Author: Tanya

LINCOLN SOIL AND WATER
CONSERVATION DISTRICT
49th ANNUAL REPORT

WHAT’S IN SIDE?

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN: Robert vanCreveld

Our Directors	2
Knotweed Program	3
Agricultural Water / Quality Program	4
USDA—NRCS	5
MidCoast Watersheds / Council	6
Stream Habitat Report	7
2004-2005 Work Plan	8
2003-2004 Annual Audit	9

DIRECTORS

Jim Stafford—Zone 1
Joe Steenkolk—Zone 2
Sterling Grant—Zone 3 / Vice Chairman
Wayne DeMoray—Zone 4 / Secretary
Rennie Ferris—Zone 5 / Treasurer
Robert vanCreveld—At Large / Chairman
Jim Dunlap—Associate Director

As we begin a new year it is important to look back to see where we have been. By looking back we have a clearer vision of where we are going or what we want to change. The Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District has a history of working with local landowners to improve environmental conditions on ranches, farms and forests since 1955.
Recently, we have decided that we need to broaden our area of influence. Our traditional base are the rural lands dealing with issues of stream habitat and soil protection. It is equally important for the District to engage in issues of invasive weeds, urban stream quality and construction site erosion prevention.
Invasive weeds (Knotweed) have taken a front seat in District activities. We have increased staffing and successfully funded the effort into the future.
I am also pleased to be able to announce that for the first time in many years the Board has a full compliment of Directors. Congratulations to all those who successfully ran for reelection and to our newest Director, Mr. Lentz!
I salute all those folks that are involved in making the work of the District successful. There is much more work to be done.
Robert vanCreveld, Chairman

Robert vanCreveld
Serving since 1998

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OUR DIRECTORS

Sterling grant
Serving since 1993

Rennie Ferris
Serving since 1999

Wayne DeMoray
Serving since 1987

Joe Steenkolk
Serving since 1990

Jim Stafford
Serving since 2002

Jim Dunlap
Serving since 1995

WHAT IS A DIRECTOR?
A “District Director” is a person who has been elected or appointed to serve on a conservation district board. District Directors serve a four year term on a voluntary basis. Some customary duties of a District Director include but are not limited to the following:
Keep informed of local conservation issues
Promote the Districts work to local landowners
Promote the Districts work to legislators and other decision makers regarding the districts fund.
Work effectively with District staff and cooperating agencies
Implement District programs effectively
Ensure the boards policies and activities are consistent with the policies of the Oregon Dept of Agriculture, Natural Resources Division and the Oregon Soil and Water Conservation Commission
For more information concerning District Directors “Roles and Responsibilities”, please refer to the Oregon Soil and Water Conservation District Guidebook by calling (541) 265-2631.

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KNOTWEED PROJECT

JAPANESE, GIANT, HIMALAYAN—DO YOU HAVE IT?

WHAT IS KNOTWEED? Japanese, Giant and Himalayan knotweed are perennial plants native to Asia, but planted in gardens here. Common names include Mexican or Japanese bamboo, elephant ear and fleece flower. By any name they are noxious weeds and a critical threat to our rivers’ health. WHY IS KNOTWEED A PROBLEM? Knotweed is fast growing and extremely aggressive. It invades river and creek banks, permanently displaces native vegetation, destroys critical fish and wildlife habitat and reduces recreational opportunities. Due to a huge and vigorous root system, large patches are very difficult to eradicate. Seasonal flooding continues to spread knotweed throughout many Northwest watersheds. HOW DOES IT SPREAD? In the Pacific Northwest, knotweed usually spreads when roots are moved by floods or in contaminated soil. Because root fragments as small as 1/2 inch can start new plants, even one patch can produce hundreds of new plants.
KNOTWEED IS AN AGGRESSIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE WEED THAT SPREADS QUICKLY, SHADES OUT NATIVE PLANTS AND DESTROYS HABITAT.
( The Nature Conservancy Brochure)
WHAT IS THE DISTRICT DOING TO HELP CONTROL KNOTWEED IN LINCOLN COUNTY?
In the past year, District staff surveyed and mapped 490 knotweed sites in Lincoln County. This is more than 8 times the initial estimate of 60 sites. In addition to the surveying and mapping, ownership contact information was collected for approximately 90% of the sites.
In the fall of 2003, The Oregon Department of Transportation was contracted to arrange for highway right-of-way treatment of knotweed by the ODA Weed Management Staff. Nine sites were treated using approved foliar applications. In addition, one site on private property was treated using approved foliar application by a commercial contractor. As an alternative to pesticide treatment, two test plots were established in the Yachats watershed during the winter of 2003-2004 to determine the effectiveness of covering knotweed patches with cardboard, plastic and tarps. Contractors were hired to remove knotweed stalks, level the ground surface, layout materials to cover an area twice the size of the patch dimension, and weight down the cover materials with pallets, board, and woody debris. These sites are being monitored to determine effectiveness over the next two years.
In preparation for the April 2004 to October 2004 knotweed control season, the District hired a seasonal staff person with an Oregon public pesticide applicators license to obtain landowner permissions for access, treatment, and monitoring of knotweed sites. This individual also injected small patches of knotweed and provide logistical assistance to commercial applicators in accessing knotweed sites. In addition, this person also monitored the effectiveness of treatments and surveyed for additional knotweed sites. Funding for this position comes from the US Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Bureau of Land Management.
Report submitted by Eddie Huckins

