History
The District promotes wise use and conservation of Oregon’s natural resources within Yamhill County. Yamhill SWCD provides local leadership, technical assistance, information, and improved access to state and federal cost-share assistance to make positive changes on your land.
Our Vision
"Providing Natural Resource Leadership"
Our Mission
Conserve, restore, and protect Yamhill County’s natural resources by providing technical, financial, and educational assistance to citizens, landowners, and businesses.
District programs will promote voluntary adoption of land management practices by landowners that are needed to protect natural resources. Elected directors, partners, volunteers, and the public will provide local direction and leadership to the district’s programs.
Our Natural Resource Concerns
Soil protection, water quality and quantity, wetland and floodplain protection, native plant and wildlife protection, land use and development, forest and woodland management.
History of Success - Yamhill SWCD Awards History
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“Distinguished Oregon Conservation District Award” |
1964, 1966, 1975, 1980 (runner-up), 1985, 1991, 1999, 2002 and 2007 |
“ NRCS Partnership Award” |
2007, 2010 |
“Governors Fund for Environment” |
2006 and 2009 |
“Best Education Program” |
1991, 1994, 1995, also Pacific Region Award 1995 |
“Sponsoring Conservation Educator of the Year” |
1987, 1989, 1994 |
“Conservation Landowner of the Year” (Yamhill landowners winning statewide award) |
1979, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2008 |
Top Honors: “Annual Report Content and Presentation” |
1968, 1974, 1978, 1996, 1993 (runner-up), 1995 (runner-up), 2002 |
"Oregon Association of Conservation Districts Wetlands Award" |
1994 |
Certificate of Appreciation from Oregon State Attorney General" |
1996 (In Response to Flood) |
History of Yamhill County Soil and Water Conservation District, Oregon
The District was organized April 2, 1953. The first Board of Supervisors included Stanley Christensen, Frank Geisler, Aubrey Tangen, Ivan Dent, Louie Magee, Jack Shelbourne, and Rex Brown. Aubrey Tangen was elected as the first chairman of the district and served until the following annual meeting, at which time Stanley Christensen was elected chairman and has served in that position up until he stepped down in 2004.
The primary purposes for the formation of the district were for technical assistance on drainage, irrigation water management, and woodland management. The district has been the sponsor for several PL 566 applications, but none have been constructed.
In 1979, the district sponsored a 216 streamside control project of over $2.5 million which they carried to a successful completion. May landowners were provided with control of destructive streambank erosion with this project. Over 2,500 miles of field drainage tile have been installed under the direction of the district. The district has cooperated with Yamhill County Road Department and other activities of the county. The district was successful in being funded by voters approving a tax base in November 1984 – the first in Oregon. The district has helped to sponsor an outdoor school in the county since 1961, and have sponsored a Woodland Tour since 1970 that was started in 1961 by Extension Service and the District.