Volume 9, Issue 4 Sherman County SWCD Winter 2010
Rolling Thunder Review
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Sherman County SWCD’s Board Highlights . . . . 2
Annual Meeting Grant Updates . . . . . 3
Workshop . . . . . . . . 3
presents Annual Report . . . . . 4
1964 FLOOD PHOTOS Agency Reports . . . . . 5
Direct Seed . . . . . . . . 5
The Sherman County Soil and Water Conservation
District will be holding their Annual Meeting on Sherman County, Winter 2009/2010
February 9th, 2010. It will be held at the Sherman
County Senior & Community Center.
Kathy McCullough and Julie Reynolds will be pre-
senting a power point presentation with photos
and fun facts about floods and other significant
weather events of Sherman County and other parts
of the world. They will concentrate on the Christ-
mas Flood of 1964 and the effect it had on our
area.
Social hour will start at 5:00 pm with a no-host
wine and beer bar. Dinner will be served at 6:00
pm. Rod McGuire’s Paradise Rose Chuck Wagon
will be catering your choice of tri-tip beef or
chicken chardonnay, cheesy potatoes, beans, rasp-
berry vinaigrette green salad and dessert. Dinner
will be $10.00 per person. Please RSVP to reserve
your spot!
Delicious Tri Tip or
Chicken Dinner
Catered by
Rod McGuire’s
Paradise Rose Chuck Wagon
$10.00 per person
Please RSVP to:
SWCD Office @ 541-565-3551, ext. 3
Page 2 Rolling Thunder Review Volume 9, Issue 4
Sherman SWCD Board Highlights
November 10, 2009 • NRCS report included the establishment of three funding
• Board reviewed copies of the 2008-2009 Audit pools for EQIP. They are Irrigation, Energy, and Rangeland
Restoration. The need for assistance with ground that is
• Watershed Council Annual Meeting being planned
coming out of CRP was discussed
• Two grant applications were submitted to OWEB for the Fall
• FSA updates included information about the SURE program
grant cycle
and DCP sign-ups
• OWEB Small Grant program being set up for this biennium
• Sandy Macnab reported on progress toward a new building
• Range Drill being cost shared by Sherman Development to house Extension and the Weed District. He also an-
League has been ordered nounced a Pesticide Core Class to be held January 26th in
The Dalles
• Riparian Workshop being planned
• Education Incentive Grants still available through the
Sherman County SWCD January 12, 2010
• The Lower John Day and Lower Deschutes local advisory • Budget process for 2010-2011 was discussed. Board dis-
committees will hold a joint meeting this winter to discuss cussed depositing funds into the State Investment Pool
the Ag. Water Quality Management Area plans through the County
• The Lower John Day Conservation Work Group has met • A Sherman County Area Watershed Council meeting date
with an OWEB representative to discuss possible projects in will be set for February
the area. The education committee is planning to meet in • There are BPA cost share funds available for the Pine Hol-
Moro to discuss goals for the group low/Jackknife Watershed Area
• Jessa Irzyk & Krista Coelsch reported on the OACD Con- • Landowner agreements revised to state the exact percentage
vention held in Pendleton of cost share required from them for projects
• Amanda Whitman attended the Oregon Network of Water- • Agenda for the Lower John Day Conservation Work Group
shed Councils annual conference in Klamath Falls Education Committee meeting was reviewed
• Plans are being made for the SWCD Annual Meeting to be • The agenda for the joint meeting of the Lower John Day and
held in February Lower Deschutes Ag Water Quality Management Area Plan
• Kristie Coelsch reported on NRCS programs. EQIP pools committees was reviewed
were discussed • “Conservation After Hours” dates have been set for Febru-
• Poster contest winners were discussed ary 19, 23 and 25. Staff will try to set up at least one more
session
• Plans for at least 5 “Conservation After Hours” sessions are
being made • NRCS and SWCD will work together to develop a “Strategic
Approach to Conservation”. A meeting will be set up for
• Kyle Carnine gave a brief update about FSA programs
early February
• FSA presented a program update
December 8, 2009
• Sandy Macnab reminded everyone about the Pesticide Core
• Audit Report was approved for the 2008-2009 Fiscal year
class to be held on January 26th
• Riparian Workshop date set for February 18th
• Sue Greer, OWEB, said that summaries and evaluation of the
• The Education Committee for the Lower John Day Conser- fall OWEB grants should be available soon
vation Work Group has set a meeting date for February 16th
• Tom Straughan, ODA, discussed the future of the CREP
at the Sherman County library in Moro.
technical assistance funds and what reporting will be required
• SWCD officers for 2010 were elected. They are Gary Irzyk, by ODA in the future
Chair; Brad Eakin, Vice Chair; Tracy Fields, Secretary; and
• Plans for the Riparian Workshop are being finalized
Kyle Blagg, Treasurer
The Sherman County SWCD is now the proud owner of a Range Drill!
