Services, Programs, and Funding Opportunities

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Services
FAQs

In addition to free technical assistance, the District utilizes a number of conservation programs that further assists landowners in implementing best management practices on their property.  These programs typically focus on improving water quality and wildlife habitat in Yamhill County.

We cooperate with a number of partners to implement these programs such as: The Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Oregon Department of Agriculture, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board.  Through our partnerships, we are able to provide technical and financial assistance in the form of conservation programs and grants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Water

There are state certified labs that can test your water to ensure that your drinking water is within state safety standards.  Information on water testing and a list of state certified labs is available at Oregon State Extension Well Water Program.

There is no real time data collection for parameters related to swimming safety for Yamhill County streams and rivers. This means people need to use their best judgement to make decisions based on local conditions that might affect overall water quality, for example the time of year, recent precipitation, nearby land uses, etc. and other historical water quality data. Typically in July and August, when stream flows are at their lowest and temperatures at their highest, is when water quality could be impaired enough to negatively affect your health. Minimize your risk for contact related illnesses by practicing good hygiene before and after you enter the water.

Here are some resources to help in your decision making:

OHA Water Related Illness Page

OHA Current Recreational Advisories

Is it safe to swim in the Willamette?

DEQ’s State of Oregon Water Quality Index

The District often gets inquiries from land owners interested in building ponds on their property.  The first thing the District recommends is exploring the permitting process.  Removal and fill is regulated by the Oregon Dept. of State Lands (DSL) and the Federal Army Corps of Engineers.  Removal or fill of greater than 50 cu. yds of material generally requires a permit, but there are exemptions.  DSL’s website has more information on that process and requirements.

The USDA published a great resource on pond design and construction which is an excellent starting point and resource.

Water rights in Oregon can be complicated.  Oregon’s Department of Water Resources has an excellent online water rights mapping tool that can be used to find out what water rights you have on your property or a property you are looking to purchase.  The Water Resources Department also has an excellent publication, “An Introduction to Oregon’s Water Laws”, that outlines Oregon Water Law in an easy to read format.

Irrigation for commercial use from ground water sources (wells) is not allowed without water rights. Landowners are able to use their well water for irrigating a noncommercial garden not more than ½ acre in size.

  • City of McMinnville – McMinnville Water and Light, at (503) 472-6158 or online at mc-power.com
  • City of Newberg – you can call (503) 537-1205 to set up service and you can pay your bills online
  • City of Amity: 503-835-4181
  • City of Carlton: 503-852-7575 to start water service you can get an online application, first visit City of Carlton’s website
  • City of Dayton: 503-864-2221
  • City of Dundee: 503-538-6700
  • City of Lafayette: 971-237-2515
  • City of Sheridan: 503-843-2347
  • City of Willamina: 503-876-2242
  • City of Yamhill: 503-662-4344

Soil

Soil testing is an important management tool on all farms.  At the District, we do not have the laboratory equipment to provide landowners with soil analysis.  OSU Extension has a publication that lists certified soil labs that you can send soil samples to for analysis.

Guide to Collecting Soils for Testing

Finding a Soil Test Lab

How To Take a Soil Sample Video

Wildlife

We often get calls about nuisance wildlife on people’s property.  ODFW has a list of permitted wildlife control operators and that list indicates what species they are permitted to trap.

We are here to help.

No matter the size or scope of your project, reach out to us for guidance and support. We are here to assist you. Together we can restore and protect the natural beauty of Yamhill County.