Jefferson rlh

Jefferson County Rural Living Handbook

A Resource for Country Living and Land Stewardship

Produced by

Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District assisting rural land managers since 1957

Resource Directory Jefferson County Soil & Water Conservation District

Middle Deschutes Watershed Councils

(541) 923-4358 x101

(541) 923-4358 x113

United States Agencies Farm Services Agency .................... 923-4358 x106 Natural Resources Conservation Service 923-4358 Bureau of Land Management ................. 416-6700 Bureau of Reclamation............................ 389-6541 Fish & Wildlife Service ........................... 383-7146 Forest Service: - Crooked River National Grasslands .. 475-9272 - Deschutes National Forest (Sisters) .. 549-7700 “ (Bend) .......... 383-5300 - Ochoco National Forest (Prineville) ... 416-6500 - Fire Use and Woodcutting ........... 800-523-4737

Oregon State Agencies Agriculture ............................... (503) 986-4700 Water Quality ............................... 617-0017 Environmental Quality .................... 388-6146 Fish & Wildlife (Bend) ...................... 388-6363 “ (Prineville) .............. 447-5111 Forestry (Prineville) ......................... 447-5658 “ (Sisters) ............................... 549-2731 Parks & Recreation ........................... 388-6173 Transportation .................................. 388-6180 Water Resources ............................... 388-6669

Oregon State University Jefferson County Web Site: www.co.jefferson.or.us Dog Control .............................................. 475-6889 Open Burning .......................................... 475-7274 Community Development ....................... 475-4462 Planning & Zoning .................................. 475-4462 Building.................................................... 475-4462 Public Works ............................................ 475-4459 Roads ........................................................ 475-4459 Surveyor ................................................... 475-4459 Sheriff ...................................................... 595-5058 Weed Management .................................. 475-4459

Irrigation Water

Agricultural Research Center .......... 475-7107 Extension (Madras) .......................... 475-3808 Extension (Prineville) ....................... 447-6228 Extension (Redmond) ....................... 548-6088

Agricultural Suppliers Ag West Supply ................................. 475-2253 Cascade Pump & Irrigation ............. 389-7867 Cenex Harvest States ....................... 475-2222 Central Oregon Seed ........................ 475-7231 Floyd A Boyd John Deere ................. 475-6116 Round Butte Seed ............................. 546-5222 Thompson Pump & Irrigation .......... 475-1215 Wilbur–Ellis ...................................... 475-9474

North Unit Irrigation District ................ 475-3625

Solid Waste and Recycling Jefferson Co Fire Departments Emergency ......................................................... 911 Madras ..................................................... 475-7274 Crooked River Ranch .............................. 923-6776 Culver ....................................................... 546-2112

Chambers of Commerce Madras/Jefferson County........................ 475-2350 Crooked River Ranch .............................. 923-2679

Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon ...................... 553-1161

Madras Sanitary ............................... 475-2071 Box Canyon Transfer Station .......... 475-1983 Crooked River Sanitary .................... 548-1542 Camp Sherman Transfer Station .... 475-4459

Utilities Deschutes Valley Water District ..... 475-3849 Crooked River Ranch Water Company 923-1041 Pacific Power & Light ................ 888-221-7070 Central Electric Co-op ..................... 312-7775 *all area codes are (541) unless otherwise specified

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prohibits discrimination it its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs and martial or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).

Person with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's Target Center at 202 702 2600 (Voice or TDD) To file a complaint, write the secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250 or Call 1 800 245 6340 (Voice) or 202 720 1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity employer.

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Jefferson County Rural Living Handbook

December 2008 Any questions or comments related to the handbook should be directed to the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District. The handbook is to serve as a reference for everyone, so please pass it around and share its information.