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AGRICULTURAL WATER QUALAITY PROGRAM

MIDCOAST AGRICULTURAL NON POINT SOURCE (NPS)
POLLUTION REDUCTION PROJECT

Several water bodies on the central Oregon coast are “water quality limited” because they exceed state water quality standards for sedimentation, temperature, bacteria and nutrients. As a result, the Mid Coast Local Advisory Committee (LAC) developed a plan and area rules in 2002 to protect water quality and prevent and control water pollution from agriculture activities. The area rules require agricultural activities to allow for the establishment and development of riparian vegetation, control sediment and erosion, and prevent nutrients from polluting waters of the state.
Recognizing the current economic impact limiting MidCoast agriculture landowner’s ability to meet these goals, Lincoln SWCD secured funds to leverage the implementation of near-stream management actions in cooperation with more than 50 agricultural landowners to reduce NPS temperature, sediment, bacteria and nutrients in the MidCoast Basin over the next three years. This project will implement aspects of the MidCoast Agricultural Water Quality Management Area Plan (AWQMAP) and the Coast Nonpoint Pollution Control Program agricultural management measures. Lincoln and Siuslaw Soil and Water Conservation District staff will evaluate near-stream site capabilities, streambank conditions, and with the landowners, design best management practices (BMPs) for each water quality limiting factor identified. BMPs will be developed from published federal and state technical guidelines. Consistent with site capability, vegetation will be established to provide shade, maintain stream bank integrity and filter nutrients and sediment. Bio-engineering will be implemented where bank erosion is severe using proven and documented low tech methods. Enclosures and other protective devices will be installed as necessary, during riparian tree planting to prevent damage form rodents, beavers, deer, elk and livestock. Fences will be constructed or natural vegetation barriers established to create water gaps and stream crossings for livestock while protecting against stream bank erosion. Off-stream watering systems will be installed where water gaps are impractical. Manure storage areas will be constructed (where not required by permit, order, or enforcement action). Geotextile fabric and rock will be placed in concentrated animal use areas (excludes confined animal feeding operations).
Report submitted by Eddie Huckins

Eddie Huckins
Watershed tech
employed since 2003

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USDA—NRCS

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) cooperates with the Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District and administers several programs of the US Department of Agriculture which pertain to management of natural resources on privately owned lands. Several projects were completed this year. Following is a summary of the years' accomplishments in USDA programs in Lincoln County and new challenges.
A closer working relationship between the NRCS and the Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District has continued to develop over the last year, bringing a stronger and coordinated effort to serve the needs of agricultural landowners in Lincoln County. The NRCS provided financial support to the District for the knotweed control project. The project supported the goals of both the District and the NRCS.
An increase in the number of small acreage ownerships has become apparent in the county. Many of the landowners use these properties for agriculturally related activities; care and maintenance of horses is a common one. In light of the establishment of the water quality management area and the approval of the rules by the State, these smaller acreage horse pastures present a large challenge to the NRCS and the District. Maintaining livestock in the wet climate can be difficult. Livestock owners face challenges in the health of the livestock, the condition of the land, and in properly dealing with manure and clean water concerns. In the coming year the District and NRCS will be working hard to provide services to these landowners which will benefit the landowners, the livestock, and the natural environment.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Project assistance was provided to four private landowners in the county. Approximately 55 acres of land was treated through the installation of erosion control measures, improvement of wildlife habitat, and manure composting. Planning was completed for a new project; the goal of which is to reduce the amount of sediment discharge. The project will be funded by NRCS in the coming year.
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Existing project sites continued to develop well along creeks and rivers in the county. No new projects were added during the last year. The land enrolled in this program is managed to benefit wildlife habitat and water quality improvement. Landowners receive an annual rental payment from USDA for all acreage under contract in the CREP.
Report submitted by Kate Danks

