[]{#Introduction .anchor}![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.54375in"
height="3.0194444444444444in"}**Introduction**

The Crooked/Rattlesnake 8-Digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) subbasin is
comprised of 853,000 acres in Malheur County. Ninety percent of the
subbasin is rangeland, and the remainder is hayland and pastureland.
Resource concerns include concentrated flow, streambank, and
irrigation-induced erosion; invasive weeds; and insufficient water to
meet livestock, wildlife, and irrigation needs. Rangeland in this
subbasin provides significant habitat for sage grouse nesting and
strutting.

There are only 17 ranches and about 29 ranchers in the subbasin. The
ranching community is strong, but the remoteness of the subbasin limits
the ability of conservationists to provide technical assistance to
ranchers and increases the capital costs of many conservation practices.

The Ontario NRCS Service Center, Malheur County Soil and Water
Conservation District, and Owyhee Watershed Council provide much of the
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="3.875in" height="3.6847222222222222in"}**\
Relief Map**

![](media/image4.jpeg){width="3.361111111111111in" height="3.5in"}

[]{#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               | \*   | \  | \*   | \  | 0  | 0 | **   | **\ |
|                      |      | -\ |      | -\ |    | % | \*** | -\- |
|                      |      | -- |      | -- |    |   |      | -** |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Grain Crops          | \*   | \  | \*   | \  | 0  | 0 | **   | **\ |
|                      |      | -\ |      | -\ |    | % | \*** | -\- |
|                      |      | -- |      | -- |    |   |      | -** |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Conservation Reserve | 0    | 0% | 0    | 0% | 0  | 0 | *    | **0 |
| Program Land         |      |    |      |    |    | % | *0** | %** |
| [***^a^***](#crp)    |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Grass/Pasture/Hay    | 74   | 9% | 10   | 1% | 0  | 0 | **   | *   |
|                      | ,800 |    | ,300 |    |    | % | 85,1 | *10 |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    |   | 00** | %** |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Orchards/Vineyards   | 0    | 0% | 0    | 0% | 0  | 0 | *    | **0 |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    | % | *0** | %** |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Row Crops            | \*   | \  | \*   | \  | 0  | 0 | **   | **\ |
|                      |      | -\ |      | -\ |    | % | \*** | -\- |
|                      |      | -- |      | -- |    |   |      | -** |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Shrub/Rangelands     | 710  | 8  | 54   | 6% | 0  | 0 | **7  | *   |
|                      | ,100 | 3% | ,400 |    |    | % | 64,6 | *90 |
|                      |      |    |      |    |    |   | 00** | %** |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| Water/Wetla          | \*   | \  | \*   | \  | 0  | 0 | **   | **\ |
| nds/Developed/Barren |      | -\ |      | -\ |    | % | \*** | -\- |
|                      |      | -- |      | -- |    |   |      | -** |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+
| **Oregon HUC Totals  | **7  | *  | **   | ** | *  | * | **8  | **  |
| [*b*](#Totals)**     | 87,1 | *9 | 65,9 | 8% | *0 | * | 53,0 | 100 |
|                      | 00** | 2% | 00** | ** | ** | 0 | 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, if not     |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     all, ranchers    |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     have grazing     |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     allotments on    |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
|     public lands.    |      |    |      |    |    |   |      |     |
+----------------------+------+----+------+----+----+---+------+-----+

  --------------------------- -------------------- ----------- ------------- ---------
  **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         0           0%            0%
                              Cropland                                       

                              Pastureland          0           0%            0%

                              **Total Irrigated    **0**       **0%**        **0%**
                              Lands**                                        
  --------------------------- -------------------- ----------- ------------- ---------

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

[]{#Map .anchor}![](media/image5.jpeg){width="5.5in"
height="4.510416666666667in"} [*Back to Contents*](#ProfileContents)

![](media/image6.jpeg){width="3.9208333333333334in"
height="4.561111111111111in"}

[]{#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="4.26875in" height="4.149305555555555in"}

**[23.7 -- Malheur High Plateau - Alluvial Fans and Pluvial Lake
Terraces:]{.underline}** This unit is characterized by warm soils on
lake terraces. Wetlands and saline-sodic soils are typically absent. The
soils typically have a cemented pan within a depth of 40 inches, but
they do not have bedrock within a depth of 60 inches. The temperature
regime is mesic but near frigid, and the moisture regime is aridic. The
dominant soils include those of the Deppy, McConnel, Spangenburg, and
Norad series.

