Financial assistance may be available to individual landowners to help with implementing projects that enhance and protect natural resources, as well as improve operations.
There are many grant and cost share opportunities available depending on the natural resource concern. The SWCD has the capacity to assist with developing project ideas and applying for funds to get the project implemented on the ground.
One of the primary programs for financial assistance is the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board’s Small Grant Program. The HRSWCD manages the grant program for the local Hood River area. The SWCD is continually soliciting applications for OWEB small grants. This funding opportunity provides landowners up to $15,000 in grant funds for projects that result in benefits to water quality, quantity, and habitats. Some example projects that would be eligible for funding include irrigation upgrades, livestock improvements (hardened footings, manure storage, fencing), riparian plantings, and fish passage. Please call us to discuss any project ideas you might have.
We are also close partners with the Natural Resource Conservation Service who has financial assistance programs to assist agricultural landowners with improvements to their land. Projects include: irrigation water management and system upgrades, air quality, forest management, and pollinator enhancement. Carly Heron is the District Conservationist for Hood River County and you can contact her at: carly.heron@usda.gov or 541-352-1037.
Please contact us for any questions or project ideas – grant application windows are continuously open!
