ABOUT THE UPPER WILLAMETTE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
What is Upper Willamette SWCD?
Upper Willamette SWCD works to provide for the conservation of renewable natural resources of the state and thereby conserve and develop water resources and water quality and preserve wildlife habitat. We work with landowners for voluntary improvement on their land to reach our conservation goals and support the community.
The Upper Willamette Soil and Water Conservation District (Upper Willamette SWCD) is a local government entity organized under the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) established under Oregon revised Statutes (ORS) 568.210 to 568.808 classified as a municipal corporation that works on a voluntary basis to assist landowners at their request and has no regulatory authority; and serves as the Local Management Agency for implementation of the Oregon Agricultural Water Quality Management Area Plans per ORS 568.900 – 568.933.
UWSWCD encompasses 1.9 million acres across a large portion of central and eastern Lane County, including the major metropolitan areas of Eugene and Springfield.
The UWSWCD’s mission is to encourage and promote the responsible stewardship of our natural resources through conservation and restoration. We also work to protect and enhance the health, economic benefits, and quality of life for the citizens within the District.
Our Vision for Lane County
We envision clean, healthy and abundant water resources for all people and wildlife in Lane County.
We envision abundant natural green spaces available to all citizens of Lane County.
We envision creating vibrant urban natural habitats for the benefit of our children, pollinators, and wildlife.
We envision bountiful healthy soils thriving with organic matter to provide nourishing foods, flourishing forests, and vital wildlife habitats on all lands.
We envision thriving, abundant wildlife habitats along rivers, lakes, streams, and on mountains, in oak savannas, and forests.
We envision the long-term protection of rural lands to ensure Lane County is a place that supports the vitality of farms and ranches for economic and social benefits.
We envision urban and rural citizens protecting/stewarding natural resources for the benefits of all citizens and future generations.
Our Water Conservation’s Guiding Principles
ONE ───
We value the partnerships and working relationships we have with local conservation nonprofits and local, state, and federal agencies as we join together to protect and enhance the natural beauty, livability, and ecosystems of Lane County.
TWO ───
We uphold a locally-led, watershed-based, and voluntary approach to natural resource management to ensure the health and sustainable use of our water and other natural resources.
THREE ───
We will enhance our efforts on underserved populations and geographic areas and strive to provide equitable access for all to our services. We will work to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion awareness and practices into our work process and programs.
FOUR ───
We seek participation of the residents of Lane County to establish local conservation priorities.
FIVE ───
We respect private property owners’ rights and honor their wise and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
SIX ───
We will act with integrity and operate with transparency.