Table of Contents Is Rural Living For You? ............................................................................................... 3 Living in the High Desert .............................................................................................. 4 Jefferson County History.............................................................................................. 5 Jefferson County Facts................................................................................................. 6 Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs ........................................................................ 6 Buying Country Property .............................................................................................. 7 Jefferson County Planning and Building .................................................................... 8 Living Next to Agriculture............................................................................................. 9 Being Neighborly ......................................................................................................... 10 Rural Roads ................................................................................................................. 11 Managing Your Land ................................................................................................... 12 Fire Prevention ............................................................................................................ 13 Soils .............................................................................................................................. 14 Water Rights ................................................................................................................ 15 Irrigation Water ............................................................................................................ 16 Keeping Water Clean................................................................................................... 18 Managing Land for Livestock Health ......................................................................... 19 Backyard Wildlife ........................................................................................................ 21 Weed Management ...................................................................................................... 22 Managing Range and Forest Property ....................................................................... 24 Your Public Neighbors ................................................................................................ 26 Outdoor Recreation ..................................................................................................... 27 Solid Waste and Recycling Options .......................................................................... 28 Contributors to Publication ............................................................. Inside Back Cover Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District .......................... Back Cover Community Connections ............................................................................ Back Cover

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Is Rural Living For You? This handbook is designed to introduce current and prospective rural landowners to land stewardship resources. Often, newcomers accustomed to services normally provided by urban governments are shocked by the hard work required to manage rural property. Relating with neighbors can become either very helpful or very difficult, depending on how you manage your rural property.

This handbook should be a resource in determining if rural life is for you. It contains information about agencies and organizations that can assist you in clarifying regulations, policies, rights, and planning decisions, as you transition to living in rural Jefferson County. It will provide answers to general questions including those on land use planning, gardening, irrigation, livestock management, forest and range management, and wildlife concerns.

Unexpected challenges of a rural lifestyle You lose a pet or livestock to a predator

town than you expected

You are responsible for a fire that starts on your land and spreads to other properties

It takes more time to learn about and maintain wells and pumps, sewer systems, irrigation pumps, ditches, hand lines, etc.

The deer have eaten everything you just planted

Pet food on the back porch has attracted skunks or other pests.

There is no garbage service where you live You are surprised at the cost of building structures needed to protect livestock from predators

You discover that the access road to your property is not publicly maintained and it is your responsibility to maintain it.

You don’t have enough time or energy to irrigate (fields become dust/weedy), mow fields (and did not plan for custom cutting), maintain fences, spray weeds, feed livestock, deal with muddy facilities, doctor sick animals, or vaccinate healthy animals

You don’t necessarily have fire protection services You hear gunfire from legal shooting

Your domestic or agricultural water source has dried up

Your cell phone does not work properly at your property

Minerals or pollutants have entered your well

You cannot access internet services from your property

It takes more time and money to drive to

The communities of Crooked River Ranch, the Three Rivers area, and Camp Sherman are very unique and each has their own rules and regulations.

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Living in the High Desert Many people are attracted to Central Oregon because of the large number of sunny days we have here, the dramatic landscapes, and varied recreational opportunities. All of these amenities are related to our prized location in the High Desert. However, living in the High Desert can also be a challenge! facilitates disease. Burned trees replenish nutrients to the soil. Standing burned snags and downed trees in streams create habitat for wildlife. Many plants require fire as part of their life cycle.

What is the High Desert?

The High Desert is a high, dry grassy/shrubby area in eastern Oregon. Jefferson County is at the northern end of the High Desert and consists of a wide plateau bounded by forested mountains on either side. Elevation ranges from 1250 feet in the depths of the Deschutes River Gorge to snowy peaks over 10,000 feet high, and averages 2400 feet around Madras.

Wildlife Jefferson County includes a wide variety of wildlife habitats, from forested alpine mountains to dry grasslands. Wildlife presence varies with habitat and season. Deer often winter in the populated lowlands and move to the mountains in the summer. Elk frequent higher elevations.

Predators such as bear and cougar can be found in the County. Marmots and ground squirrels are found in the grasslands. Raptors can be seen soaring on desert thermals, and songbirds frequent all habitats.

Air Temperatures Jefferson County has a wide range of temperatures between day and night; the daily difference can be more than 40°F. Typical summers are dry and hot (temperatures up to 100°F), and winters tend to be wet and cold (temperatures down to -10°F). Many of the days throughout the year are sunny, causing a phenomenon called radiational cooling that can cause frost any time of the year. Spring and fall do not warm and cool gradually; temperatures can fluctuate widely, often causing plants to do a “false start” in the early spring, only to be damaged by normal low temperatures. Due to high desert weather patterns, the growing season is only about 100 days long!

