Out of the Blue Newsletter - Summer 2025
To conserve, protect, and develop natural resources for the environmental and economic benefit of Umatilla County.
District Activities Overview
We have a busy summer ahead! Here are a few ways you can get involved:
McKay was awarded a FEMA grant! Learn more about the grant on our flooding tracker projects page, and keep an eye out for updates we work with the contractor on elements of this grant.
With the OWEB Restoration grant due on August 4, Umatilla SWCD is looking for cattle ranchers to interested in signing up for a virtual fence tower to be placed on their ground.
Join us to learn about this virtual fencing grant opportunity on July 11! The day will be broken into two parts. The day begins at 9:00 a.m. with a tour of a ranch currently using the virtual fence technology. Then at 12:30 p.m. the day will continue at the Ukiah Senior Center for a planning session regarding the virtual fence grant opportunity. Food will be provided.
If you would only like to participte in one portion of the day, please email Kyle Waggoner here with which session you plan to attend, along with how many people are coming.
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 |