The District works to support partner’s programs and efforts to improve watershed health. Assistance includes planning, implementation, monitoring, financial, and educational support.
We work with the following partners:
The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) invests funds from the Lottery, federal Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, Salmon License Plates, and other sources into local communities to protect and restore healthy watersheds and natural habitats. The District manages the OWEB Small Grant Program in Hood River, and also applies for larger OWEB grants for restoration and technical assistance.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is responsible for developing plans to prevent and control water pollution and soil erosion from agricultural activities and works with farmers and ranchers to achieve water quality standards. The District acts as the Local Management Agency for the Hood River Agricultural Water Quality Management Area and facilitates biennial reviews of the Hood River Area Plan. ODA facilitates the Oregon State Weed Board which guides weed control priorities and awards grants for weed control projects. ODA also provides support to all 45 SWCDs across the state.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers a variety of programs to help farmers, ranchers, and forest owners perform voluntary conservation on private lands. NRCS programs are funded through the Farm Bill, and include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The District works closely with NRCS to promote and facilitate their programs.
The Fisheries Department of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs manages the fish and fisheries resources across the reservation and ceded lands. The department has a habitat restoration program, a research and monitoring program, and a Hood River program. The District partners with the Tribes on many projects, including restoration, fish population and habitat monitoring, and Salmon Days educational event for Upper Valley 4th and 5th graders.
The Columbia Gorge Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) exists to create and support collaborative weed management among public and private land managers and owners. We are an active participant in the CWMA and work collaboratively with other members to tackle our local weed problems.
The Hood River Watershed Group (HRWG) is one of 55 watershed councils in Oregon. It is a locally organized, voluntary group established to protect and restore native fish populations and watershed health within the Hood River Watershed. The District works with the HRWG and other partners on large-scale restoration strategies to address water conservation, water quality, and fish habitat in the Hood River Watershed.
We work closely with the OSU Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center which is part of the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station to share information about current research going on related to the tree fruit industry. We collaborate on projects, educational opportunities, and workshops. We also work with Master Gardener volunteers.
We work with the Oregon Department of Forestry Central Oregon District, the Dalles Unit Office on collaborative forestry projects in Hood River County. These projects include conducting defensible space work, mitigating wildfire threat by managing private forest stands, and utilizing a mobile wood chipper to eliminate woody debris from around homes.
We are a member of the Oregon Association of Conservation Districts (OACD). The OACD is a membership organization that represents, supports, and strengthens the state’s 45 Soil & Water Conservation Districts through member services, program development, training, leadership development, public education, and government relations.
Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers (CGFG) is a member driven non-profit made up of 440 growers and 20 shippers of tree fruit in the Mid-Columbia region. CGFG promotes the fruit industry through legislation, research, education, and marketing. The District works with CGFG to host workshops and trainings and develop new materials and projects that benefit the orchard community.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal works collaboratively with state, local, tribal, and federal partners to enhance the safety and resilience of Oregonians to address wildfire challenges facing our state. The District has been working with OSFM since 2023 to conduct defensible space and wildfire prevention work with Hood River County residents, and partners on education and outreach events.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Management Division is responsible for making sure pesticides are used safely and legally. The District has been working with WSDA since 2020 to provide Spanish language pesticide education and licensing opportunities in Hood River County and the Mid-Columbia region.
