Out of the Blues Newsletter - Winter 2026
To conserve, protect, and develop natural resources for the environmental and economic benefit of Umatilla County.
Out of the Blues Newsletter - Winter 2026
District Activities Overview
Annual Umatilla SWCD Meeting
On November 18, the community came together for the Soil and Water Conservation District's annual meeting. There were 75 guests in attendance to hear from industry guest speakers showcasing the potential futures of agriculture. We are thrilled to have such a great turn-out, and happy we are doing the work folks want to see in Umatilla County.
Community Partnership Meetings this Quarter
- Tuesday, February 17 - Umatilla SWCD's Board Meeting, moved to 10:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, February 18 - McKay Creek Flood & Habitat Protection – Community Meeting. Since the 2019 Lower McKay Creek flooding, a partnership of local residents and agencies have been working together to find ways to achieve outcomes with multiple benefits: reduce flooding, improve emergency response, protect fish habitat, and maintain water for irrigation. A lot has been accomplished — and there’s more ahead. Learn more about the meeting here.
- Wednesday, February 25 - Umatilla Biennial Review Local Area Committee Meeting, 12:00 p.m. at Mac's Bar and Grill
- Thursday, March 26 - Walla Walla Biennial Review Local Area Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m. at the Walla Walla Watershed Council office
SWCD Landowner Poll
In order to better serve the Umatilla county community, we are asking landowners to take a District direction poll. We truly want to position the District for the next decade to be meeting the needs of folks doing the hard work on the ground, managing land and landscape, and raising and growing food. Follow the link here to participate: https://www.umatillaswcd.org/2026-district-service-poll
Ukiah Fire Project
In a response to the fire damage from 2024, Umatilla County Soil and Water Conservation District is partnering with Monument SWCD and other agencies to begin the ridge-to-ridge restoration of the John Day Basin area.
The Umatilla SWCD is searching for private landowners who want restoration assistance for damages from the fires.
If you would like to learn more, or would like help accessing resources for a restoration project, please visit the webpage and fill out the form:
https://www.umatillaswcd.org/ukiah-fire-project
Alstott/Doherty Spring Development Completion
This project improved a water source to include a better trough system and fenced off the deep area, improving water quality.
As always, feel free to reach out with questions or comments.
Upcoming Grant Applications
| Project Name | Summary |
|---|---|
| Rupp Spring Protection Grant | Spring protection and overflow piping project outside Pilot Rock. |
| Pace Spring Developments | Spring Developments south of Pilot Rock. |
| Spicknall Riparian Restoration | Riparian planting outside of Pendleton, Oregon. |
| Alstott/Battle Mountain Grazing BDA/PAL Pilot Project | Pilot project for future beaver dam analog projects in the Ukiah area. |
| Pine Creek Fencing Project and Water Developments | Fencing and spring developments outside Ukiah, Oregon. |
Submitted Grant Applications
| Grant Title | Granting Agency | Submission Status | Grant Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge Creek Fencing Area | OWEB | FUNDED | $159,593 |
| Snipe and Owens Creek Assessment & Prioritization | OWEB | FUNDED | $ 63,483 |
| Lower Birch Creek Restoration Engagement | OWEB | NOT SELECTED FOR FUNDING | $ 58,945 |
| Water Control District Collaborative Outreach and Engagement | OWEB | FUNDED | $ 41,534 |
| Small Grant Team 26 Team Contact 25-27 | OWEB | FUNDED | $ 16,375 |
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 2025-2027 | ODA | $ 193,188 |
| Milton-Freewater WCD Riparian Planting and Restoration Planning | OWEB | $ 38,328 |