Soils Most Central Oregon soils are derived from ancient volcanic activity, especially related to the formation of Crater Lake after Mt. Mazama erupted. Soils tend to be course, sandy, and sterile, and must be amended with organic material to improve moisture-holding capacity.

Rain

Gardening

Water is a precious resource in High Desert areas. Between November and April Madras gets about 11” of rainfall each year.

Most landowners must water pastures and lawns during the summer. Rain or snow above 3,500 feet can cause very high flows in streams and rivers. The likelihood of flooding increases when warm “Chinook winds” arrive in the spring.

Wind is a constant factor in Central Oregon.

Gardening can be a challenge for people used to more moderate climates.

While the United States Department of Agriculture designated Central Oregon as Hardiness Zone 5, some areas may be as low as Zone 3. Sunset Magazine has designated all of Central Oregon as the coldest of their 21 zones!

Wildfires

To learn more about gardening in the High Desert, sign up for the Master Gardening Course, hosted annually by OSU Extension in Redmond. It involves two parts: 10 weeks (60 hours) of classroom training, and participation in plant clinics or community outreach activities to share knowledge with your community (~60 volunteer hours).

Fire is a fundamental component of a healthy forest and range ecosystem. The forests and grasslands of Central Oregon have co-adapted with fire, which is an integral part of regeneration, cleansing and renewal, and the maintenance of plant and animal diversity.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/ deschutes/

Away from homes and communities, fire is essential to the health of our forests. Fire removes undergrowth that chokes trees and

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Jefferson County History The natural and cultural history of Jefferson County is diverse and fascinating. The landscapes we see today were formed over millions of years by glacial ice migrations, massive floods and lava flows, and are deeply tied to the cultural history of Central Oregon.

Jefferson County was created December 12, 1914 when 1,797 square miles were carved out of Crook County.

In 1900 James J. Hill and E. W. Harriman, both railroad magnates, began making their plans to build a railroad between the Columbia River and

Peter Skene Ogden is credited as being the first white man to venture into Jefferson County in 1826.

His party traveled up the Deschutes River to the Dry Creek area near Warm Springs in search of beaver. In 1845, a lost wagon train led by Stephen Meek wandered through what is now Jefferson County facing death and starvation before being rescued by a party from The Dalles. Willamette Valley cattlemen seeking good grazing land brought the first prospective settlers to Central Oregon. The open rangeland appealed to the hardy pioneers, who established large ranches.

Building the railroad near Metolius 1911

Central Oregon. They battled their way up opposite sides of the Deschutes River Canyon to Madras and Central Oregon: their prize, large timber reserves and free land that would be available to the victor. For Central Oregon and Jefferson County, a new prosperity was realized.

In 1855, the federal government and local Indian tribes negotiated the Treaty of 1855. Under the treaty, the Warm Springs and Wasco tribes relinquished approximately 10 million acres of land, but set aside the reservation for their exclusive use. The tribes also kept their rights to harvest fish, game and other foods, off the reservation at usual and accustomed sites.

While Madras and Culver were the business hubs of the county, outlying communities such as Grizzly, Ashwood and Lamonta established businesses much earlier. Timber became a major asset to many parts of Jefferson County, primarily on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and the Camp Sherman area.

Highway 26 from Portland to Central Oregon was opened in November 1949. Increased activity from tourism, construction of Portland General Electric dams on the Deschutes, and successful economic endeavors such as Lambing Shed lumber mills and several agricultural enterprises encouraged businesses to develop within the county.

The Homestead Act of 1862 brought farmers into this dry area to grub sagebrush and pick rocks.

Those few to survive became dry land farmers, growing primarily wheat. Although small irrigation projects were started, much of Jefferson County remained arid until the 1940s and was used to graze sheep and cattle.

