Conservation reserve enhancement program technical assistance to improve watershed health in oregon

The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) received a $200,000 Cooperative Agreement from the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP, CFDA 10.069) awarded October 1, 2025, with completion targeted for September 13, 2030. This award funds technical assistance to improve watershed health in Oregon through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). OWEB serves as the prime recipient, coordinating implementation across multiple soil and water conservation districts and watershed councils to deliver conservation program support and technical expertise to landowners and operators participating in CREP initiatives.

OWEB distributed sub-awards to five regional partners to deliver localized technical assistance: Crooked River Watershed Council, Gilliam Soil & Water Conservation District, Wasco Soil & Water Conservation District, Wheeler Soil & Water Conservation District, North Fork John Day Watershed Council, Yamhill Soil & Water Conservation District, and Grant Soil & Water Conservation District. These sub-awardees provide on-the-ground technical assistance supporting CREP participant enrollment, conservation planning, practice implementation, and monitoring across central and eastern Oregon watersheds. The funding supports workforce capacity to manage program delivery, enhance technical expertise in conservation planning and practice certification, and facilitate outreach to support landowner participation in voluntary conservation practices that reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat.