Tualatin Soil and water conservation district

Providing local solutions to local problems.

About Us

Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) exist in every county of the United States.  They are legally defined as subdivisions of State government, but they function as local units.  There are 45 SWCDs in Oregon working to put conservation practices on the ground.  SWCDs truly do work for every living thing: plant, animal, and human.

 

The Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District strives to make natural resources as economically viable and environmentally healthy as possible by equipping residents with knowledge, financial resources, and motivation to make the Tualatin Basin a great place to live and work.

 

The District was formed by Washington County voters in 1955.  Soil and Water Conservation Districts are subdivisions of state government, but function as local units.  In Oregon, there are 45 SWCDs putting conservation on the ground.  The results are cleaner water; more productive crop, pasture, and forest lands; and vibrant wildlife habitat.

 

The Tualatin SWCD is led by seven elected, unpaid Directors.  Five represent geographic areas.  Two are at-large positions.  Volunteers are appointed to serve as Associate Directors to contribute additional expertise and energy to the board.

 

The District identified seven priority water quality, soil health, and other natural resource concerns in Washington County to guide our efforts. 

 

Soil Erosion

Intent: Preserve topsoil, maintain soil health, and protect surface water by helping landowners implement practices to prevent erosion from occurring and stop erosion where it exists.

 

Nutrients and Animal Waste

Intent: Ensure surface water and streams are not polluted by nutrients or animal waste.

 

Wildlife Habitat/Water Temperature

Intent: Protect, restore, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat and keep stream temperatures as cool as possible.

 

Invasive Plant Species and Noxious Weeds

Intent: Control invasive plant species and noxious weeds and replace with native species where appropriate.

 

Water Supply and Storage

Intent: Ensure an adequate supply of clean water for all users and beneficial uses, and implement flood control measures.

 

Soil Compaction

Intent: Reduce soil compaction and maintain soil quality to support crop productivity.

 

Air Quality

Intent: Improve air quality by addressing agricultural operations that produce air pollution, including objectionable odors, smoke, dust, and chemicals.