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.

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.

Mission

To encourage and promote the responsible stewardship of our natural resources through conservation, restoration and protection, to enhance the health, economic benefits and quality of life for the citizens within the District.

Vision

Our lands and waters are healthy and sustain farms, forests, wildlife and communities.

Guiding Principles

• 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.
• 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.
• We respect private property owners’ rights and honor their wise and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
• We seek participation of the residents of Lane County to establish local conservation priorities.
• 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.
• We will act with integrity and operate with transparency.