Our Vision for the Future: 

The District is committed to working with its constituents  to meet the demand for technical assistance and natural resource education to farmers, ranchers, business owners and the general public to increase the economic viability and environmental health of agriculture and natural resources in Umatilla County.

Our History:

Umatilla County SWCD, established in 1974 with the consolidation of the West, Southern and East Soil Conservation Districts encompasses the whole of Umatilla County, Oregon.  Umatilla County has a population of 70,900 and encompasses 3,231 square miles and is bounded by the Columbia River on the north, Morrow County on the west, Grant County on the south, and Union and Wallowa Counties on the east. Lying to the southeast is The Umatilla Indian Reservation which was established by the Treaty of Walla Walla in 1855. 

The Umatilla County Soil and Water Conservation District takes the lead in soil and water conservation throughout Umatilla County by working with urban and rural property owners, operators, public officials, various state and federal agencies, and private organizations.  This District believes in the protection, conservation, and improvement of soil and water through our employees’ and directors’ abilities to plan, assist, and educate.  It is our belief that concerns about water quality, water quantity, wetlands, soil erosion, and weed management be addressed while simultaneously respecting the private property rights of the property owner and operator.  These concerns are addressed through the District Business Plan and by maintaining existing agreements with the various agencies that work with this District.

Guiding Values:

• Clean water is vital to people and wildlife.
• Healthy soil is a life-sustaining, essential resource. 
• Healthy, holistic ecosystems are vital for humans and wildlife. 
• Humans have a responsibility to, and self-interest in, the health of the natural world. 
• Conservation and effective agricultural business practices are not at odds. 
• Informed and engaged board, staff, and landowners are key to the success of our mission. 
• The strength and effectiveness of our District rests on its' unity. 

Guiding Principles:

• We provide assistance to the public and respond to requests in a timely and courteous way. If we cannot provide direct assistance, we strive to find other resources that meet landowners' needs. 
• We form strategic partnerships to maximize our impact and minimize duplication with other agencies.
• We conserve natural resources so they may be used and enjoyed responsibly. 
• We identify and analyze resource concerns before we determine solutions, as called for by sound conservation science and planning principles. 
• We urge voluntary commitments to conservation; we are not a regulatory body and do not enforce compliance. We maintain political neutrality and respect the privacy of all landowners. 
• We work as members of a flexible, respectful and responsive team.
• We value and reward staff for hard work and innovation and provide staff/board development and training to maintain skills and science-based knowledge to better serve our constituents, maximize our credibility, and increase the success of on-the-ground conservation. 
• We incorporate equity and inclusion awareness and practice into our work process and programs. 
• We place value on personal landowner goals and dreams for their own operation. 
• We act with honesty, integrity, and honor in all of our dealings. 

The Umatilla County Soil and Water Conservation District complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. Anyone who wishes to attend a public meeting but needs special accommodations, please telephone the District office 48 hours in advance, at "541-278-8049 ext. 138".