driver of an overtaken ve- activities such as camping and water fun. hicle shall give way to the right in favor of an overtak- ing vehicle and shall not increase speed until passed ☼ The Deschutes River to the east is an excellent by the overtaking vehicle.” fly fishing destination as well as being the place to go for river rafting, kayaking, swimming, and camping. ORS 814.430 (1) An offense of improper use of lanes by a bicycle is committed if the person is op- ☼ The Columbia River to the north offers the erating a bicycle on a roadway at less than normal best in windsurfing, kite boarding and sail boating speed of traffic and the person does not ride as close experiences. Not to mention steelhead fishing and as practical to the right curb or edge of the roadway. speed boating. Hikers will love the many places hid- Exceptions to paragraph 1 includes: unless to avoid den among the steep rock faces that feature waterfalls road edge debris, parked cars, passing, or when on and breathtaking vistas. Naturalists will revel in the a bicycle lane or path. Paragraph 2(e) also specifies: fleeting blooms of native flora. When operating a bicycle along side not more than ☼ Additionally, there are wineries and brewer- one other bicycle, as long as both bicycles are be- ies galore up and down the gorge for the discerning ing operated in a single lane and in a manner which taste-meister. There are also a wide variety of festi- does not impede normal movement of traffic. Which vals which celebrate everything from moments in his- means if your riding two abreast and a car is coming, tory, various art styles, to seasonal agricultural har- move into a single file. vests such as orchard and vine fruit, berries and grain. ORS 811.065(a) requires a safe passing buffer be- Bicycling tween the vehicle and the bicycle. The safe distance being factored by leaving enough room should the bi- Bicycling as a sport and as transportation has cyclist fall over into traffic. Bicyclists are also required gained in popularity. Wasco County is no exception to give appropriate hand signals when stopping, turn- when it comes to bicycling enthusiasts. ing, or changing lanes. When on a sidewalk they are Bicyclists in farm country need to be acutely alert. required to obey the same laws as pedestrians. Understand that farmers have been traveling those Stay alert, stay safe and know your rights, duties roads for decades hauling heavy farm equipment and and responsibilities. Visit http://www.oregon.gov/ agricultural commodities and bicyclists have never ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/laws_regs.shtml. been part of that landscape. Increased recreational bi- 23 ImportantImportant ThingsThings toto KnowKnow Rural Roads a county road). You have the right to request a vacation if Wasco County Public Works Road Division is responsible for the road or right-of-way is the construction and maintenance on or abutts your property. of 697 miles of roadway (300 You may file the Petition miles are paved), 124 bridges, with Wasco County. hundreds of culverts, and a myri- Why are you paving that ad of other related items, such as road? signs and guardrail. Road mainte- “Don’t you know that this other nance activities involve pavement road is in a lot worse condition?” maintenance, gravel road grading, Road paving decisions ditch and culvert cleaning, road are made based on many dif- brushing, snow and ice removal, bridge, and sign ferent factors. The primary factor is the condition of maintenance. the road segment. Some road segments are in “poor” Their main facility is located in The Dalles. There condition and shouldn’t be paved over. These road are also four satellite district facilities located near segments must be reconstructed. Paving a road that Mosier, Dufur, Wamic, and Antelope. The road net- may look pretty good extends the life of the road seg- work is divided into these five maintenance districts. ment at a much lower cost than reconstruction. The Department is built on the premise of main- Why won’t the Road Department fix my road? taining the current county road system. The reality of Only those roads accepted by the County Court operating a system of paved and gravel roads within for county maintenance will be maintained. If we are a constrained budget precludes being able to pave ev- not maintaining your road, then it may be a “local ac- ery county road. That said, the road department staff cess” road, private road, city street, or state highway. is dedicated to do their best to cost-effectively main- tain both the paved roads and gravel roads. What is a “local access” road? “Local Access Road” means a public road that is The following are some answers to frequently not a state highway, county, or federal road. asked questions by people new to the county as well as long time residents. (This applies only to the County Snow Response Road Department). How do I get my road improved? A Local Improvement District (LID) can assist you with improving the road in front of your home. An LID is a district created by a local government (Wasco County) to raise the cost of public improve- ments (roads) from the owners that will benefit from the improvements. Call, write, or visit Wasco County Public Works office for further information. What is a road vacation? A vacation is a legal abandonment, or reduction in size or status, of a public right-of-way (including Photograph courtesy Wasco Co. Road Dept. 24 Important Things to Know Snow plowing will begin when the snow depth Wasco County Planning reaches six inches or more on the roads. However, http://co.wasco.or.us/planning/wcordinance.html plows may be sent out when the slush exceeds four inches. Under normal conditions the work crews begin A Note About Improvements plowing at a p p r o x i - It is beyond the scope of this handbook to mately 4:00 detail every situation in which a permit might a.m., but this be required. Visit Wasco County Planning web- can vary un- site or their office for definitive answers. der extreme The following are a sampling of activities conditions. that may require permits, warrant special at- A r t e r i a l tention, or may be governed by specific rules roads with defining what can or cannot be done and how bus and mail its to be done. routes are • Creating Parcels - the division of exist- the first to ing parcels. This definitely requires permitting be cleared, then crews proceed to collector and lo- and the parcel’s zoning will provide a clue on cal roads and also to widen arterials, then finally to how easy or hard it will be to divide. Certain non-County public access roads when manpower is zones require a minimum number of acres in available. the parcel size. • Setbacks - distance of buildings from Priorities for Plowing property lines, roads, buffers along wetlands When snow and ice removal is necessary, first and waterways, signs, septic and drainfield priority will be to open all county arterial roads, and placement, etc. bus and mail routes. This will allow a uniform traffic • Fire Standards - Fire standards apply to pattern throughout the county. Secondary priority is all rural zones, but different standards apply given to county collector and local roads and widen- depending on the zone. Forest zones have spe- ing of arterials. Third priority is given to non-County cific requirements due to fire risk. Guidelines local access roads as manpower is available. govern setbacks, driveways, positioning of the Non-county access roads on an emergency or home and other structures in relation to the lower priority basis, but not until the previously landscape (i.e. on hillsides), as well as to the mentioned areas have been plowed and manpower is proximity of the trees. available. • Construction - Permits are required for new buildings or improvements, even decks Sanding and de-icing and outbuildings. Sanding and de-icing will be implemented on ar- • National Scenic Area - In addition to terial roads, bus and mail routes as determined nec- County Planning ordinances, the National Sce- essary by the Road Superintendent and/or Sheriff ’s nic Area has another set of requirements that Department. govern everything from the color and size of Article by structures, decks, roads and driveways, to the Marty Matherly, Wasco County Road Department Superintendent. placement of elements within the landscape - Visit their website for more information on their road policies. such as trees and shrubs. For more informa- http://www.co.wasco.or.us/publicworks/default.html. tion: http://www.gorgecommission.org/ 25 References and Resources Special thanks is extended to Jackson and Hood River County SWCDs for allowing us to use critical information; Marty Matherly from Wasco County Road Department for use of the great picture of the snow plow; staff at Oregon Department of Forestry for the great picture from the ball point fire; and all the reviewers for their patience and input.

