 Pendleton, Ore.—Farmers, ranchers and private landowners interested in maintaining and enhancing production on their land while improving habitat for native fish, plants and wildlife will benefit from a free workshop to be held Saturday, June 21 in Pendleton.
Sponsored by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Blue Mountain Community College, the workshop and associated resource fair will include information on landowners’ assistance programs, invasive species and priority native species and habitats. The Oregon Conservation Strategy, a blueprint for wildlife conservation in the state, will be used as a basis for discussions.
Presenters include representatives from Oregon Department of Forestry, Umatilla Soil and Water Conservation District, Oregon State Weed Board, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency and Umatilla Watershed Council.
“It will be great to have so many experts in one place at one time to help landowners understand what financial support is available for conservation projects,” said Bobby Levy, Fish and Wildlife Commissioner and Umatilla County farmer. “I know it is possible to have a successful farming operation and provide habitat for painted turtles, songbirds and other species.”
According to Jon Farquharson, Blue Mountain Community College agricultural department chair, the workshop will provide advice to private landowners on how to implement conservation actions on their lands.
“We have packed a lot of practical information into this program,” Farquharson said. “Attendees should go away with information they can use and a list of grant opportunities they can pursue if interested.”
Copies of the Oregon Conservation Strategy, a Landowner Incentive and Assistance Program brochure and other material will be given to registered attendees.
“The Conservation Strategy is a great guidebook for the long-term conservation of our native fish, wildlife and habitats,” said Michael Pope, ODFW Conservation Strategy coordinator. “A growing number of agencies and organizations in the state are incorporating its priorities in their plans and grant programs.”
The free workshop, Conservation Opportunities that Benefit Landowners and Wildlife, will take place Saturday, June 21 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Blue Mountain Community College, Science and Technology Building Room 200, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave., Pendleton. Reservations are required. Lunch is included.
Please contact Mary VanEtta, (541) 278-5404, mary.vanetta@oregonstate.edu or Karen Buell, (503) 947-6306, Karen.D.Buell@state.or.us by June 15 to reserve a space. If you are disabled and require accommodation, please indicate requirements when registering.
Photo attached: The Western Meadowlark, Oregon’s state bird, can benefit from conservation efforts on private land. |
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