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Jefferson County Facts Jefferson County is a rural county that covers 1,797 square miles. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Jefferson County had 19,009 inhabitants, a 39% increase from 1990. This means that Jefferson County has approximately 10.7 people per square mile.

Economy

Agriculture

Natural resources are a crucial component of the livelihood in Jefferson County. According to a study conducted in 2004 by Oregon State University, Jefferson County had an economy of approximately $612 million in terms of output. About 50% of that economic output came directly or indirectly from natural resource sectors including agriculture, fishing, forestry, logging, and wood products.

Total sales of agricultural commodities from Jefferson County in 2006 were $52 million. The top three commodities that year were cattle, vegetable/flower seed, and grass/legume seed.

Jefferson County leads the state in the production of vegetable and flower seed.

Approximately 85% of the U.S. hybrid carrot seed supply originates in Jefferson County.

More agricultural statistics are available from the Jefferson County OSU Extension office in Madras.

http://ruralstudies.oregonstate.edu/Publications/JeffersonCounty.pdf http://extension.oregonstate.edu/jefferson/ and http://oregonstate.edu/oain/

Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon In 1937, the Wasco, Warm Springs, and Paiute Tribes organized as the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. The Reservation covers over 1000 square miles of Jefferson County; about half is forested land and the other half rangeland. The reservation is home to nearly 4,800 tribal members, most of whom live in or around the town of Warm Springs.

The tribal economy is based primarily on natural resources, which include hydropower, forest products, and tourism. The Tribes have established a number of enterprises that contribute to the local economy. Each are owned by the Tribes, but operate independently of tribal government. All tribal members benefit from the economic success of tribal enterprises. Some of the notable ones are: Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert Resort and Casino, Warm Springs Forest Products Industries (the lumber mill), Warm Springs Power and Water Enterprises (electrical generation), KWSO Radio 91.1, The Museum at Warm Springs, and Warm Springs Composite Products (industrial fire doors).

Despite the great loss of traditional culture that occurred as a result of settlement on the reservation, the people still embrace many ancient traditions and values. Tribal longhouses ring with prayer songs handed down from generation to generation, traditional feasts are held each year, Indian languages are spoken, and the old legends are still told. Regardless of their present-day financial success, the tribes realize they must hold on to their past and bring it into the future lest the spiritual and cultural values that sustained their people for centuries be lost. www.warmsprings.com

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Buying Country Property Living in the country can be very satisfying. Whether you raise crops and livestock or just enjoy fresh air, open space and solitude, this section offers some tips to help first time rural property buyers, or those new to Central Oregon, with their acquisition plan. tests should be professionally done to assure that The first step is to understand your expectations of rural living. If you have not lived in the a new septic system will be approved for incountry before, you may consider renting first stallation and will work. This should be done before investing in a piece of land. What do you before you buy the property. want from your land and what do you need from it?

Power Power hook-ups can be expensive in the country.

Land Values The ideal home site may require a costly power Land values fluctuate based on local and run. If you are on a tight budget, check it out national market conditions. The presence of prior to making an offer on the property. Don’t irrigation water can greatly improve the value of forget to include the telephone lines at the same land. time. Some intrepid families have chosen to ‘go green’ by trying the “off-the-grid” option and It is recommended that you work with a real generating their own power. estate agent who specializes in rural properties.

He or she should be familiar with land use Land-Use Requirements restrictions, be aware of water problems and Oregon has strict land-use laws. It is important know where to get answers to your questions. It to understand the land use rules that apply to is in your best interest that the agent be the the parcel you are considering and to the buyer’s vs. seller’s agent. Many rural buyers find properties in the vicinity. Things can change: it helpful to hire an attorney who is an expert on some properties can be sub-divided into smaller rural property sales, to represent them in the parcels, farms can be sprayed with pesticides, closing process. For more information on land and forests can be logged. Animals and farm values, contact the Central Oregon Association of equipment can be noisy at any hour. If a Realtors in Bend at 382-3452. property doesn’t have a satisfactory home, you will want assurances that you will be allowed to Reliable Water build a new one, or remodel the old one.

Unlike city property with water and sewage connections, you will need to know that there is a Easements reliable water source for home use, livestock Be sure to check and understand easements that water, and farm irrigation. An existing well pertain to the property. Not all rural property in should be professionally tested for purity and Jefferson County has been recently surveyed, adequate flow. If there is no well, it may make which means fences and driveways that appear sense to make the sale of the property contingent to be on a parcel of land, may not be. If you find on successfully drilling a well. It may be less that the driveway isn’t on the property, you may expensive to pay for a dry well, than to buy the want sale closure dependent on securing an property and find out that there is inadequate easement from the legal owner. water. It is also important to fully understand the irrigation rights, if there are any, that apply Utility and access easements may allow others some legal use of your to the property and the method of irrigation. property.

Information concerning irrigation water rights can be obtained by contacting North Unit Equipment Irrigation District.

It is a good idea to look at the equipment the current owner uses to maintain the property. If Septic System their use is similar to what yours will be, you If there is a septic system, it should be will get an idea of what you will need. You may professionally tested to assure that it works be able to include the current owner’s equipment properly. If there is no septic system, percolation in the sale.

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Jefferson County Planning and Building You can obtain information such as prior building, zoning, and septic permits issued, sales information, plat maps and tax assessment records, maps of your property with overlays (zoning, flood plain, soils, aerial views etc.), and many other useful tools at county offices.

All proposed building on your property must be reviewed and approved by Jefferson County Planning Dept. When you are ready to present your proposal to Planning, you will first need to submit an accurate to scale plot plan showing your proposal. It should include all existing structures, septic drain field and tank, well, and any proposed new structure or addition with distances to property lines. Submit complete and accurate information with your application to assist with timely processing. An example of a plot plan can be obtained from the County.

Access For development purposes, parcels must have legal access in accordance with requirements in effect at the time the parcel was created.

Practical physical access to the development site must be possible.

Some parcels available for sale may be “land locked� and have no legal access.

If you purchase such a property you will need to get an easement from adjacent landowners.

Setbacks Structures must comply with the standard structural setbacks for the zone in which it is located. Additional setbacks may be required if the property is adjacent to or near a river or stream.

Fire Safety and Fuel Breaks

A fuel break may be required around each structure on property in fire hazard areas.

Access (driveway) standards, address signs and steep slopes may be considerations.

Church in Culver 1911

Zoning The County contains many different zoning districts, each with a list of permitted and conditional uses that outline how the property can be developed.

Overlays Overlays are areas of special concern such as, flood plain, airport approach, wildlife habitat, and more. You may need to plan additional time to acquire permits through Planning or other agencies if you are proposing to develop in or near these overlays.

Madras 1910

3500 pop.

Lawful Parcel Creation To be developed, a parcel must have been lawfully established.

Likewise, existing structures must have been properly permitted if further development is to be allowed.

How do I find setback regulations and allowed uses on a specific property? Call the

Once Planning has authorized your proposal, you may apply for your building, electrical, plumbing, and sanitation permits.

Jefferson County Community Development Department. Also, all information can be found at www.co.jefferson.or.us.

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Living Next to Agriculture The green irrigated cropland of Jefferson County presents a beautiful contrast to the sagebrush steppe of the surrounding dryland areas. Agricultural lands are private property on which the farmer depends to make his living. Access to agricultural property is restricted; and some of the work taking place can be dangerous to you or your pet’s health.

Homeowners should recognize that normal activities conducted as part of commercial agricultural operations are protected by the state Right to Farm Law. These activities are

vegetation that obstructs water flow, filling canals (first water may be muddy due to residue from ditch cleanout).

Summer: Farmers busy season: harvesting cereal, hay, and seed crops; spraying herbicides; fertilizing; planting blue grass.

Irrigation district staff may treat canals with herbicides to control algae. Ditch riders drive along canals to turn water off and on and monitor the system.

an integral part of agricultural operation, and a necessary part of rural living.

Agricultural equipment can be noisy.

Agricultural operations are sometimes conducted outside of normal business hours.

Spray planes often fly early in the morning, while cutting and baling machinery often operates at night.

Some pesticides emit an unpleasant odor.

Pesticide use is strictly regulated by state and federal governments.

