DSWCD Quarterly Newsletter - October 2023

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Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District

Quarterly Newsletter | October 2023

Conserving Water and Energy in the Deschutes Basin

The Three Sisters Irrigation District On-Farm and Renewable Energy project is funded through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This partnership project brings together NRCS Oregon, Three Sisters Irrigation District, Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District, Deschutes River Conservancy, private landowners, and numerous other partners to conserve water and reduce energy demands.

Watch to learn more about the project to modernize the District and conserve water

Conserving Water and Energy in the Deschutes Basin

Education & Irrigation

Read a recap of the Pivot Systems & Irrigation Water Management workshop we hosted in August at Tumalo Alpen Ranch

Learn about the WSARE Grant Initiative bringing Irrigation Water Management curriculum to irrigators of every

skill-level

Renewable Energy for Rural Oregon

The Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD) is excited to join hands with Spark Northwest, the North Fork John Day River Watershed Council (NFJDWC), and the Yamhill Soil and Water Conservation District (YSWCD) in a partnership that is set to illuminate the future of renewable energy development in Oregon.

With the backing of USDA Renewable Energy Development Assistance (REDA) funding, DSWCD is primed to help landowners adopt renewable energy for their farms and rural small businesses. Visit our website to learn more and apply.

See if you Qualify!

Got Stars, Central Oregon?

Visit the Website!

We are partnering with nine organizations on a mission to educate residents and visitors about the ecological and economic value of dark skies in Central Oregon. With support from the 2023 Visit Central Oregon Future Fund grant, the Got Stars? project will bring a variety of educational and experiential opportunities to the High Desert Museum, Pine Mountain Observatory, Sun River Nature Center and more!

To learn about the projects and partners supporting this mission, visit the new Got Stars? Website!

Water is Everything

Our Deschutes Basin aquifer is a large bowl, with a deep end near the Cascade Mountains becoming shallower to the northeast. Our side of the Cascades drains into this bowl creating groundwater; the source for our aquifers, springs, and wells. demand for it is increasing. The climate crisis is leaving less ground and surface water to meet our needs and protect our natural resources.

Watch to meet some of the people caring for, managing, and protecting our most precious resource.

Project Updates

Little and Upper Deschutes SIA

We have updated the Upper and Little Deschutes Strategic Implementation Area (SIA). In an effort to address agricultural water quality concerns, we are performing outreach to private landowners located within the SIA boundary. We hope to provide assistance to landowners wishing to perform voluntary conservation on their property

We will be further developing a monitoring plan with partners to collect baseline water parameters for the waterways within the project boundary.

Joint Chiefs Grant

The District has received funding from the US Forest Service to perform collaborative conservation efforts over the next 5 years. Given the mixed ownership nature of the project area, a cross-boundary approach to forest restoration and wildfire mitigation will have direct benefits to NFS, private, and state and county lands.

DSWCD will provide local leadership, technical assistance, information, and access to state and federal cost-share programs to make positive changes across private and public boundaries.

Supporting Community Gardens

DSWCD is collaborating with Miller Landing Community Garden, Sisters Community Garden, Worthy Environmental, and OSU Extension to help educate and connect gardeners in the District’s urban areas. With the support of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), DSWCD is able to support a number of projects that will increase garden productivity, water conservation, and educational opportunities for plot owners!

Join Our Board Meeting

Join us at our next Board Meeting!

November 16th, 6pm - 8pm
East Bend Library

62080 Dean Swift Rd, Bend, OR 97701

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