Out of the Blues Newsletter - Spring 2026

Director Elections

Have you ever been interested in how the board of directors functions at the Umatilla SWCD? Director elections are here! This election cycle, Zones 1, Zone 5, and Director-at-large position 2. Zone boundaries, eligibility requirements, and copies of the required election forms may be obtained at the SWCD Office located at 1 SW Nye Ave Suite 130, Pendleton OR and 541-969-0423. If you’re interested, connect with District Manager Kyle Waggoner here. Election forms and information may also be found at: https://oda.direct/SWCD-elections. Each candidate must file a “Declaration of Candidacy” and a “Petition for Nomination Signature Sheet” with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Program Area, Grants Administrative Officer. The filing deadline is 5:00 p.m. on August 25, 2026.

 

Snipe & Owens Creek

The Umatilla SWCD is excited to announce the kickoff of the Snipe & Owens Creek Assessment. Previously, there has been a lot of interest expressed in beaver dam analog (BDA) structures for the streams within the Ukiah valley. We are in the process of laying the groundwork for future floodplain reconnection projects to raise the water table and slow down the flow in the Snipe and Owens Creek area, benefitting both pastures and habitat. Much of Snipes and Owens creek are heavily incised with head cuts sometimes exceeding fifteen feet in depth. Due to the disconnected floodplain, high temperatures are a concern for much of Snipe and Owens. Before riparian vegetation can be added in, the stream head cuts need to be resolved. This project will tackle a first step towards this solution by hiring a contractor (Lichen Land and Water) to perform a basic geomorphic assessment that will result in conceptual designs as a landowner conversation tool in addition to the outreach required to disseminate the restoration report.

 

Upcoming ODA Grant

This fall, the Oregon Department of Agriculture is opening an SIA Restoration Grant. Applications for projects in $30,000 or less within any SIA are encouraged. Any landowner within ANY SIA boundary is eligible! These include the areas of Birch Creek, McKay Creek, Camas, Owens, Dry Creek, Couse Creek. Take a look at our boundary maps on our website here. If you have further questions, please reach out to District Manager Kyle's email, or at 541-969-0423.

 

Fire Preparedness

Summer is upon us, and fire safety is a must. Here are some suggestions from the Oregon State Fire Marshall:

1. Debris Burning Safety; check with your location fire agency before you burn, always keep water and a shovel on hand, and never leave the fire unattended.
2. Mowing safety; mow when the humidity is highest, typically in the morning, ensure all engines are equipped with spark arrestors, and wait five minutes for the engine to cool on the mower before refueling. 
3. Towing & safety chains; cross your safety chains and ensure they don’t touch the ground, and check wheel bearings and tire pressure to avoid friction fires.
4. Vehicle Exhaust safety; Park only on gravel or pavement, and ATVs must stay on established trails and have spark arrestors.
5. Campfire best practices; Use existing rings and clear 10ft of all flammable material, ensure the fire is out by using drown, stir, and feel. It must be cold to the touch. Finally, check for local fire restrictions and bans before building a fire.
6. Grills & smokers; never use a grill on a wooden deck or under eaves, and use a dedicated metal container with a tight lid for cooled coals.
7.  For more on fire safety, learn more at the Oregon State Fire Marshall’s website

 

Community Events

The Water Control District Collaborative is hosting a McKay Flood Recovery Outreach Event in August! Dates are forthcoming, so keep an eye out on our calendar. Folks are welcome to come and have food and hear what work is being done to mitigate the flood recovery in lower McKay, things to look forward to, and how they can get involved. Local outreach is an important way to let the public know about the small grant program and the availability of funds. Outreach may occur in the form of a press release (examples can be found on the OWEB website), information on local organizational websites, and handouts at local organizational offices.

 

 

Umatilla SWCD Updates

As of the beginning of 2026, the Umatilla Soil and Water Conservation District broke a record; we are currently simultaneously administering the most grants in the history of our district. We are so proud as an organization that we are able to continue to make a positive impact for our community, helping the farmers and ranchers of Umatilla County with their operational goals while preserving the resources that support our way of life for generations to come. The Umatilla SWCD is either administering or applying for almost thirty (30!) grant projects ranging from the high-mountain meadows of Ukiah to the levee system of Milton-freewater, and everything in between. Having recently had our 50th anniversary as an organization two years ago, we are excited to see what the next 50 years will bring. 

 

The Milton-Freewater Water Control District MOU and Riparian planting grant was completed!

We were happy to be a part of the process to create the MOU for long-term solutions for flooding recovery in the Walla Walla. The MOU brought together all parties towards pursuing a GI study, with the intention of solving the complex ecological issues that this reach of the Walla Walla River faces. The project paid for willow plantings along a traditionally very temperature limited reach will make great strides towards finding multi-benefit solutions across the Walla Walla basin. 1.7 acres of willows was planted in a very visible location and the MOU has been signed, completing the Oregon Solutions Project. 

 

Upcoming Grant Applications

 Submitted Grant Applications

Current Projects (Implementing)