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USDA DIRECTS $3.6 MILLION FOR WATER QUALITY, QUANTITY IN OREGON

Agricultural producers in eight project areas are encouraged to apply for funding.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact information:
Meta Loftsgaarden, (503) 414-3236, Meta.Loftsgaarden@or.usda.gov 


PORTLAND, JULY 30, 2009— U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Dave White today announced nearly $58 million for water conservation and water quality improvements on agricultural working lands, including $3.6 million directed to Oregon projects, through the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The eight Oregon projects are among 63 AWEP proposals funded in 21 States.

“We must take steps to protect and preserve our water resources, and the Obama Administration is committed to using this program to provide financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to improve water conditions on their land,” said White.

AWEP promotes ground and surface water conservation and improves water quality by helping farmers and ranchers voluntarily implement agricultural water enhancement activities. Through the program, NRCS sets aside conservation funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to address natural resource concerns in identified project areas. Agricultural producers apply for EQIP funding to address those issues on their land. Those receiving assistance through AWEP must meet EQIP requirements and enter into a program contract with NRCS.

AWEP project areas were proposed by partner groups, such as federally recognized Indian Tribes, States, units of local government, agricultural associations, and other such groups that are willing to collaborate and contribute resources to help achieve project objectives. In this way, AWEP allows the agency to leverage the federal investment in natural resources conservation with the services and resources of other conservation partners.

"Ultimately, AWEP will help growers be more effective in their efforts to conserve water supplies and improve water quality on working agricultural lands," explained Oregon State Conservationist Ron Alvarado.

Partner proposals were selected competitively at a national level. Proposals that received higher rankings may include: natural resource priority areas, property undergoing conversion from irrigated to dryland farming, projects that help producers meet regulatory requirements, or areas with a high percentage of agricultural land and producers.
Projects approved for funding in Oregon are listed below, along with the project partners and contacts for more detailed project information and local applications dates.
 

Project Name
 		 Location Project Sponsor Contact Information
Birch Creek Project East Fork of Birch Creek in Umatilla County Umatilla Basin Watershed Council Pendleton NRCS Service Center:
(541) 278-8049
Burnt River Watershed Enhancement Project Burnt River area of Baker County Burnt River Soil and Water Conservation District Baker City NRCS Service Center:
(541) 523-7121
The Dalles Irrigation District Project The Dalles Irrigation District The Dalles Irrigation District The Dalles NRCS Service Center:
(541) 298-8559
Lost River and Butte Valley Watersheds Project Lost River Watershed in Klamath County, Oregon and Lost River and Butte Valley Watersheds in Modoc and Siskyou Counties, California Lava Beds/Butte Valley Resource Conservation District and Klamath Soil and Water Conservation District Klamath Falls NRCS Service Center:
(541) 883-6932

Tulelake NRCS Basin Project Office:
(530) 667-4247
McKenzie Canyon Irrigation Project Lower Division of the Three Sisters Irrigation District Three Sisters Irrigation District Redmond NRCS Service Center:
(541) 923-4358
Upper Klamath Lake Watershed Project Upper Klamath Lake, Williamson, and Sprague Watersheds, including Sevenmile Creek and Wood River subbasins Klamath Basin Rangeland Trust Klamath Falls NRCS Service Center:
(541) 883-6924
Willow Creek Project Lower Willow Creek Watershed Vale Oregon Irrigation District Ontario NRCS Service Center:
(541) 889-9689
Zollner Creek Project Zollner subbasin in Marion County Marion Soil and Water Conservation District Salem NRCS Service Center:
(503) 399-5741

AWEP was established by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) and funding comes from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the program for USDA.

For more information about AWEP, including additional project information, visit: http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/awep/index.html, or visit the nearest USDA Service Center in your area.

NRCS, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Local contact information is located in the telephone book under the federal government listing or can be found online at: www.or.nrcs.usda.gov.

NRCS—Helping people help the land.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people
conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.

An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer


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