For more information about renting the Range Drill for use call the office @ (541)565-3216 ext 3
Rolling Thunder Review Volume 9, Issue 4 Page 3
GOT WIND? OWEB & BPA
Grant Updates
As more and more wind towers are being put Just a reminder…
in throughout the county, more conservation There is still cost share assistance available
issues will arise. Sherman County SWCD is through OWEB and BPA Grants.
here to assist you with issues concerning im- OWEB Small Grant funds are now available
pacts of towers and roads on your farm land. with a 75% cost share for projects $5,000 or
less and a 50% cost share for projects $5,001 to
$10,000.
• ACCESS ROADS
The spring OWEB Large Grant Cycle deadline
• ELECTRICAL TRENCHES is coming up. Most restoration projects qualify
• RECLEMATION with a 75% cost share.
If you have projects that are located in the Pine
Hollow/Jackknife Watershed you may be eligi-
If you have concerns about ble for 85% cost share through BPA.
the above issues please contact our office for
more information (541)565-3216 ext. 3 If you are interested in signing up for any of
these cost share opportunities contact the
SWCD Office or stop by and visit us.
RANGELAND & CRP MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
WHEN: February 18th, 2010
WHERE: Sherman County Fairgrounds Pavilion
TIME: 10am—3:30pm
Representatives from National Riparian Service Team, BLM, NRCS,
and FSA will be discussing grazing strategies and techniques along
with different options for landowners if their CRP contract expires.
NO COST for attending & LUNCH will be provided!
If you have any questions about the workshop contact the SWCD Office
PLEASE RSVP
Page 4 Rolling Thunder Review Volume 9, Issue 4
SHERMAN COUNTY SWCD
ANNUAL REPORT
2008-2009
The Sherman County SWCD is governed by a locally elected, Beginning Fund Balance $218,747
volunteer Board of Directors. It is a legal subdivision of Income
state government and receives funds to administer its pro- Operating Grants $101,099
grams from ODA, OWEB, NRCS, BPA, and others. Watershed Improvement Funds $298,538
The Board of Directors meets monthly on the second Tues- Sales of Trees $ 362
Interest $ 2,429
day in the Moro Field Office. Meetings are open to the pub-
Donations $ 648
lic. For information or agendas, contact the office. County Taxes $ 67,623
SWCD BOARD MEMBERS
Kyle Blagg.…………………..............................................Chair TOTAL INCOME......................................................................$ 470,699
Brad Eakin..……….....................................................Vice Chair
Tracy Fields...…...............................................................Secretary
Gary Irzyk........…….......................................................Treasurer Expenses
Bill Martin…….................................................................Member
Sandy Macnab.……………………….......Associate Member General Government $ 88,416
Watershed Improvement $281,643
SWCD Staff
Krista Coelsch...........…………………...District Coordinator TOTAL EXPENSES……………………………………..$ 370,059
Amanda Whitman..................................Watershed Coordinator Ending Balance-June 30, 2009 $319,387
Jessa Irzyk…………………….…....CREP/CRP Technician
Brian Stradley……………………..…….District Technician
2008-2009 ANNUAL PLAN of WORK
Natural Resource Conservation Service Staff
The Sherman County Soil and Water Conservation District strives to
Kristie Coelsch………………...…....District Conservationist promote and protect the natural resources of not only Sherman
Mary Beth Smith...……...….Basin Resource Conservationist County, but also all the areas included in our watershed drainages.
The board of directors believes that cooperation between State and
Co-operating Agencies Federal agencies, public interest groups, and landowner/operators is
Farm Services Agency..........................................Martin Nguyen of the utmost importance in achieving the goals of this District. We
will continue to work for not only better soil and water conservation
County FSA Committee...........……….…..…….Mavis Olsen practices, but also for a better understanding between all parties con-
Jim Macnab cerned with the protection of our natural resources.
Tim Jefferies
Sherman County Court.....................................Gary Thompson The Sherman SWCD goals are to efficiently deliver treatments to the
Steve Burnet ground; provide education regarding natural resources and conserva-
Mike Smith tion; and act as a buffer between government agencies and landown-
ers whenever needed.
Sherman County Weed District.................................Rod Asher
County Weed Board….............................................. .Kyle Blagg Summary of Conservation Practices Implemented
Tracy Fields
Martin Richelderfer • 499 acres of CREP enrolled, protecting approximately
Bryan Peters 28 miles of stream
Rory Wilson • 5 Rangeland water & sediment control basins
Agricultural Research Service...............................Betty Klepper • 67 Cropland water & sediment control basins
Bureau of Land Management................................Lyle Andrews • 114,493 feet of terrace (over 21 miles)
John Hanf • 5 spring developments
O.S.U. Extension Service...................... .............Sandy Macnab • 88 acres of brush control
O.S.U. Experiment Station................................Erling Jacobsen • 2 acres grassed waterway
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. …….....Keith Kohl • 2 wildlife watering facilities
• 50 acres of pest management
• 8,593 acres of direct seed trials
Volume 9, Issue 4 Rolling Thunder Review Page 5
Sherman County Experiment Station Weather Statistics
NOVEMBER WEATHER STATS DECEMBER WEATHER STATS
• Precipitation for November was 1.05” which is .55” • Precipitation for December was 1.18” which is .51”
below normal. below normal.