**[23.8 -- Malheur High Plateau - Low Lava Plains:]{.underline}** This
unit is on basalt plateaus and the escarpments of fault block mountains.
The temperature regime is mainly mesic, and the moisture regime is
aridic. The soils typically are shallow or moderately deep to bedrock or
a cemented pan and have a strongly developed argillic horizon. The
vegetation is dominantly low sagebrush, Wyoming big sagebrush, Idaho
fescue, Thurber needlegrass, and bluebunch wheatgrass. Playas, small
intermittent lakes, and clay that has a high shrink-swell potential are
common in depressions.

**[23.9 -- Malheur High Plateau - Semiarid Uplands:]{.underline}** This
unit is characterized by hills and mountains. The temperature regime is
mesic or frigid with cryic areas on north-facing aspects and high peaks.
The moisture regime typically is aridic bordering on xeric or is xeric.
The soils are very shallow to very deep, although most are shallow or
moderately deep. The typical vegetation is mountain big sagebrush, low
sagebrush, Idaho fescue, bluebunch wheatgrass, and snowberry. Aspen
woodland is common at the high elevations.

**[24.1 -- Humboldt Area - Salt Shrub Valleys:]{.underline}** This unit
is characterized by saline-sodic lake basins. Wetlands are numerous. The
temperature regime is dominantly mesic, and the moisture regime is
aridic. Large playas are typical. The vegetation typically is black
greasewood, inland saltgrass, and basin wildrye with spiny hopsage,
budsage, shadscale, and Wyoming big sagebrush.

**[25.1 -- Owyhee High Plateau - High Lava Plains and
Canyon:]{.underline}** This unit consists of dissected volcanic
plateaus, escarpments, and mountain slopes and includes deeply cut
canyons. The soils typically are frigid, but they range from mesic to
cryic. The moisture regime is dominantly aridic bordering on xeric. The
soils typically are shallow or moderately deep over bedrock or a
hardpan. Common vegetation includes Wyoming big sagebrush, mountain big
sagebrush, low sagebrush, Idaho fescue, bluebunch wheatgrass, and
snowberry. Curl-leaf mountain mahogany and aspen are at the high
elevations.

**[25.2 - Owyhee High Plateau - Dissected High Lava
Plateau:]{.underline}** This unit consists of alluvial fans, rolling
plains, and shear-walled canyons that are cut into extrusive rock.
Sagebrush grassland is common, and scattered areas of woodland are on
the rocky uplands. This unit supports cooler season grasses than do the
valleys to the south, and it does not support saltbush and greasewood.
Frigid and mesic Aridisols and Mollisols are in this unit. Grazing is
the primary land use. Cropland is less common on this unit than it is on
the Snake River Plain. High-quality water and native fish assemblages
are in isolated canyons.