About Wasco County - Oregon Blue Book - http:// Recreation - www.a2zgorge.info bluebook.state.or.us/local/counties/counties33.htm Bicycling - http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/ The - Oregon Trail Map - Mike Trin- HWY/BIKEPED/laws.regs.shtml klein creator Oregon Trail Website http://www.isu. Soil Quality - National Association of Conservation edu/%7Etrinmich/Oregontrail.html Districts Soil and Water Stewardship Week educa- Historical Information tion materials - http://www.nacdnet.org/education/ Barlow Road - www.isu.edu/%7Etrinmich/Oregon- resources/soils/ and USDA NRCS - www.nrcs.usda. trail.html gov Wamic - www.wasco-history.r9esd.k12.or.us/comm/ Water Management - www.oregon.gov/OWRD/ wamic.html Maupin - www.a2zgorge.info/community/towns/ Wildlife Management - www.dfw.state.or.us/con- maupin.htm servationstrategy/docs/LandownerBroch_08_Sin- Shaniko - www.ghosttowns.com/states/or/shaniko. gle_Pgs.pdf html Woodland Management - http://egov.oregon.gov/ Buying Country Property - Wasco County Planning ODF/ & Development Office -http://co.wasco.or.us/plan - ning/wcordinance.html Ag Water Quality - www.oda.state.or.us and AWQ- MAP Wasco County - www.wasco.oacd.org Columbia Gorge Commission - http://www.gorge- commission.org/ Rural Roads, Wasco County Public Works Depart- ment - www.co.wasco.or.us/publicworks/default. Jackson Co. SWCD Rural Living Handbook - http:// html www.jswcd.org/Page.asp?NavID=18 A List of Pesky Acronyms Commonly Used Hood River SWCD Rural Living Handbook - www. hoodriverswcd.org/HRRLH.htm AWQMAP - Agricultural Water Quality Manage- ment Area Plan Fire Protection - Living With Fire - A Guide for the OACD - Oregon Association of Conservation Homeowner, PNW Wildfire Coordinating Group - Districts www.firewise.org, www.oregon.gov/ODF/ ODF - Oregon Department of Forestry Gardening, Orchards, Agricultural Interests - ODFW - Oregon Department of Fish and Wild- http://extension.oregonstate.edu/wasco life OSU - Oregon State University Manure Management - Researched by Shilah Ol- SWCD - Soil and Water Conservation District son, source: Oregon’s Ag Water Quality Rules www. USDA NRCS - Department of Agri- oda.state.or.us. and NRCS. www.nrcs.usda.gov culture Natural Resources Conservation Service

