Past, Present, and Future Efforts to Revitalize Aquatic Habitat in Oregon’s Thirtymile Creek Watershed
Gilliam SWCD & the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture
Land Stewardship
Forward thinking land managers, landowners, and far – reaching federal programs lead to adoption of conservation practices marking the beginning of ecological recovery within the Thirtymile Creek watershed.
Conservation Reserve Program
Starting in 1985, the Conservation Reserve Program supported farmers and landowners in removing environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production. Instead, the CRP allowed them to cultivate wild cover species that would improve wildlife habitat, water and soil quality, and landscape health.
Far Reaching Application in Thirtymile Creek
Since its inception landowners in the Thirtymile Creek Watershed have enrolled approximately 21,000 acres in the Conservation Reserve Program with a goal of creating and preserving a resilient landscape.
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Similar to the CRP the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program was designed to support landowners in establishing riparian vegetation and preventing grazing along streams through fencing, planting, and grazing management.
Over 1000 acres covering 272 stream miles are now enrolled in CREP within the Thirtymile Watershed. These practices have been essential in supporting vegetation reestablishment within valley bottom throughout the watershed.