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

+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   |                            | **ACRES** | *      |
|                   |                            |           | *ACRE- |
|                   |                            |           | FEET** |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
| **Irrigated       | Surface                    | 4,925     | 15,138 |
| Adjudicated Water |                            |           |        |
| Rights**          |                            |           |        |
| *(OWRD*[^/4       |                            |           |        |
| ^](#Footnote4)*)* |                            |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Well                       | 0         | 0      |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Total Irrigated            | 4,925     | 15,138 |
|                   | Adjudicated Water Rights   |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
| **Stream Flow     | OWRD 13181500 CROOKED CR,  | **Total   | 21,209 |
| Data**            | NEAR                       | Avg.      |        |
|                   |                            | Yield**   |        |
|                   | ROME, OR                   |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   |                            | **May --  | 8,080  |
|                   |                            | Sept.     |        |
|                   |                            | Yield**   |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   |                            | **MILES** | **PER  |
|                   |                            |           | CENT** |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
| **Stream          | Total Miles -- Major (100K | 23        | \-\--  |
| Data**[^          | Hydro GIS Layer)           |           |        |
| /5^](#Footnote5)\ |                            |           |        |
| \                 |                            |           |        |
| *\*Percent of     |                            |           |        |
| Total Miles\      |                            |           |        |
| of Streams in     |                            |           |        |
| HUC*              |                            |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | 303d/TMDL Listed Streams   | 0         | 0%     |
|                   | (DEQ)                      |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Anadromous Fish Presence   | 0         | 0%     |
|                   | (StreamNet)                |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Bull Trout Presence        | 0         | 0%     |
|                   | (StreamNet)                |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   |                            | **ACRES** | **PER  |
|                   |                            |           | CENT** |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
| **Land            | Forest                     | 82        | 0%     |
| Cover/Use**[      |                            |           |        |
| ^/2^](#Footnote2) |                            |           |        |
|                   |                            |           |        |
| Based on a        |                            |           |        |
| 100-foot stretch  |                            |           |        |
| on both sides of  |                            |           |        |
| all streams in    |                            |           |        |
| the 100K Hydro    |                            |           |        |
| GIS Layer         |                            |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Grain Crops                | 2         | 0%     |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Grass/Pasture/Hay          | 5,538     | 11%    |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Orchards/Vineyards         | 0         | 0%     |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Row Crops                  | 0         | 0%     |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Shrub/Rangelands --        | 42,650    | 88%    |
|                   | Includes CRP Lands         |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | Water                      | 245       | \<1%   |
|                   | /Wetlands/Developed/Barren |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | **Total Acres of 100-Foot  | *         | **\    |
|                   | Stream Buffers**           | *48,516** | -\--** |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
| **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            | 0         | 0%     |
|                   | limitations                |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | **4** -- very severe       | 0         | 0%     |
|                   | limitations                |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | **5** -- no erosion        | 0         | 0%     |
|                   | hazard, but other          |           |        |
|                   | limitations                |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+
|                   | **6** -- severe            | 0         | 0%     |
|                   | 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 &        | **0**     | **0%** |
|                   | Pasturelands**             |           |        |
+-------------------+----------------------------+-----------+--------+

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

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

  **No. of Permitted    0           0             0             0           0          0
  Farms**                                                                              

  **No. of Permitted    0           0             0             0           0          0
  Animals**                                                                            
  --------------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ----------- ---------- -----------

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

**[Tons of Soil Loss by Water Erosion]{.underline}:** Due to the limited
amount of non-Federal cropland and pastureland within this HUC, no
reliable NRI soil loss estimates are available.

**[303d/TMDL Listed Streams (DEQ):]{.underline}** Oregon Department of
Environmental Quality does not list any stream reaches in the
Crooked/Rattlesnake subbasin as having limited water quality or needing
a TMDL.

  ------------------------------ ---------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ----------------
  **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                               Owyhee                                                              Completed

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

  Owyhee Watershed Council       None                                                                Owyhee                             
  ------------------------------ ---------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ----------------

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

![](media/image8.jpeg){width="6.527777777777778in"
height="8.436805555555555in"}

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

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

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

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

  Soil Erosion      Concentrated Flow or Gully                                                           X                 

                    Streambank                      X                                                    X                 

                    Irrigation Induced              X                                                                      

  Water Quantity    Water Management For Irrigated  X                                                                      
                    Land                                                                                                   

  Water Quality,    Suspended Sediments & Turbidity X                                                                      
  Surface                                                                                                                  

  Plant Suitability Site & Intended Use Suitability X                                                    X                 

                    Invasive Weeds                  X                                                    X                 

  Plant Condition   Productivity, Health, & Vigor   X                                                                      

  Animal Habitat,   Water - Quantity & Quality                                                           X                 
  Domestic                                                                                                                 

  Animal Habitat,   Food, Cover, &/or Shelter                                                            X                 
  Wildlife                                                                                                                 

                    Water - Quantity & Quality                                                           X                 

                    Management                                                                           X                 

  Human, Economics  High Capital/Financial Costs    X                                                    X                 

                    High Labor Costs or                                                                  X                 
                    Availability                                                                                           

  Human, Other      Remote Location                 X                                                    X                 
  ----------------- ------------------------------- ------------------ --------- --------- ------------- ----------------- ------------

**Pasture/Hay**

-   Streambank and irrigation-induced erosion might occur unless proper
    grazing management is used to maintain vegetation.

-   Sufficient water commonly is not available to meet pasture
    irrigation requirements.

-   Grass/hay species that would maximize production given the local
    soils and climate commonly are not selected.

-   Invasive weeds and poor overall pasture health limits forage
    productivity.

-   The high capital costs of improving water storage and irrigation
    water management hinder further pasture improvements.

**Range**

-   Concentrated flow and irrigation-induced erosion occur in areas of
    range, especially where cattle congregate.

-   Invasive weeds, such as star thistle, medusahead, and leafy spurge,
    limit range productivity.