Kate Danks—NRCS
Serving Lincoln Co
Since 1998

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MIDCOAST WATERSHEDS COUNCIL

MidCoast Partnering with Lincoln SWCD

The MidCoast Watersheds Council continues to benefit from its partnership with the Lincoln SWCD and NRCS. I sincerely hope the benefits are mutual. The MCWC has faced (and continues to face) four major challenges in achieving our goals, and our partnership has been helpful in all four areas.
The first of these is diversification of funding sources for basic council support. Sharing an office with Lincoln SWCD and NRCS has helped greatly in managing basic office support functions. The NRCS provision of office furniture, equipment, and supplies has been particularly helpful. We need to do much more, but this help has been invaluable.
The second challenge was to diversify our project funding. We have negotiated Lincoln County Title III funds for conservation easements, and our project to acquire Yaquina Bay tidal marshes appears finally to be bearing fruit. We have received a major grant from the National Forest Foundation for instream habitat improvements, and have applied for funds from NOAA Fisheries. Our in-school education program has had success in attracting support from private foundations. Our partnership with Lincoln SWCD for riparian plantings has been very helpful. Still, more needs to be done.
The third challenge was to build consensus to rebuild Coho populations to levels that will support substantial fisheries, rather than merely reducing the threat of extinction. The threat is that the agencies involved in recovery efforts will consider the job done when populations have reached levels indicating Endangered Species Act listing is unwarranted, but insufficient to provide the economic benefits to our communities of a healthy fishery. I have worked with the NOAA fisheries Technical Recovery process, and have joined the Oregon/NOAA Fisheries joint Oregon Coastal Coho Stakeholder Team to further this effort. The knowledge and survey results of Mark Stone and Kip Wood have been extremely helpful to me in these arenas. Results will be seen in the next year or two.
The fourth challenge involved a delay in establishing water quality criteria (TMDLs) for the MidCoast Region, making it harder to prioritize our riparian improvement projects. The Lincoln SWCD has taken a lead in water quality data collection and riparian improvements to prepare us for the eventual TMDL calculations. We welcome their leadership, and will assist in project design and implementation.
I look forward to another year of increasingly effective and relevant habitat projects, of growing educational efforts, and of increasing influence in local efforts to improve watershed health. I expect our partnership to achieve far more than we could do working separately.
Report submitted by Wayne Hoffman

Wayne Hoffman
Coordinator —1999

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STREAM HABITAT EVALUATION

MIDCOAST WATERSHED EVALUATION
AND RESTOATION PROJECT

COHO SPAWNING SURVEYS
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) gave us twelve different stream reaches to conduct Spawning Surveys on. These stream reaches were located in the basins of the Siletz, Yaquina, Alsea and Yachats rivers and two Ocean Tributaries.
In all 16.4 miles of streams were surveyed once every 7 to 10 days. Extensive property owner research was done on each stream reach to ensure that all property owners were contacted before any survey was conducted. The crew uses all contacts with property owners as a chance to discuss restoration opportunities and watershed issues.
STEELHEAD SPAWNING SURVEYS
Twenty two stream reaches were surveyed once every 10 to 14 days. In all 30.1 miles of streams were surveyed in the basins of the Alsea, Siletz, Salmon, and Yachats rivers as well as two Ocean tributaries.
AQUATIC HABITAT INVENTORIES
In all, three streams in the MidCoast area were inventoried. Green River, East Fork Green River and Crab Creek, all in the Alsea Basin, were inventoried in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service Helicopter log placement project. These inventories were post project surveys to document changes in the streams after the log placements. In all 12.6 miles of streams were inventoried.
IN-STREAM MONITORING
Eight temperature probes were placed and recovered in the Yaquina River. Sites were selected in cooperation with ODFW and the MidCoast Watersheds Council. They range from just above Nashville down to Eddyville. Information is digitized and submitted to DEQ.
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
Personnel talked about Watershed issues and restoration potential with numerous property owners during contacts for permission for access to lands for various survey and monitoring activities.
The Stream Table model was presented at the Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) Sea Fest Fair. Bill Hanshumaker from HMSC said that the stream table was one of the most popular exhibits at the fair.
While doing a Steelhead Spawning survey, on the Yachats River, Kip had the opportunity to address The Wilderness Volunteers, a national volunteer group. The group was assisting Tony Stein (ODFW) and Parker Ogburn ,of the MidCoast Watersheds Council (MCWC), in a planting project at Steve Hamilton’s property. Kip talked about restoration issues and Spawning Survey protocol.
INTER AGENCY COOPERATION
Mark represented the District at a MCWC Technical Team meeting and presented the Bowman project to the team for approval.
Adult Chinook spawning survey information was exchanged with the Siletz Tribe on the portions of the Siletz that we survey.
Report submitted by Mark Stone and Kip Wood

