[]{#Introduction
.anchor}![](media/image1.jpeg){width="2.5097222222222224in"
height="2.6430555555555557in"}**Introduction\
**

The Silvies 8-Digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) subbasin is comprised of
815,000 acres in Harney and Grant Counties. Forty-seven percent of the
subbasin is forestland, thirty-five percent is rangeland, and fifteen
percent is grassland, hayland, and pastureland. There are three
permitted CAFOs and about 6,000 permitted animals in the subbasin.
Resource concerns include invasive, noxious weeds; sheet and rill
erosion; insufficient water for irrigated lands, and declining fish and
wildlife habitat. Low profitability, public controversy, and a lack of
readily available technical assistance are significant concerns to most
agricultural landowners.

There are 87 farms and 147 operators in the subbasin. Many of the
farmers and ranchers have adopted conservation practices but are limited
in their ability to do more because of insufficient financial
assistance. Local leadership and community organizations are able to,
and sometimes do, play a role in facilitating the diffusion of
conservation throughout the subbasin.

The NRCS Hines and John Day Service Centers, Harney and Grant Soil and
Water Conservation Districts, and Harney County Watershed Council
provide conservation assistance in the subbasin.

[]{#ProfileContents .anchor}**nts**

> [Introduction](#Introduction)
>
> [Physical Description](#PhysicalDescription)
>
> [Land Use Map & Precipitation Map](#Map)
>
> [Common Resource Area](#CRA)

[Resource Concerns](#ResConcerns)

[Census and Social Data](#census)

[Progress/Status](#progressstatus)

[Footnotes/Bibliography](#Footnotes)

![](media/image3.jpeg){width="2.877083333333333in"
height="4.048611111111111in"}**\
Relief Map**

![](media/image4.jpeg){width="3.4756944444444446in"
height="3.7569444444444446in"}

[]{#PhysicalDescription .anchor}**\
Physical Description** [*Back to Contents*](#ProfileContents)

***[ALL NUMBERS IN THIS PROFILE ARE FOR OREGON ONLY]{.mark}***

+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| **Land Cover/Land    | *    |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| Use**                | *Own |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | ersh |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| ***(NLCD*[^/         | ip - |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| 2^](#Footnote2)*)*** | *(   |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | 2003 |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | D    |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | raft |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | BLM  |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | Sur  |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | face |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | Map  |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | Set  |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | *[^/ |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | 1^]( |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | #Foo |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | tnot |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | e1)* |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      | **)* |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
|                      | **   |    | **P  |    | ** |   | **   | **  |
|                      | Publ |    | riva |    | Tr |   | Tota | %** |
|                      | ic** |    | te** |    | ib |   | ls** |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    | al |   |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    | ** |   |      |     |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
|                      | *    | *  | *    | *  | *  | * |      |     |
|                      | *Acr | *% | *Acr | *% | *A | * |      |     |
|                      | es** | ** | es** | ** | cr | % |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    | es | * |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    | ** | * |      |     |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Forest               | 330  | 4  | 53   | 7% | \* | \ | **3  | *   |
|                      | ,600 | 1% | ,200 |    |    | - | 83,8 | *47 |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | \ | 00** | %** |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | - |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | - |      |     |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Grain Crops          | \*   | \  | \*   | \  | 0  | 0 | **   | **\ |
|                      |      | -\ |      | -\ |    | % | \*** | -\- |
|                      |      | -- |      | -- |    |   |      | -** |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Conservation Reserve | \*   | \  | \*   | \  | 0  | 0 | **   | **\ |
| Program Land         |      | -\ |      | -\ |    | % | \*** | -\- |
| [***^a^***](#crp)    |      | -- |      | -- |    |   |      | -** |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Grass/Pasture/Hay    | 23   | 3% | 94   | 1  | \* | \ | **1  | *   |
|                      | ,200 |    | ,400 | 2% |    | - | 18,4 | *15 |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | \ | 00** | %** |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | - |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | - |      |     |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Orchards/Vineyards   | 0    | 0% | 0    | 0% | 0  | 0 | *    | **0 |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | % | *0** | %** |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Row Crops            | \*   | \  | \*   | \  | \* | \ | **   | **\ |
|                      |      | -\ |      | -\ |    | - | \*** | -\- |
|                      |      | -- |      | -- |    | \ |      | -** |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | - |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | - |      |     |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Shrub/Rangelands     | 149  | 1  | 133  | 1  | \* | \ | **2  | *   |
|                      | ,100 | 8% | ,000 | 6% |    | - | 82,6 | *35 |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | \ | 00** | %** |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | - |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | - |      |     |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Water/Wetla          | \*   | \  | 26   | 3% | \* | \ | **   | **3 |
| nds/Developed/Barren |      | -\ | ,400 |    |    | - | 27,5 | %** |
|                      |      | -- |      |    |    | \ | 00** |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | - |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | - |      |     |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| **Oregon HUC Totals  | **5  | *  | **3  | *  | ** | * | **8  | **  |
| [*b*](#Totals)**     | 03,9 | *6 | 09,6 | *3 | \* | * | 14,9 | 100 |
|                      | 00** | 2% | 00** | 8% | ** | \ | 00** | %** |
|                      |      | ** |      | ** |    | - |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | \ |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | - |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | - |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | * |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | * |      |     |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| *\*: Less than 1     |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| percent of total     |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| acres. See below for |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| special              |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| considerations.*     |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| []{#crp .anchor}*a:  |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| Estimate from Farm   |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| Service Agency       |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| records and includes |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| CRP/CREP.*           |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| []{#Totals           |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| .anchor}*b: Totals   |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| are approximate due  |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| to rounding and      |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| small unknown        |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| acreages.*           |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| **[Special           |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| Considerations for   |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| This 8-Digit         |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| HUC:]{.underline}**  |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| -   Most of the      |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     private          |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     forestland is    |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     under            |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     non-industrial   |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     ownership and is |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     used for grazing |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     and timber       |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     production.      |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
| -   Oats and peas    |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     are sometimes    |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     sown into new    |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     alfalfa stands   |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     for an early hay |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     crop.            |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+

  --------------------------- -------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
  **Irrigated Lands**\        **Type of Land**     **ACRES**     **% of\       **% of\
  *(1997                                                         Irrigated     HUC**
  NRI*[^/3^](#Footnote3nri)                                      Lands**       
  *Estimates for Non-Federal                                                   
  Lands Only)*                                                                 

                              Cultivated Cropland  0             0%            0%

                              Uncultivated         81,300        66%           10%
                              Cropland                                         

                              Pastureland          42,700        34%           5%

                              **Total Irrigated    **124,000**   **100%**      **15%**
                              Lands**                                          
  --------------------------- -------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------

***(Continued on the following pages)***

[]{#Map .anchor}![](media/image5.jpeg){width="4.222222222222222in"
height="4.75in"} [*Back to Contents*](#ProfileContents)

![](media/image6.jpeg){width="3.3368055555555554in" height="4.875in"}

[]{#CRA .anchor}**Common Resource Area Map** [*Back to
Contents*](#ProfileContents)

**Only the major units are described below - for descriptions of all
units within the HUC, go to:**
[[http://ice.or.nrcs.usda.gov/website/cra/viewer.htm]{.underline}](http://ice.or.nrcs.usda.gov/website/cra/viewer.htm)

![](media/image7.jpeg){width="3.808333333333333in" height="5.14375in"}

**[10.10 -- Central Rocky and Blue Mountains Foothills - Cold
Basins:]{.underline}** This unit is characterized by cold basins
surrounded by the forested 43C.5 unit. Examples include Silvies Valley,
Big Summit Valley, Bear Valley and Logan Valley. The temperature regime
is cryic or frigid, and the moisture regime is xeric.

**[10.16 -- Central Rocky and Blue Mountains Foothills -- Cool, Moist
Blue Mountains Foothills:]{.underline}** This unit is characterized by
rangeland soils on hills and mountains associated with basalt. It is
similar to the Lava Fields unit except that this unit receives more
precipitation and has a xeric soil moisture regime. The dominant soils
are those of the Ateron and Observation series. The temperature regime
is frigid, and the moisture regime is xeric. The mean annual
precipitation is 12 to 20 inches. The vegetation is dominantly mountain
big sagebrush and Idaho fescue (cool, moist climate).

**[23.2 -- Malheur High Plateau - Cool High Desert
Wetlands:]{.underline}** This unit is characterized by cold, wet basins
that have a minimal amount of ash, if any. This unit is primarily in
Harney Basin. The soils range from well drained to very poorly drained
and from nonsaline and nonsodic to very strongly alkaline. Numerous
ponded wetlands are present. The temperature regime is frigid, and the
moisture regime is aridic with aquic soil conditions. The dominant soils
are those of the Ausmus, Poujade, Widowspring, and Lawen series.

**[43C.5 -- Blue and Seven Devils Mountains - Continental Zone
Highlands:]{.underline}** This unit is characterized by one of the
lowest amounts of precipitation and warmest temperatures within the
MLRA. The bedrock typically is basalt and rhyolite, which result in
shallow, gravelly and cobbly soils. The temperature regime is frigid,
and the moisture regime is xeric. The vegetation is dominantly ponderosa
pine, scattered Douglas-fir, western juniper, bitterbrush, and mahogany.
Ash-influenced soils typically are absent.

**Physical Description -- Continued** [*Back to
Contents*](#ProfileContents)

+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   |                            | **ACRES** | *      |
|                   |                            |           | *ACRE- |
|                   |                            |           | FEET** |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
| **Irrigated       | Surface                    | 12,438    | 34,434 |
| Adjudicated Water |                            |           |        |
| Rights**          |                            |           |        |
| *(OWRD*[^/4       |                            |           |        |
| ^](#Footnote4)*)* |                            |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Well                       | 12,408    | 37,066 |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Total Irrigated            | 24,846    | 71,500 |
|                   | Adjudicated Water Rights   |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
| **Stream Flow     | USGS 10393500 SILVIES      | **Total   | 1      |
| Data**            | RIVER, NEAR BURNS, OR      | Avg.      | 29,870 |
|                   |                            | Yield**   |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   |                            | **May --  | 40,572 |
|                   |                            | Sept.     |        |
|                   |                            | Yield**   |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   |                            | **MILES** | **PER  |
|                   |                            |           | CENT** |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
| **Stream          | Total Miles -- Major (100K | 595       | \-\--  |
| Data**[^          | Hydro GIS Layer)           |           |        |
| /5^](#Footnote5)\ |                            |           |        |
| \                 |                            |           |        |
| *\*Percent of     |                            |           |        |
| Total Miles\      |                            |           |        |
| of Streams in     |                            |           |        |
| HUC*              |                            |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | 303d/TMDL Listed Streams   | 71        | 12%    |
|                   | (DEQ)                      |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Anadromous Fish Presence   | 0         | 0%     |
|                   | (StreamNet)                |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Bull Trout Presence        | 0         | 0%     |
|                   | (StreamNet)                |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   |                            | **ACRES** | **PER  |
|                   |                            |           | CENT** |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
| **Land            | Forest                     | 14,800    | 40%    |
| Cover/Use**[      |                            |           |        |
| ^/2^](#Footnote2) |                            |           |        |
|                   |                            |           |        |
| Based on a        |                            |           |        |
| 100-foot\         |                            |           |        |
| stretch on both   |                            |           |        |
| sides\            |                            |           |        |
| of all streams in |                            |           |        |
| the\              |                            |           |        |
| 100K Hydro GIS    |                            |           |        |
| Layer             |                            |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Grain Crops                | 69        | 0%     |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Grass/Pasture/Hay          | 8,281     | 23%    |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Orchards/Vineyards         | 0         | 0%     |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Row Crops                  | 10        | 0%     |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Shrub/Rangelands --        | 11,242    | 31%    |
|                   | Includes CRP Lands         |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Water                      | 2,232     | 6%     |
|                   | /Wetlands/Developed/Barren |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | **Total Acres of 100-foot  | *         | **\    |
|                   | Stream Buffers**           | *36,635** | -\--** |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
| **Land Capability | **1** -- slight            | 0         | 0%     |
| Class**           | limitations                |           |        |
|                   |                            |           |        |
| *(Croplands &     |                            |           |        |
| Pasturelands      |                            |           |        |
| Only)*            |                            |           |        |
|                   |                            |           |        |
| *(1997            |                            |           |        |
| NRI*[^/3          |                            |           |        |
| ^](#Footnote3nri) |                            |           |        |
| *Estimates for    |                            |           |        |
| Non-Federal Lands |                            |           |        |
| Only)*            |                            |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | **2** -- moderate          | 0         | 0%     |
|                   | limitations                |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | **3** -- severe            | 102,000   | 69%    |
|                   | limitations                |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | **4** -- very severe       | 12,000    | 8%     |
|                   | limitations                |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | **5** -- no erosion        | 11,000    | 7%     |
|                   | hazard, but other          |           |        |
|                   | limitations                |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | **6** -- severe            | 23,100    | 16%    |
|                   | limitations; unsuitable    |           |        |
|                   | for cultivation; limited   |           |        |
|                   | to pasture, range, forest  |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | **7** -- very severe       | 0         | 0%     |
|                   | limitations; unsuitable    |           |        |
|                   | for cultivation; limited   |           |        |
|                   | to grazing, forest,        |           |        |
|                   | wildlife habitat           |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | **8** -- miscellaneous     | 0         | 0%     |
|                   | areas; limited to          |           |        |
|                   | recreation, wildlife       |           |        |
|                   | habitat, water supply      |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | **Total Croplands &        | **        | **\    |
|                   | Pasturelands**             | 148,100** | -\--** |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+