Tillage operations can raise dust.

Field burning creates smoke.

Animal livestock manure often smells bad.

Agricultural equipment operators have a right to use public roads.

Traffic is heavy on Hwy 97 at the Central Oregon Livestock Auction on sale days.

Fall: Farmers are planting winter wheat and carrot seed; harvesting; hauling livestock to feedlots or auctions; burning fields to control insect, weed, and disease pests and to remove Combine stubble from wheat and grass seed fields. Irrigation districts start maintenance and construction activities after water is turned off.

“An Agricultural Year”

Open Range

Winter: Quietest time for farmers: planting crops such as winter wheat and dryland grasses, applying dormant weed spray to alfalfa, driving hay trucks. Most irrigation district construction and maintenance occurs: cleaning out ditches with backhoes, installing piping, spraying herbicides on and along canal banks.

Much of Jefferson County is “Open Range”.

“Open Range” means an area where livestock are legally permitted to run at large. Central Oregon Counties include areas of open and closed range, however some Oregon Counties are entirely open range. Most open range areas are NOT MARKED, although state highways occasionally have a sign that says Open Range. Often, this will be accompanied by a picture of a cow, or even a horse in some areas.

Don’t be fooled by fences, livestock may still be on the roadway. If an animal is hit, the animal owner is not at fault.

If a person living in open range areas have a problem with livestock wandering onto his property, it is their responsibility to fence them out.

Spring: Farmers are stepping up their activities: planting cereal and seed crops, setting up irrigation systems, beginning Spray plane to irrigate, spreading fertilizer, applying herbicides via plane or ground vehicles, starting to harvest hay.

Irrigation districts prepare to fill the canals: wrapping up projects, burning to remove

OSU Extension-Madras http://extension.oregonstate.edu/jefferson/

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Being Neighborly Though the importance of neighbors is heightened in rural areas, often it can be harder to get along together. Get to know your neighborhood before you move to an area. Conflicts, both real and perceived, between new and existing rural landowners have always existed. By getting a better understanding of the causes of these conflicts, some may be avoided.

Here are some ‘good neighbor’ tips: Recognize that moving livestock and farm machinery on country roads is necessary. Be cautious and prepare for delay Understand that some practices, such as burning along irrigation ditches and running machinery after dark are common farming practices and necessary at certain times of the year Prevent noxious weeds from moving from your property to your neighbors’ land via wind, water or other means Coordinate use of irrigation water on shared systems Proper irrigation prevents fields from turning into dusty/weedy patches and infecting neighboring fields Remember: it is unlawful to use country roadways as parking areas during yard sales or family gatherings Realize that people who live in rural areas prize their privacy and their space Recognize that being neighbors is a two way street

of private property is the responsibility of the property owner, not the livestock owner.

Private Property and Privacy People are often unaware of private property delineations when first moving to a rural area.

Yet it is always the responsibility of the individual to know whose land they are on regardless of whether it is fenced. Always ask permission to be on someone’s property.

Dogs

Dogs are NOT permitted to run at large. Free roaming dogs are a threat to the public, livestock and wildlife. Livestock owners have the right to protect their livestock and in some cases will destroy dogs that threaten them.

If your dog causes injury to or the death of livestock you will be held financially responsible and your dog may be euthanized.

Everybody owning or keeping any dog that has a set of permanent canine teeth or is four months old, not later than March 1st of each year or within thirty (30) days after he or she becomes owner or keeper of the dog, must get a license for the dog from the Jefferson County clerk’s office.

Proof of rabies vaccination, which is valid the entire licensing period, is required. Upon payment of licensing fee, the County clerk will issue the license and supply an identification tag for free. The tag must be fastened to a collar and kept on the dog at all times when not in the immediate possession of the licensee.

Fences

Properly maintained fences are important for the protection of livestock and wildlife, which may become entangled, injured and/or killed.

Also remember that fences do not always indicate property lines. Know where your lot boundaries are! Keeping permitted livestock off

Each February there is a low cost rabies clinic in Madras and Crooked River Ranch. Licenses are also sold at that time.

