Sherman County SWCD Board of Directors

Gary Irzyk, Chairman

Brad Eakin, Vice Chair

Tracy Fields, Secretary

Kyle Blagg, Treasurer

Bill Martin, Member

SWCD Staff

Krista Coelsch, District Coordinator

Amanda Whitman, Watershed Council Coordinator

Brian Stradley, District Technician

Jessa Irzyk, CREP/CRP Technician

NRCS Staff

Kristie Coelsch, District Conservationist

Mary Beth Smith, Basin Resource Conservationist

Rolling Thunder Review Sherman County SWCD

P.O. Box 405

Moro, OR 97039

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all

its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, 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

derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative

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.

NONPROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE PAID MORO, OR 97039

PERMIT #15

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY

1 Lower John Day/Lower Deschutes Local Advisory Committee

Meeting, 1pm @ Sherman County Senior Center, Moro

2-4 Spokane Ag Expo, Spokane Convention Center, Spokane, WA

7-9 Harvesting Clean Energy Conference, Three Rivers Convention

Center, Kennewick, WA

9 SWCD Board Meeting, 8:30am @ Moro Field Office

9 SWCD Annual Meeting, 5:00pm @ Sherman Co. Senior Center

15 George Washington’s Birthday, Office Closed

16 Lower John Day Work Group Meeting, 9-3 @ Sherman County

Public Library

18 Rangeland & CRP Management Workshop, 10-3:30 @ Sherman

County Fairgrounds Pavilion, Moro

19 After Hours Meeting, 8am @ Sherman County Senior Center

23 After Hours Meeting, 1:30pm @ Kent Baptist Church

MARCH

9 SWCD Board Meeting, 8:30 @ Moro Field Office

Rolling Thunder Review

S h e r m a n C o u n t y S W C D Volume 9, Issue 4 Winter 2010

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Board Highlights . . . . 2

Grant Updates . . . . . 3

Workshop . . . . . . . . 3

Annual Report . . . . . 4

Agency Reports . . . . . 5

Direct Seed . . . . . . . . 5

The Sherman County Soil and Water Conservation

District will be holding their Annual Meeting on

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

Sherman County SWCD’s

Annual Meeting presents

1964 FLOOD PHOTOS

Sherman County, Winter 2009/2010

Page 2 Rol l ing Thunder Review Volume 9, I ssue 4

NRCS report included the establishment of three funding pools for EQIP. They are Irrigation, Energy, and Rangeland Restoration. The need for assistance with ground that is coming out of CRP was discussed

FSA updates included information about the SURE program and DCP sign-ups

Sandy Macnab reported on progress toward a new building to house Extension and the Weed District. He also an-nounced a Pesticide Core Class to be held January 26th in The Dalles

January 12, 2010

Budget process for 2010-2011 was discussed. Board dis-cussed depositing funds into the State Investment Pool through the County

A Sherman County Area Watershed Council meeting date will be set for February

There are BPA cost share funds available for the Pine Hol-low/Jackknife Watershed Area

Landowner agreements revised to state the exact percentage of cost share required from them for projects

Agenda for the Lower John Day Conservation Work Group Education Committee meeting was reviewed

The agenda for the joint meeting of the Lower John Day and Lower Deschutes Ag Water Quality Management Area Plan committees was reviewed

“Conservation After Hours” dates have been set for Febru-ary 19, 23 and 25. Staff will try to set up at least one more session

NRCS and SWCD will work together to develop a “Strategic Approach to Conservation”. A meeting will be set up for early February

FSA presented a program update

Sandy Macnab reminded everyone about the Pesticide Core class to be held on January 26th

Sue Greer, OWEB, said that summaries and evaluation of the fall OWEB grants should be available soon

Tom Straughan, ODA, discussed the future of the CREP technical assistance funds and what reporting will be required by ODA in the future

Plans for the Riparian Workshop are being finalized

Sherman SWCD Board Highlights

November 10, 2009 Board reviewed copies of the 2008-2009 Audit

Watershed Council Annual Meeting being planned

Two grant applications were submitted to OWEB for the Fall grant cycle

OWEB Small Grant program being set up for this biennium

Range Drill being cost shared by Sherman Development League has been ordered

Riparian Workshop being planned

Education Incentive Grants still available through the Sherman County SWCD

The Lower John Day and Lower Deschutes local advisory committees will hold a joint meeting this winter to discuss the Ag. Water Quality Management Area plans