  --------------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ----------- ---------- -----------
  **Confined Animal                                                                    
  Feeding Operations --                                                                
  Oregon CAFO Permit --                                                                
  12/2004**                                                                            

  **Animal Type**       **Dairy**   **Feedlot**   **Poultry**   **Swine**   **Mink**   **Other**

  **No. of Permitted    1           2             0             0           0          0
  Farms**                                                                              

  **No. of Permitted    3,850       1,550         0             0           0          0
  Animals**                                                                            
  --------------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ----------- ---------- -----------

[]{#ResConcerns .anchor}**Resource Concerns** [*Back to
Contents*](#ProfileContents)

![](media/image8.wmf)

-   Sheet and rill erosion by water on the cropland and pastureland have
    been reduced by nearly 8,000 tons of soil per year from 1982 to
    1997.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   NRI estimates indicate that none of the agricultural lands still had
    water erosion rates above a sustainable level in 1997.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Controlling erosion not only sustains the long-term productivity of
    the land, but it also affects the amount of soil, pesticides,
    fertilizer, and other substances that move into the Nation's waters.

![](media/image9.wmf){width="3.875in" height="2.529861111111111in"}

-   All listed stream miles exceed State water quality standards for
    temperature. Elevated stream temperatures may be due to inadequate
    riparian shade, stream channel widening, warm irrigation return
    flows, and other anthropogenic or natural causes.

-   Conservation practices that can be used to address these water
    quality issues include grazing management, irrigation water
    management, and use of riparian buffers.