Compilation, layout, design and editing by Tammy Tripp, Office Administrator, Wasco County SWCD. Except where noted, photography by Tammy Tripp, Shilah Olson and Dusty Eddy.

26 Wasco County SWCD A Historical Perspective The year was 1930: the event, an ecological disaster of epic proportion known as the great Dust Bowl. Winds, racing across drought stricken, over-cropped bare land, picked up tons of prime topsoil and carried it high into the air, where it grew into a great boiling black mass that blotted out the sun and swallowed the countryside. The devastation in terms of human suffering, ecological, and economic ruin almost crushed the nation. In response, US Congress declared the conservation of the nation’s soil and water a national policy priority. Soil Conservation Service federal agencies, upon request. The federal Soil Conservation Service, under the 4. Committed to serving all members of the com- US Department of Agriculture, was created in re- munity without discrimination. sponse to Congress’s call for soil and water conserva- The Board of Directors tion. In turn, conservation districts were created to be The conservation district is governed by a locally a focal point for coordinating and delivering technical elected board of directors who serve without pay. assistance and funding at the local level. Their term of office is 4 years and there are 7 posi- Today, there are over 3000 SWCDs nationwide tions - 5 zone directors and 2 At-Large. The board who are still working in concert with the USDA Nat- meets the first Wednesday of each month. The board ural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to con- approves projects, budgets, work plans, agreements, serve soil and water and other natural resources. conservation plans and sets policy. Wasco County SWCD The District Manager implements the wishes of the board in the day to day operation of the conser- Wasco Co. SWCD traces its roots to Nov 1942 vation district. The manager oversees staff, general when the first soil conservation district was formed in office operations, financial management, contracts, south Wasco County. By 1947, 3 districts covered the and ensures adherence to applicable regulations. county: Southern, Central, & Northern. In 1973 they consolidated into a single district whose boundaries What are Director Qualifications? matched those of the county’s. Early work by the dis- A Zone Director must: tricts included land leveling and irrigation. Either reside within the district or Zone repre- sented, or own or actively manage more than 10 acres A Soil & Water Conservation District of land within that zone. Is Not Reside with the boundaries and be a registered -A federal, county, or state agency. voter. -A regulatory or enforcement agency In lieu of other requirements, an individual may -An environmental or activist group also serve as a zone director when they: reside within . the represented zone, serve at least one year as an A Soil & Water Conservation District IS: associate director, and have a conservation plan ap- 1. A local unit of government or special district proved by the district. under Oregon law. At-large directors must live with in the boundaries 2. Administered by a volunteer, elected Board of of the district and be registered voters. Directors comprised of qualified local landowners and citizens. The mission of the Wasco Co. SWCD is to: 3. Authorized to provide assistance to all district “Work cooperatively with others to promote and encour- farmers, ranchers, citizens, as well as county, state and age conservation and wise use of natural resources.”

27 $3.00

Wasco County SWCD is an equal opportunity employer.