Jefferson County Kennels/Dog Control is operated by the Jefferson County Public Works. They are open 8:30am to 4:00pm The facility is limited to dogs and dog control. They offer adoptions, boarding, licensing, stray impound, enforce dog laws of the county and state, and owner-release of dogs from within Jefferson County.

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Rural Roads Jefferson County Public Works Department maintains 250 miles of paved roads, 250 miles of gravel roads and 150 miles of dirt un-improved roads. In addition, the County is traversed by over 95 miles of State Highway maintained by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

The roads with the highest levels of traffic receive the highest degree of maintenance. Some of the rural roads traverse canyons where slides can occur, leaving rocks and debris in the roadway. This may require special attention by drivers, especially during inclement weather.

Road crews are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to handle hazardous and emergency situations as they may arise. Watch for flaggers and/or temporary signage for maintenance and emergency situations.

flow across or stand on roadways. If you have a driveway with a culvert, it is a good practice to clean out the ends prior to the winter season.

Your effort may prevent the loss of your driveway.

Gravel County road crews perform maintenance to gravel roads, such as grading, adding gravel and culvert maintenance. While driving on gravel roads remember to be courteous to others driving on the road as gravel roads can be rough and narrow. You should slow down while going by pedestrians, horses or homes. These roads can be quite dusty, especially in summer months.

Jefferson County Public Works Department applies residual herbicide to road shoulders and treats noxious weeds within the right of way.

Irrigating and watering of the road and shoulders dilutes the residual, creating an environment that allows weeds to grow. Irrigating of the roadway saturates the road base causing road damage. Please try and retain your water on your property.

Smoke Smoke from field burning or wildfires may require a delay or reroute of traffic.

Farm Machinery You can expect to encounter farm machinery on public roads, including state highways. Farmers often farm fields that are not adjacent to each other and must drive or haul equipment from one field to the next, or from their home to their fields. Farm machinery is often slow, wide, or long. Care must be taken in passing equipment or patiently waiting for it to pull off onto a side road or field. Occasionally, chaff and other crop debris may blow off of equipment as it moves down the road.

Permits are required for doing any work within the right of way. Permits are also required for any new access onto the public right of way.

Bridges Jefferson County Public Works oversees forty five bridges throughout the county. Some bridges are narrow or single lane, so when approaching bridges proceed with caution.

Snow Jefferson County road crews begin plowing when there is a three inch accumulation of snow and it’s still snowing. Otherwise the storm situation is monitored and plowing occurs where necessary.

Jefferson County Public Works Department does not sand or use de-icer during winter storm events.

Traction tires and/or devices such as chains are recommended during winter months. Drivers should carry traction devices and be prepared for inclement weather conditions. Drivers on rural roads should be especially cautious during wind, rain, snow and ice storms. These conditions can create hazards such as falling trees, high water and slick roads.

During heavy rains, run-off can overflow ditches and debris can plug culverts causing water to

Tractor and rake on public road

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Managing Your Land!

There is a lot to know about owning and managing land and you’ll need to know even more if you’re raising livestock. With a little time, some knowledge and a modest amount of money, you can have a place in the country of which you can be proud, while protecting Jefferson County’s natural resources.

Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff can help you develop

So you’ve just bought some property and are feeling overwhelmed. What are those weedy looking plants? How can you improve the pasture? What do you do with that pipe lying around? How do you keep the deer out of your vegetable garden? Where do you start? Who can help?

forestry, range, farm, wildlife and wetland management plans.

They can also help you acquire grants and financial aid for improvements.

http://www.oacd.org/

Management Plans

Natural Resources Conservation Service

is a federal agency that assists landowners with soil and water conservation projects.

Staff provides technical advice on irrigation, pasture management, riparian restoration, wetland management, and other conservation practices. In some cases there may be cost-share money to assist landowners in carrying out these practices. Staff also work Jefferson SWCD. closely with the

A Management Plan is the first step to successful land and natural resource management.

It is easy to design, starting by simply spending time on the property, looking around, making a sketch and taking notes on property boundaries, fences and corrals, buildings, wells, septic system, water sources, bare ground, roads and driveways, soil type, weeds, lawns and gardens, pasture and cropland, trees and shrubs, soil type, land uses, weeds, and topography.