  ------------------------------ ---------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- -----------------
  **Watershed Projects, Plans,                                                                                                          
  Studies, and Assessments**                                                                                                            

  **NRCS Watershed                                                  **NRCS Watershed Plans, Studies,                                    
  Projects**[^6^](#Footnote6)                                       and                                                                 
                                                                    Assessments**[^7^](#Footnote7)                                      

  **Name**                       **Status**                         **Name**                                                            **Status**

  None                           None                               None                                                                None

  **ODEQ                                                            **ODA Agricultural Water Quality                                    
  TMDL's**[^8^](#Footnote8)                                         Management                                                          
                                                                    Plans**[^9^](#Footnote9)                                            

  **Name**                       **Status**                         **Name**                                                            **Status**

  None                           None                               Greater Harney Basin                                                Completed

  **OWEB Watershed               **Watershed Council                                                 **NWPCC Subbasin Plans &           
  Council**[^10^](#Footnote10)   Assessments**[^11^](#Footnote11)                                    Assessments**[^18^](#Footnote18)   

  Harney County Watershed        Silvies Subbasin Assessment                                         None                               
  Council                                                                                                                               
  ------------------------------ ---------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- -----------------

***(Continued on page 8)***

![](media/image10.jpeg){width="6.519444444444445in"
height="8.436805555555555in"}

**Map Footnote [^/17^](#footnote17)**

**Resource Concerns - Continued** [*Back to Contents*](#ProfileContents)

  ----------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------- --------- --------- ------------- ----------------- ------------
  **Resource                                                                                                                      
  Concerns/Issues                                                                                                                 
  by Land Use**                                                                                                                   

  **SWAPA +H        **Specific Resource             **Grass\\Pasture\\Hay**   **Grain   **Row     **Perennial   **Shrub/Range**   **Forest**
  Concerns**        Concern/Issue**                                           Crops**   Crops**   Crops                           
                                                                                                  (Orch/Vine/                     
                                                                                                  Berries)**                      

  Soil Erosion      Sheet and Rill                                                                              X                 

  Water Quantity    Ponding and Flooding            X                                                                             

                    Water Management for Irrigated  X                                                                             
                    Land                                                                                                          

  Water Quality,    Temperature                                                                                 X                 
  Surface                                                                                                                         

  Plant Suitability Site & Intended Use Suitability X                                                           X                 

  Plant Condition   Productivity, Health, and Vigor X                                                                             

  Animal Habitat,   Water - Quantity and Quality                                                                X                 
  Domestic                                                                                                                        

  Animal Habitat,   Water - Quantity and Quality                                                                X                 
  Wildlife                                                                                                                        

  Human, Economics  Low or Unreliable Profitability X                                                           X                 

  Human, Political  Lack of Technical Assistance    X                                                           X                 X

                    High Degree of Controversy      X                                                           X                 X
  ----------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------- --------- --------- ------------- ----------------- ------------

**Grass/Pasture/Hay**

-   Water conservation is an issue in areas used for irrigated hay and
    pasture on most ranches.

-   Wind erosion can be a concern in areas of sandy soils where the
    forage has not been properly managed as cover or for maximum
    production.

-   A low economic return limits adoption of appropriate conservation
    practices.

-   Recently, landowners have been very interested in practices (use of
    flow meters and soil moisture sensors and retrofitting of
    sprinklers) that would assist them with irrigation water management
    and scheduling.

**Shrub/Rangeland**

-   Rangeland productivity can be reduced by the invasion of noxious
    weeds, annual grasses, brush, and juniper.

-   Loss of riparian vegetation can contribute to stream warming.

-   Low profit limits adoption of conservation practices.

**Forest**l**and**

-   Much of the private, non-industrial forestland has been thinned in
    the recent past. Poor markets and lack of nearby mills have reduced
    timber harvesting and limited the need for additional forest
    management activities at this time.