• The precipitation for the crop year is 2.74” which is .27” below • The precipitation for the 2009/2010 crop year is 3.92” which
normal. is .89” below normal.
• The highest air temperatures was 64◦ on the 6th. • The highest air temperature was 53◦ on the 22nd.
• The lowest air temperature was 24◦ on the 2nd. • The lowest air temperature was –5◦ on the 8th.
• Long time air temperature averages indicate we can expect 62◦ • Long time air temperature averages indicate we could expect 56◦
and 17◦ . and 15◦.
• The average air temperature for the month was 40.1◦ . • The average air temperature for the month was 26.1◦.
• 4” soil temperature ranged from 55◦ to 37◦ . • 4” soil temperature ranged from 41◦ to 20◦.
COST SHARE OPPORTUNITY
FOR
CONSERVATION AFTER HOURS MEETINGS DIRECT SEED
Sherman County SWCD and NRCS will be sponsoring “After
Hours Meetings” again this year. Program updates will be given by Are you interested in trying Direct Seed?
the SWCD, Watershed Council, NRCS, FSA, OSU Extension, and
Does the cost of switching worry you?
the Sherman County Trapper. Come join us to find out what’s new
with conservation!
MEETINGS The District is trying to put a grant together for cost
~ February 19th, Senior Center in Moro, following MCP Mar-
keting Meeting (approx. 8am) share assistance for the implementation of direct seed
~ February 23rd, Kent Baptist Church basement, 1:30pm practices. If you are interested and would like more
~ February 24th, Private Meeting
information contact Amanda @ (541)565-3216 ext. 109
~ February 25th, Private Meeting
~ March 4th, Private Meeting by March 31st, 2010.
OPTIONS FOR EXPIRING CRP
Early Land Preparation Considerations for CRP Conversion
~ If you wish to prepare for a fall seeded crop starting July 1 in the final year Conversion to CroplandConversion to Grazing Land
of the contract::
NRCS Programs to Look At: Other Conservation
You will need to submit a request and obtain a modified NRCS
- Environmental Quality Incen- Opportunities:
Conservation Plan. You will not be assessed a payment reduction.
tives Program (EQIP) - Continuous CRP or the
~ If you wish to prepare for a spring seeded crop, starting after the primary
- Farm and Ranchland Conservation Enhancement
nesting season (July 15) of the final year on the contract::
Protection Program (FRPP) Program (CREP) through FSA
You will need to submit a request and obtain a modified NRCS - Soil and Water Conservation
Conservation Plan. You will not be assessed a payment reduction. - Grassland Reserve Program
(GRP) District (SWCD) Programs
~ If you wish to destroy CRP acreage beginning May 1 (through June 30th) of - State Agency Programs
the final year of the contract: - Wildlife Habitat Incentives
Program (WHIP) - Programs through Private
You will need to submit a request and obtain a modified NRCS Conservation Groups
Conservation Plan. You will be assessed a payment reduction for the
period indicated on the CRP-1G (start date of practice through June
30).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sherman County SWCD Board of Directors
Gary Irzyk, Chairman
FEBRUARY Brad Eakin, Vice Chair
Tracy Fields, Secretary
1 Lower John Day/Lower Deschutes Local Advisory Committee
Kyle Blagg, Treasurer
Meeting, 1pm @ Sherman County Senior Center, Moro
Bill Martin, Member
2-4 Spokane Ag Expo, Spokane Convention Center, Spokane, WA
7-9 Harvesting Clean Energy Conference, Three Rivers Convention SWCD Staff
Center, Kennewick, WA
Krista Coelsch, District Coordinator
9 SWCD Board Meeting, 8:30am @ Moro Field Office
Amanda Whitman, Watershed Council Coordinator
9 SWCD Annual Meeting, 5:00pm @ Sherman Co. Senior Center Brian Stradley, District Technician
15 George Washington’s Birthday, Office Closed Jessa Irzyk, CREP/CRP Technician
16 Lower John Day Work Group Meeting, 9-3 @ Sherman County
NRCS Staff
Public Library
18 Rangeland & CRP Management Workshop, 10-3:30 @ Sherman Kristie Coelsch, District Conservationist
County Fairgrounds Pavilion, Moro Mary Beth Smith, Basin Resource Conservationist
19 After Hours Meeting, 8am @ Sherman County Senior Center The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all
its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin,
23 After Hours Meeting, 1:30pm @ Kent Baptist Church age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status,
parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political
beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is
MARCH derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative
9 SWCD Board Meeting, 8:30 @ Moro Field Office means for communication of program information (Braille, large print,
audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202)720-2600
(voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA,
Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800)795-3272 (voice) or (202)720
-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Rolling Thunder Review NONPROFIT ORG
Sherman County SWCD US POSTAGE PAID
P.O. Box 405 MORO, OR 97039
Moro, OR 97039 PERMIT #15