Gilliam County SWCD 2025-2027 SWCD Capacity Grant

The purpose of this project is to implement the applicable Agricultural Water Quality Management Area Plan (Area Plan) by using the Gilliam County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) as the local management agency to the fullest extent practical. In this project, the SWCD will: (1) engage agricultural landowners and provide technical assistance, (2) implement projects to improve agricultural water quality, (3) develop partnerships to support this project, (4) monitor or evaluate conditions, (5) use adaptive management to support continuous improvement, and (6) support ODA in conducting biennial reviews of Area Plans. This project will contribute to achieving the goals of the Area Plan and to implementation of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds on agricultural lands. This project includes targeted work identified in the SWCD’s agricultural water quality Scope of Work (SOW).

The capacity project is expected to benefit salmonids and their habitat by connecting with Gilliam County landowners to promote, design, and eventually implement process-based restoration, riparian fencing, and plantings. A major focus is on improving water quality parameters like temperature, which is a limiting factor for Mid-C steelhead. Future benefits from restoration also include floodplain connectivity, fish passage, and native vegetation.