+-------------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| **Federally Listed Threatened And   |                                |
| Endangered                          |                                |
| Species[^12^](#Footnote12)**        |                                |
+-------------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| **THREATENED SPECIES**              | **CANDIDATE SPECIES**          |
+-------------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| **Mammals-** Canada lynx            | **Birds --** Yellow-billed     |
|                                     | cuckoo                         |
| **Birds --** Bald eagle             |                                |
|                                     | **Amphibians and Reptiles --** |
| **Fish --** Borax Lake chub,        | Columbia spotted frog          |
| Lahontan cutthroat trout**,** Bull  |                                |
| trout                               |                                |
|                                     |                                |
| **Plants --** Malheur wire-lettuce  |                                |
+-------------------------------------+--------------------------------+
|                                     | **PROPOSED SPECIES** None      |
+-------------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| **Essential Fish                    |                                |
| Habitat[^13^](#Footnote13) -** None |                                |
+-------------------------------------+--------------------------------+

[]{#census .anchor}![](media/image11.wmf){width="3.8854166666666665in"
height="1.625in"}**\
Census and Social Data**[^/14^](#Footnote14) [*Back to
Contents*](#ProfileContents)

**Number of Farms: 87**

**Number of Operators: 147**

-   Full-Time Operators: **54**

-   Part-Time Operators: **93**

**Estimated Level of Willingness and Ability to Participate in
Conservation**[^[/15]{.underline}^](#Footnote15)**: High**

Most farmers and ranchers in the Silvies subbasin are aware of local
resource concerns and manage their resources prudently. They are
generally willing to adopt conservation and have a positive stewardship
attitude. Conservation is not more widely diffused throughout the
subbasin because of insufficient financial assistance and concern by
some regarding the efficacy of conservation.

**Evaluation of Social Capital**[^[/16]{.underline}^](#Footnote16)**:
Moderate**

The geographic distance between community members, local businesses,
schools, churches, parks, and other community amenities is great;
getting together commonly requires a drive of an hour or more each way.
Many of the residents regularly put forth the effort, drive the
distance, and work together to solve problems and complete projects.

Local leadership and community organizations are able to, and sometimes
do, play a role in facilitating the diffusion of conservation throughout
the subbasin.

![](media/image12.png){width="3.5236111111111112in"
height="3.797222222222222in"}

![](media/image14.png){width="3.3784722222222223in"
height="3.3472222222222223in"}

![](media/image14.png){width="3.3784722222222223in"
height="3.3472222222222223in"}

**Progress/Status** [*Back to Contents*](#ProfileContents)

  ---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------- -----------
  **PRMS Data**                **FY99**   **FY00**   **FY01**   **FY02**   **FY03**   **Avg/Year**   **Total**

  Total Conservation Systems   7,090      2,934      1,284      242        2,100      2,730          13,650
  Planned (Acres)                                                                                    

  Total Conservation Systems   2,460      0          9,751      446        4,742      3,480          17,399
  Applied (Acres)                                                                                    

  **Conservation Treatment                                                                           
  (Acres)**                                                                                          

  Waste Management             0          0          0          0          0          0              0

  Buffers                      0          0          0          0          0          0              0

  Erosion Control              873        0          0          0          0          175            873

  Irrigation Water Management  428        0          10         0          0          88             438

  Nutrient Management          290        0          0          0          0          58             290

  Pest Management              112        795        209        0          0          223            1,116

  Prescribed Grazing           3,556      1,885      14,950     446        4,108      4,989          24,945

  Trees and Shrubs             1          0          0          1          0          0              2

  Conservation Tillage         0          0          0          0          0          0              0

  Wildlife Habitat             6,991      1,272      9,655      566        0          3,697          18,484

  Wetlands                     26         0          0          0          0          5              26
  ---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------- -----------

[]{#progressstatus .anchor}![](media/image15.wmf){width="4.625in"
height="3.5in"}Progress over the last 5 years has been focused on:

-   Pest management on cropland.

-   Prescribed grazing on pastureland and rangeland.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Wildlife habitat management in riparian areas and on uplands.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Much of the pasture is flood irrigated and lacks proper forage and
    grazing management.

-   Proper grazing management and watering facilities for livestock and
    wildlife commonly are lacking on the rangeland.

-   Private forestland, largely non-industrial, has been thinned in the
    recent past.