The Lower John Day Conservation Work Group has met with an OWEB representative to discuss possible projects in the area. The education committee is planning to meet in Moro to discuss goals for the group

Jessa Irzyk & Krista Coelsch reported on the OACD Con-vention held in Pendleton

Amanda Whitman attended the Oregon Network of Water-shed Councils annual conference in Klamath Falls

Plans are being made for the SWCD Annual Meeting to be held in February

Kristie Coelsch reported on NRCS programs. EQIP pools were discussed

Poster contest winners were discussed

Plans for at least 5 “Conservation After Hours” sessions are being made

Kyle Carnine gave a brief update about FSA programs

December 8, 2009

Audit Report was approved for the 2008-2009 Fiscal year

Riparian Workshop date set for February 18th

The Education Committee for the Lower John Day Conser-vation Work Group has set a meeting date for February 16th at the Sherman County library in Moro.

SWCD officers for 2010 were elected. They are Gary Irzyk, Chair; Brad Eakin, Vice Chair; Tracy Fields, Secretary; and 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

Page 5 Rol l ing Thunder Review Volume 9, I ssue 4

Sherman County Experiment Station Weather Statistics NOVEMBER WEATHER STATS

Precipitation for November was 1.05” which is .55”

below normal.

The precipitation for the crop year is 2.74” which is .27” below

normal.

The highest air temperatures was 64◦ on the 6th.

The lowest air temperature was 24◦ on the 2nd.

Long time air temperature averages indicate we can expect 62◦

and 17◦ .

The average air temperature for the month was 40.1◦ .

4” soil temperature ranged from 55◦ to 37◦ .

DECEMBER WEATHER STATS

Precipitation for December was 1.18” which is .51”

below normal.

The precipitation for the 2009/2010 crop year is 3.92” which

is .89” below normal.

The highest air temperature was 53◦ on the 22nd.

The lowest air temperature was –5◦ on the 8th.

Long time air temperature averages indicate we could expect 56◦

and 15◦.

The average air temperature for the month was 26.1◦.

4” soil temperature ranged from 41◦ to 20◦.

Page 5

CONSERVATION AFTER HOURS MEETINGS

Sherman County SWCD and NRCS will be sponsoring “After

Hours Meetings” again this year. Program updates will be given by

the SWCD, Watershed Council, NRCS, FSA, OSU Extension, and

the Sherman County Trapper. Come join us to find out what’s new

with conservation!

MEETINGS

~ February 19th, Senior Center in Moro, following MCP Mar-

keting Meeting (approx. 8am)

~ February 23rd, Kent Baptist Church basement, 1:30pm

~ February 24th, Private Meeting

~ February 25th, Private Meeting

~ March 4th, Private Meeting

Early Land Preparation

~ If you wish to prepare for a fall seeded crop starting July 1 in the final year

of the contract::

You will need to submit a request and obtain a modified NRCS

Conservation Plan. You will not be assessed a payment reduction.

~ If you wish to prepare for a spring seeded crop, starting after the primary

nesting season (July 15) of the final year on the contract::

You will need to submit a request and obtain a modified NRCS

Conservation Plan. You will not be assessed a payment reduction.

~ If you wish to destroy CRP acreage beginning May 1 (through June 30th) of

the final year of the contract:

You will need to submit a request and obtain a modified NRCS

Conservation Plan. You will be assessed a payment reduction for the

period indicated on the CRP-1G (start date of practice through June

30).

Are you interested in trying Direct Seed?

Does the cost of switching worry you?

The District is trying to put a grant together for cost

share assistance for the implementation of direct seed

practices. If you are interested and would like more

information contact Amanda @ (541)565-3216 ext. 109

by March 31st, 2010.

COST SHARE OPPORTUNITY FOR

DIRECT SEED

OPTIONS FOR EXPIRING CRP Considerations for CRP Conversion

Conversion to Cropland Conversion to Grazing Land

NRCS Programs to Look At:

- Environmental Quality Incen-

tives Program (EQIP)

- Farm and Ranchland

Protection Program (FRPP)

- Grassland Reserve Program

(GRP)

- Wildlife Habitat Incentives

Program (WHIP)

Other Conservation

Opportunities:

- Continuous CRP or the

Conservation Enhancement

Program (CREP) through FSA

- Soil and Water Conservation

District (SWCD) Programs

- State Agency Programs

- Programs through Private

Conservation Groups

Page 4 Rol l ing Thunder Review Volume 9, I ssue 4

Beginning Fund Balance $218,747

Income Operating Grants $101,099 Watershed Improvement Funds $298,538 Sales of Trees $ 362 Interest $ 2,429 Donations $ 648 County Taxes $ 67,623

TOTAL INCOME......................................................................$ 470,699

Expenses

General Government $ 88,416 Watershed Improvement $281,643

TOTAL EXPENSES……………………………………..$ 370,059

Ending Balance-June 30, 2009 $319,387

2008-2009 ANNUAL PLAN of WORK

The Sherman County Soil and Water Conservation District strives to promote and protect the natural resources of not only Sherman County, but also all the areas included in our watershed drainages. The board of directors believes that cooperation between State and Federal agencies, public interest groups, and landowner/operators is of the utmost importance in achieving the goals of this District. We will continue to work for not only better soil and water conservation practices, but also for a better understanding between all parties con-cerned with the protection of our natural resources.

The Sherman SWCD goals are to efficiently deliver treatments to the ground; provide education regarding natural resources and conserva-tion; and act as a buffer between government agencies and landown-ers whenever needed.

Summary of Conservation Practices Implemented

499 acres of CREP enrolled, protecting approximately 28 miles of stream

5 Rangeland water & sediment control basins

67 Cropland water & sediment control basins

114,493 feet of terrace (over 21 miles)

5 spring developments

88 acres of brush control

2 acres grassed waterway

2 wildlife watering facilities

50 acres of pest management

8,593 acres of direct seed trials

SHERMAN COUNTY SWCD ANNUAL REPORT

2008-2009

The Sherman County SWCD is governed by a locally elected,

volunteer Board of Directors. It is a legal subdivision of

state government and receives funds to administer its pro-

grams from ODA, OWEB, NRCS, BPA, and others.

The Board of Directors meets monthly on the second Tues-

day in the Moro Field Office. Meetings are open to the pub-

lic. For information or agendas, contact the office.

SWCD BOARD MEMBERS

Kyle Blagg.…………………..............................................Chair Brad Eakin..……….....................................................Vice Chair Tracy Fields...…...............................................................Secretary Gary Irzyk........…….......................................................Treasurer Bill Martin…….................................................................Member Sandy Macnab.……………………….......Associate Member SWCD Staff

Krista Coelsch...........…………………...District Coordinator Amanda Whitman..................................Watershed Coordinator Jessa Irzyk…………………….…....CREP/CRP Technician Brian Stradley……………………..…….District Technician

Natural Resource Conservation Service Staff

Kristie Coelsch………………...…....District Conservationist Mary Beth Smith...……...….Basin Resource Conservationist

Co-operating Agencies Farm Services Agency..........................................Martin Nguyen County FSA Committee...........……….…..…….Mavis Olsen Jim Macnab Tim Jefferies Sherman County Court.....................................Gary Thompson Steve Burnet Mike Smith Sherman County Weed District.................................Rod Asher County Weed Board….............................................. .Kyle Blagg Tracy Fields Martin Richelderfer Bryan Peters Rory Wilson Agricultural Research Service...............................Betty Klepper Bureau of Land Management................................Lyle Andrews John Hanf O.S.U. Extension Service...................... .............Sandy Macnab O.S.U. Experiment Station................................Erling Jacobsen Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. …….....Keith Kohl

Page 3 Rol l ing Thunder Review Volume 9, I ssue 4

As more and more wind towers are being put in throughout the county, more conservation issues will arise. Sherman County SWCD is here to assist you with issues concerning im-pacts of towers and roads on your farm land.

ACCESS ROADS

ELECTRICAL TRENCHES

RECLEMATION

If you have concerns about the above issues please contact our office for more information (541)565-3216 ext. 3

Just a reminder…

There is still cost share assistance available

through OWEB and BPA Grants.

OWEB Small Grant funds are now available

with a 75% cost share for projects $5,000 or

less and a 50% cost share for projects $5,001 to

$10,000.

The spring OWEB Large Grant Cycle deadline

is coming up. Most restoration projects qualify

with a 75% cost share.

If you have projects that are located in the Pine

Hollow/Jackknife Watershed you may be eligi-

ble for 85% cost share through BPA.

If you are interested in signing up for any of

these cost share opportunities contact the

SWCD Office or stop by and visit us.

GOT WIND?

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

RANGELAND & CRP MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

OWEB & BPA

Grant Updates