Meet the Staff

Meet the Board

Mission

To encourage and promote the responsible stewardship of our natural resources and enhance the health, economic prosperity, and quality of life for the current and future citizens of the district.

Vision

We envision vibrant and healthy farms, forests, bodies of water, wildlife, and communities through a fostering of sustainable economic, ecological, and social well-being.

The District promotes wise use and conservation of Oregon’s natural resources within Deschutes County. Deschutes SWCD provides local leadership, technical assistance, information, and access to state and federal cost-share programs to make positive changes on your land.

Our Natural Resource Concerns

The top resource concerns in Deschutes County are water quantity, water quality, invasive weeds, fish and wildlife habitat, forest health, and healthy soils.

Guiding Principles

Local Partnership

We will uphold and maintain partnerships with local conservation organizations and private landowners as well as local, state, and federal agencies. Together, we collaboratively aim to protect and enhance the natural beauty, livability, and ecosystems of Deschutes County. We strongly uphold a locally-led approach to natural resource management, ensuring community involvement and the health of the environment.

Sustainability

We strive to maintain and improve the vitality of farms, forests, waterways, and wildlife habitats for generations to come. We envision long-term, sustainable stewardship of rural lands and urban communities to ensure Deschutes County is a placethat supports the economic, social, and ecological health of our natural resources on a multi-generational scale.

Equity

We will enhance our efforts towards underserved populations and geographic areas and strive to provide equitable access for all to our services. We incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion awareness and practices into our work process and programs.

Transparency

Our commitment is to act with integrity, operate transparently as a local government entity, and uphold deep respect for the rights of private property owners and residents of the county. We recognize and are dedicated to supporting responsible and well intentioned stewardship of natural resources. Additionally, DSWCD acts in the interest of residents and ensures responsible use and administration of public funds.

Our Vision for Deschutes County Residents

We envision clean, healthy, and abundant water resources for all people, land, and wildlife.

We envision bountiful healthy soils thriving with organic matter to provide nourishing foods, flourishing forests, and vital wildlife habitats.

We envision the wise use and management of rural lands to ensure the vitality of rural farms and ranches for economic and social benefits.

We envision citizens stewarding natural resources for the benefit of all residents and future generations.

We envision the creation and maintenance of vibrant urban and rural communities through green spaces, renewable energy, and dark nighttime sky protection for the benefit of our residents, pollinators, and wildlife.

We envision equitable access to nourishing local foods, outdoor natural spaces, pure drinking water, and services to benefit all residents.

We envision active ongoing collaboration among conservation agencies, partners, landowners, and the District to support common goals. We envision continued proper and transparent fiscal management.