Conserving the Land and a Family's Dream
As a dairy worker, Andres Sanchez hoped to someday own and run his own operation. By 1998, he had built up a herd, bought a farm, and went into business for himself in the dairy producing region near Tillamook, Oregon. While this would constitute a happy ending for many, Sanchez was just getting started making his operation productive, efficient and sustainable.  More...

Key Words:  EQIP, conservation planning, dairy operation, North Coast Basin

Grower Interest Enhances Local Soil Surveys in Oregon
It’s no secret that successful farmers know as much about their soil as they do about the crops they grow in it. None illustrate this fact more than vineyard operators in Oregon’s wine region. Several years ago, they began working closely with soil scientists from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to develop increasingly detailed soil data for the Willamette Valley.  More...

Key Words:  Soil Survey, vineyards, Willamette Valley, Lower Willamette Basin

Cooperation Leads to Solutions for Wild Fish
A small, dedicated group of local citizens, county employees, and conservationists came together along the banks of Oregon’s South Fork Klaskanine River this fall to celebrate completion of a fish passage project that could never have happened without the unique contributions of each.  More...

Key Words:  WHIP, salmon habitat, dam removal, cooperative conservation, North Coast Basin

100 Years of Success and Still Moving Forward
“We’re third generation farmers looking toward the future for the next generation...and conservation will be a key part of that.”  More...

Key Words:  EQIP, irrigation efficiency, sustainable marketing, conservation planning, Willamette Basin

Dairy Operations That Benefit the Watershed
The River Meadow Dairy is nestled in a lush, forested valley along the Nehalem River’s North Fork. A number of native steelhead, Chinook and coho salmon—as well as elk, deer, wild turkey and a diversity of birds—make their home in this picturesque corner of northwest Oregon. Dairy owner-operator Brian Tallman truly sees that protecting this scenic and ecologically rich environment is his responsibility—and a big one.  More...

Key Words:  EQIP, water quality improvements, conservation planning, dairy operation, North Coast Basin

A Willamette Valley Wetland Restoration
"The aesthetics are a huge part of it," Willamette Valley farmer Mark Knapp says, looking across an expanse of lush, verdant wetlands. He restored nearly 400 acres of marginal cropland to its naturally soggy condition in 1996. Today, this wildlife enthusiast is enjoying the benefits.  More...

Key Words:  WRP, wetland restoration, wildlife habitat, Lower Willamette Basin

A Conservation Investment for Sustainable, Marketable Timber Products
"You have to be aware of conservation," says Dan Mast. "You wouldn’t have anything down the road if you weren’t." Mast manages 800 acres of family-owned forest land in southwestern Oregon. While the family also operates a grade A dairy and raise lambs, Dan believes that maintaining a diverse operation is the key to survival for small operations like his.  More...

Key Words:  Forest stand improvement, conservation planning, small acreage, Southwest Oregon Basin

Custom Planning and Integrated Solutions
Alan and Susie Anderson are using EQIP to improve native rangeland on their 6,200-acre commercial cattle operation outside of Lonerock in northeast Oregon. “It’s an excellent way to accomplish great things on our land that we alone, for technical and financial reasons, may not be able to do,” says Alan Anderson.”  More...

Key Words:  EQIP, prescribed grazing, conservation technical assistance, John Day Basin

Keep the Neighbors Talking -- About CONSERVATION, That Is!
According to Ed Landis, finding the right program and technical assistance at the right time made his streambank project a success. “It has changed this part of the stream from just a mess to ...a win-win for everyone.”  More...

Key Words:  EQIP, CREP, conservation planning, streambank stabilization, stream barbs, Upper Willamette Basin

Taking Stewardship to the Next Level with CSP
Two years ago, Jim Popson stopped irrigating the pastures on his 2,000-acre ranch. Thanks to good management, he continues to operate a successful replacement heifer operation.  More...

Key Words:  CSP, grazing management, water conservation, Klamath Basin