*Estimates are based on information received from local conservationists
in the watershed.*

**Lands Removed from Production through Farm Bill Programs**

-   Conservation Reserve Program (CRP): **[289 acres]{.underline}**

-   Wetland Restoration Program (WRP): **[2,224 acres]{.underline}**

-   Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP):
    **[No]{.underline}**[]{#Footnotes .anchor}**[ne]{.underline}**

**Footnotes/Bibliography** [*Back to Contents*](#ProfileContents)

All data is provided "as is." There are no warranties, express or
implied, including the warranty of fitness\
for a particular purpose, accompanying this document. Use for general
planning purposes only.

[]{#Footnote1 .anchor}

1.  Ownership Layer -- Source: The 1:24,000 scale public ownership layer
    is the land ownership/management for public entities, including
    Federal, Tribal, State, and local entities. This is a seamless,
    statewide Oregon Public Ownership vector layer composed of fee
    ownership of lands by Federal, State, Tribal, county, and city
    agencies. The layer is comprised of the best available data compiled
    at 1:24,000 scale or larger, and the line work matches GCDB boundary
    locations and ORMAP standards where possible. The layer is available
    from the State of Oregon GIS Service Center:
    <http://www.gis.state.or.us/data/alphalist.html>. For current
    ownership status, consult official records at appropriate Federal,
    State, and county offices. Ownership classes grouped to calculate
    Federal ownership vs. non-Federal ownership by the Water Resources
    Planning Team.[]{#Footnote2 .anchor}

2.  National Land Cover Dataset (NLCD) - Originator: U.S. Geological
    Survey (USGS);\
    Publication date: 19990631; Title: Oregon Land Cover Data Set,
    Edition: 1;\
    Geospatial data presentation form: Raster digital data; Publisher:
    U.S. Geological Survey,\
    Sioux Falls, SD, USA; Online linkage:
    <http://edcwww.cr.usgs.gov/programs/lccp/nationallandcover.html>;
    Abstract: These data can be used in a geographic information system
    (GIS) for any number of purposes, such as assessing wildlife
    habitat, water quality, pesticide runoff, land use change, etc. The
    State data sets are provided with a 300-meter buffer beyond the
    State border to facilitate combining the State files into larger
    regions.[]{#Footnote3nri .anchor}

3.  ESTIMATES FROM THE 1997 NRI DATABASE (REVISED DECEMBER 2000) REPLACE
    ALL PREVIOUS REPORTS AND ESTIMATES. Comparisons made using data
    published for the 1982, 1987, or 1992 NRI may produce erroneous
    results. This is because of changes in statistical estimation
    protocols and because all data collected prior to 1997 were
    simultaneously reviewed (edited) as 1997 NRI data were collected.
    All definitions are available in the glossary. In addition, this
    December 2000 revision of the 1997 NRI data updates information
    released in December 1999 and corrects a computer error discovered
    in March 2000. For more information:
    <http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/NRI/>[]{#Footnote4 .anchor}

4.  Irrigated Adjudicated Water Rights -- Water Rights Information
    System (WRIS), Oregon Water Resources Department,
    [[http://www.wrd.state.or.us/maps/wrexport.shtml]{.underline}](http://www.wrd.state.or.us/maps/wrexport.shtml)[]{#Footnote5
    .anchor}

5.  StreamNet is a cooperative venture of the Pacific Northwest\'s fish
    and wildlife agencies and tribes and is administered by the [Pacific
    States Marine Fisheries Commission](http://www.psmfc.org/).
    StreamNet provided data and data services in support of the
    region\'s fish and wildlife program and other efforts to manage and
    restore the region\'s aquatic resources. Official StreamNet website:
    <http://www.streamnet.org/>[]{#Footnote6 .anchor}

6.  Natural Resources Conservation Service, Watershed Projects Planned
    and Authorized,
    <http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/watershed/Purpose>.