Kip Wood
Employed since 1996

Mark Stone
Employed since 1995

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2004-2005 ANNUAL WORKPLAN

WATER QUALITY AND SALMON PROGRAM ASSISTANCE

Goal A: SB1010 Related Activities 1. Provide Technical Assistance to LAC and Public about SB1010 2. Conduct educational workshops for land users 3. Develop individual water quality plans as needed 4. Encourage landowners to participate in State Programs 5. Submit new grants 6. Provide administrative and fiscal support
Goal B: Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OWEB) 1. Participate in the MCWC General, Technical, Basin, and Administrative Meetings 2. Participate in the Salmon-Drift Watershed Council Meeting 3. Provide administrative and fiscal support
Goal C: Federal Program Assistance 1. Provide Soils information to the public 2. Encourage landowners to participate in Federal Programs 3. Participate in basin working groups 4. Improve outreach for land use 5. Provide administrative support
Goal D: Technical Assistance and develop Conservation Plans 1. Forestry Incentives Program (FIP), 2. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) 3. Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) 4. Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) 5. Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) 6. NRCS Conservation Plans
Goal E: MidCoast Evaluation and Restoration Project 1. Conduct Coho, Spring Chinook, and Steelhead Spawning Surveys 2. Conduct Aquatic Habitat Inventory Surveys 3. Conduct landowner contacts, etc. 4. Provide administrative and fiscal support.
Goal F: DEQ Section 319 Water Quality Act 1. Provide project planning, management, and monitoring 2. Provide educational outreach 3. Provide administrative and fiscal support
Goal G: Knotweed Control Program 1. Provide project planning, management, and monitoring 2. Provide administrative and fiscal support
For a more detailed 2004-2005 Annual Work Plan, Please contact the Lincoln SWCD Office.

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2003-2004 ANNUAL AUDIT

AUDIT PERFORMED BY ANTHONY WILDER, CPA

Statement of Receipts, Disbursements and Changes in Fund Balances
Modified Cash Basis
Governmental Funds
For the Year Ended June 30, 2004
RECEIPTS:
Grant Receipts $ 208,591
Rent Proceeds 20,760
Administrative Receipts 15,725
Expense Reimbursement 21,587
Other Receipts 300
Total Receipts
DISBURSEMENTS:
General Government $ 68,697
Conservation Projects 189,737
Total Disbursements
EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES $ 8,529
OVER EXPENDITURES
FUND BALANCE, BEGINNING OF YEAR $ 22,912
FUND BALANCE, END OF YEAR
For a detailed report of the 2003-2004 Audit, Please contact the LSWCD office.

$ 266,963

$ 258,434

$ 31,441

Tanya Jorgenson
Office Manager
Employed since 1998

LINCOLN SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

157 NW 15th Street, Unit 1
Newport, Oregon 97365

Phone—541-265-2631
Fax—541-265-9351
Email—lincolnswcd@pacificonline.net

MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District is to improve and conserve natural resources on agricultural forested, private, urban and rural lands in Lincoln County By:
Providing information, education, and outreach.
Providing technical assistance to private landowners to develop and implement conservation plans on their property.
Providing an interface between agencies and landowners.
Collaborating with federal, state, and local government agencies and groups.

VISION STATEMENT
The Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District will be recognized and respected in the community by the public and other local agencies. The District will have an effectively trained staff that is knowledgeable about local resource concerns and is courteous and respectful in providing natural resource services and information. The District will also be known as a place in the community where people can turn with their natural resource concerns and know that their voices will e heard. The District will continue to be financially sound and able to offer support to landowners who are conserving, enhancing, and restoring our natural resources.

VALUES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The following values and guiding principles direct the Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District in how it conducts business, relates to customers, and interacts with the public. The Lincoln SWCD will:
Address natural resource concerns with landowners in a timely manner.
Design and implement projects that are consistent with our mission and vision.
Provide information, technical assistance, and incentives so landowners will meet natural resource goals.
Work on a voluntary basis with landowners.
Be accountable in all decisions made concerning the district.
Be respectful of private property rights and the decisions of landowners.
Maintain professional interactions with other agencies and the community.