-   Sufficient water commonly is not available for livestock and
    wildlife.

-   Important areas need to be protected as habitat for sage grouse
    nesting and strutting.

**Other**

-   The remote location hinders the ability to provide technical
    assistance to area ranchers and increases capital costs of
    conservation practices.

+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| **Federally Listed Threatened |                                      |
| And Endangered                |                                      |
| Species[^12^](#Footnote12)**  |                                      |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| **THREATENED SPECIES**        | **CANDIDATE SPECIES**                |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| **Birds --** Bald eagle       | **Birds --** Yellow-billed cuckoo    |
|                               |                                      |
| **Fish --** Lahontan          | **Amphibians and Reptiles --**       |
| cutthroat trout, Bull trout   | Columbia spotted frog                |
|                               |                                      |
| **Plants --** Howell\'s       |                                      |
| spectacular thelypody         |                                      |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
|                               | **PROPOSED SPECIES** - None          |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| **Essential Fish              |                                      |
| Habitat[^13^](#Footnote13)    |                                      |
| -** None                      |                                      |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+

[]{#census .anchor}![](media/image9.wmf){width="3.7604166666666665in"
height="1.7840277777777778in"}**Census and Social
Data**[^/14^](#Footnote14) [*Back to Contents*](#ProfileContents)

**Number of Farms: 17**

**Number of Operators: 29**

-   Full-Time Operators: **11**

-   Part-Time Operators: **18**

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

Ranchers in the Crooked/Rattlesnake subbasin are generally able and
willing to adopt conservation and resource management systems. Due to
the remoteness of the region and the independent nature of a ranch
community, people do not readily seek technical or financial outside
assistance. They are aware of the local natural resource concerns in
their area, however, and commonly are willing to address issues as their
own resources permit. Unfortunately, ranching in the subbasin is not
highly profitable and although most ranchers believe conservation is
good, they also perceive it to be too costly. There is a need for
additional technical and financial assistance to increase conservation
adoption among ranchers in this subbasin.

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

The community has the ability to solve problems, but because it has a
small population and is in a remote area far from government and
business decision-making centers, effecting change is difficult. On the
other hand, the community is quite active in local school, church, and
agricultural activities. Most of the ranchers know and support one
another. Most of the community participates in activities and issues
that they believe will affect their families and livelihood.
Conservation systems will become more widely diffused in the subbasin as
local resource concerns are acknowledged as critical to the survival of
the ranching community.

![](media/image10.png){width="3.3958333333333335in"
height="3.261111111111111in"}

![](media/image12.png){width="3.3784722222222223in"
height="3.3472222222222223in"}

![](media/image12.png){width="3.3784722222222223in"
height="3.3472222222222223in"}

[]{#ProgressStatus .anchor}**Progress/Status** [*Back to
Contents*](#ProfileContents)

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

  Total Conservation Systems   0          0          0          0          0          0              0
  Planned (Acres)                                                                                    

  Total Conservation Systems   0          0          0          0          1,500      300            1,500
  Applied (Acres)                                                                                    

  **Conservation Treatment                                                                           
  (Acres)**                                                                                          

  Waste Management             0          0          0          0          0          0               

  Buffers                      0          0          0          0          0          0              0

  Erosion Control              0          0          0          0          0          0              0

  Irrigation Water Management  0          0          0          0          0          0              0

  Nutrient Management          0          0          90         0          0          18             90

  Pest Management              0          0          0          0          0          0              0

  Prescribed Grazing           0          0          0          0          0          0              0

  Trees & Shrubs               0          0          0          0          0          0              0

  Conservation Tillage         0          0          0          0          0          0              0

  Wildlife Habitat             0          0          0          0          0          0              0

  Wetlands                     0          0          0          0          0          0              0
  ---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------- -----------

![](media/image13.wmf){width="4.5in" height="3.0in"}

-   Progress over the last 5 years has been limited.

-   Management of invasive weeds and proper management of forage and
    grazing are needed.

-   Lack of proper grazing management and insufficient watering
    facilities for livestock and wildlife are common in areas of
    rangeland.

-   Areas of rangeland are important as habitat for sage grouse nesting
    and strutting.

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

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

-   Conservation Reserve Program (CRP): **[None]{.underline}**

-   Wetland Restoration Program (WRP): **[None]{.underline}**

-   Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP):
    **[None]{.underline}**

[]{#Footnotes .anchor}**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>.