7.  []{#Footnote7 .anchor}Natural Resources Conservation Service,
    Watershed Plans, Studies, and Assessments completed,
    [http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/watershed/Surveys_Plng.html#Watershed%20Surveys%20and%20Plan](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/watershed/Surveys_Plng.html#Watershed Surveys and Plan)

8.  []{#Footnote8 .anchor}Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
    Total Maximum Daily Loads,
    <http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/TMDLs/TMDLs.htm>

9.  []{#Footnote9 .anchor}Oregon Department of Agriculture, Agricultural
    Water Quality Management Plans,
    <http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/NRD/water_agplans.shtml>

**Footnotes/Bibliography Continued** [*Back to
Contents*](#ProfileContents)

All data is provided "as is." There are no warranties, express or
implied, including the warranty of fitness\
for a particular purpose, accompanying this document. Use for general
planning purposes only.

10. []{#Footnote10 .anchor}Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board,
    <http://oregon.gov/OWEB/WSHEDS/index.shtml>

11. []{#Footnote11 .anchor}Watershed Assessments completed by local
    watershed councils following the Oregon Watershed Assessment Manual,
    [[http://oregon.gov/OWEB/docs/pubs/ws_assess_manual.shtml]{.underline}](http://oregon.gov/OWEB/docs/pubs/ws_assess_manual.shtml).

12. []{#Footnote12 .anchor}NRCS Field Office Technical Guide, Section
    II, Threatened and Endangered List.

13. []{#Footnote13 .anchor}Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
    Management Act, Public Law 94-265. As amended through October 11,
    1996.

14. []{#Footnote14 .anchor}Data were taken from the 2002 Agricultural
    Census and adjusted by percent of HUC in the county or by percent of
    zip code area in the HUC, depending on the level of data available.
    Data were also taken from the U.S. Population Census, 2000.

15. []{#Footnote15 .anchor}Conservation participation was estimated
    using NRCS Social Sciences Technical Note 1801, [Guide for
    Estimating Participation in Conservation]{.underline}, 2004. Four
    categories of indicators were evaluated: Personal characteristics,
    farm structural characteristics, perceptions of conservation, and
    community context. Estimates are based on information received from
    local conservationists in the watershed.

16. []{#Footnote16 .anchor}Social capital is an indicator of the
    community's ability and willingness to work together to solve
    problems. A high amount of social capital helps a community to be
    physically healthy, socially progressive, and economically vigorous.
    A low amount of social capital typically results in community
    conflict, lack of trust and respect, and unsuccessful attempts to
    solve problems. The evaluation is based on NRCS Technical Report
    Release 4.1, March, 2002: [Adding Up Social Capital: An Investment
    in Communities]{.underline}. Local conservationists provided
    information to measure social capital. Scores range from 0 to 76.

17. [Surface and Groundwater Resource Protection Map]{.underline}

    a.  []{#footnote17 .anchor}2002 303d Listed Streams designated by
        Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and approved by the
        Environmental Protection Agency, Section 303d Clean Water Act,
        <http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/303dlist/303dpage.htm>

    b.  Groundwater Management Areas designated by the Oregon Department
        of Environmental Quality, Oregon Revised Statutes -- Ground
        Water ORS 468B.150 to ORS 468B.190,
        <http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/groundwa/wqgw.htm>

    c.  Groundwater Restricted Areas designated by Oregon Water
        Resources Commission, Oregon Department of Water Resources,
        <http://egov.oregon.gov/OWRD/PUBS/aquabook_protections.shtml>

    d.  The Sole Source Aquifer (SSA) Protection Program is authorized
        by Section 1424(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974
        (Public Law 93-523, 42 U.S.C. 300 et. seq),
        <http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ssanp.html>

18. []{#Footnote18 .anchor}Subbasin assessments and plans are developed
    by local groups (SWCDs, watershed councils, tribes, and others) as
    part of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council's fish and
    wildlife program in the Columbia River Basin. This program is funded
    and implemented by the Bonneville Power Administration.
    <http://www.nwcouncil.org/fw/subbasinplanning/Default.htm>.