Out of the Blue Newsletter - Fall 2025
To conserve, protect, and develop natural resources for the environmental and economic benefit of Umatilla County.
District Activities Overview
Happy Fall, Y'all!
The Umatilla SWCD is happy to bring you some updates, along with some hopefully cooler weather on the horizon.

Ukiah Fire Project -
In a response to the fire damage from 2024, the Monument Soil and Water Conservation district is leading the surrounding agencies at the federal, state, and local levels to begin the ridge-to-ridge restoration of the John Day Basin area.
The Umatilla SWCD is lookoing for private landowners who want assitance with the restoration from the fires.
If you would like to learn more, or would like to have help accessing resources for a restoration project, please visit our webpage and fill out the form here:
After Action of OWEB Tours;
As always, feel free to reach out with questions or comments - many thanks!
- Kyle Waggoner, District Manager
Project Updates
Project Name | Update |
---|---|
BDA/PAL Pilot Project | Seeking a location for the pilot project. |
Owens & Snipe Stage 0 Project | Working with a contractor for the analysis and ranking priorities of the stream's development. |
Grant Applications
Grant Title | Granting Agency | Submission Status |
---|---|---|
Lower Birch Creek Restoration Engagement | OWEB | Due August 2025 |
Helix: Greasewood Creek Watershed Analysis | FEMA/OWEB/BOR | TBD |
Current Projects (Implementing)
Grant Title | Granting Agency | Grant Total |
---|---|---|
Umatilla SIA V: Camas Creek | OWEB/ODA | $127,026 |
Umatilla SIA III & IV: Couse & East Birch | OWEB/ODA | $249,909 |
Mathews Riparian Protection and Water Development | ODA | $ 13,338 |
Hoeft Riparian Protection and Water Development | ODA | $ 31,573 |
Weinke Riparian Protection and Weed Treatment | ODA | $ 18,852 |
Local Capacity 2023-2025 | ODA | $ 193,188 |
Capacity Support Website Grant | ODA | $ 8,130 |
Allstott/Doherty Spring Development Project | SIA | $ 13,906 |
Milton-Freewater WCD Riparian Planting and Restoration Planning | OWEB | $ 38,328 |
Wright Spring Development and Grazing Management | OWEB | $ 17,409 |