Watershed council receives funding

The Deschutes County Watershed Council will receive $58,753 from the Governor's Watershed Enhancement Board.

According to council spokesperson Barbara Lee, the two grant awards will help her organization and its partner, the Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District, support the goals of The Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds.

A $13, 640 grant will be used to develop a water quality monitoring program in collaboration with local, state, and federal management agencies, Lee said.

The program will result in a comprehensive water quality monitoring plan for the Upper Deschutes River watershed. The U.S. Geological Service is providing technical assistance for plan development.

A $45,113 grant was awarded to further the council's efforts to improve water quality, fish habitat and watershed health.

The council is a nonprofit organization which fosters the stewardship of Upper Deschutes River resources through cooperative, voluntary efforts with watershed residents for the benefit of the area's natural resources and economy.

The council provides a forum for residents to share their local natural resource knowledge and experience in watershed management planning activities.

The council also helps coordinate the key project partners in the development and implementation of activities to enhance the watershed.