Next define your management objectives.

Visualize how the land will be used, then how it should look. Decide what is important, what to avoid, and what you want from the resources on your property.

Remember to be aware of how the plan fits in with other land uses in the neighborhood.

Even if your plan does not make many alterations to the use of the land, you will need to keep weeds from becoming too invasive.

http://www.or.usda.gov/

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife biologists

can help enhance fish and wildlife habitat on your property. They can also advise you on dealing with wildlife that damage your property. They have cost-share programs that can benefit you and the wildlife habitat you want to enhance. http://oregon.gov/ODFW/

Oregon Department of Forestry Stewardship Foresters provide on-the-ground assistance to forest landowners. They also oversee cost-share dollars for forestry projects on private land. If you have questions on how to manage your property, invite a Stewardship Forester out to your property for a walk through.

Where to Go for Help!

Fortunately, there are many resources to help you develop a management plan or just answer your questions. Some of these agencies can also offer financial assistance for conservation projects. A resource directory is listed on the inside front cover.

Jefferson

County

OSU

http://oregon.gov/ODF/

Extension

Oregon Department of Agriculture

provides information on a variety of topics associated with livestock, crops, forestlands, landscaping, lawns, gardens, buildings, pest management and others. http://extension.oregonstate.edu/jefferson/

oversees food safety, protection of natural resources; and marketing of agricultural products. Staff implement the Agricultural Water Quality Management program, issues permits, and help producers feeding comply with confined animal requirements. http://oregon.gov/ODA/

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Fire Prevention Each year more and more people move into previously uninhabited, wildland/urban-interface areas of Jefferson County that have dry, hot summer weather and an increased danger of wildfire. In addition, these remote areas have just as high a risk of structural fires as urban areas, yet longer response times, limited water hydrants, difficult terrain and unpaved roads all increase the risk of losing your home to fire.

A proper defensible space area extends 30 to 200 feet around your home. Fire safety depends on the slope of the land and the type of vegetation around your home. If your home and landscape are properly maintained, your home is likely to survive a fire even without fire department intervention.

laws. Fire season typically begins in June and usually ends in October.

Burning on Your Property People living in Jefferson County Fire District #1 must have a valid burning permit obtained from the District to burn any approved material.

These include natural vegetation debris, wood or paper products.

Simple Fire Prevention Measures

Maintain green lawn or fire-resistant plants around your home. Mow grass to less than 6” Burn barrels are permitted in some jurisdictions.

Prune the lower branches of trees below 12’ You must obtain a permit from District #1 or to remove “ladder fuels” that help ground Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to use a fires become crown fires. Remove fuels under burn barrel. It is highly recommended that you large trees. use a screen over the barrel. Industrial Forest Trim branches away from your operators must have a permit to roof and house. Keep gutters operate power driven machinery and When fire season is in clean of debris. have their fire tools, extinguishers and effect, all open burning is Trim branches along driveway water supplies during fire season. prohibited. On the day to clear a corridor at least 14’ Public Regulated Use Closure you plan to burn, call (541) 475-1789 for fire and 14’ wide for emergency prohibits or regulates various precaution information vehicles. activities on forestland, including off Replace wood shake roofs. road vehicle use, campfires, smoking, Screen vents and areas under decks with dry grass mowing, use of chain saws, fireworks metal mesh. and welding. This Public Use regulation is Store firewood away from your house. subject to change.

Keep water and firefighting tools available and ready.

Fire Prevention Agencies and Districts Maintain good access to your home and Some areas of Jefferson County are outside the ensure that your address is visible and easy boundaries of all fire prevention agencies. to read.

Jefferson County Fire District #1 consists of 200 Firebreaks square miles served by the Madras and Culver A defensible space can be one of the most fire departments. Their primary responsibility is effective ways to protect your property. Initially the protection of lives and improved property. this can be a major undertaking, so start small However, they also respond to wildland fires and do a little at a time. Maintain annually. within the district and will assist other agencies.

Since protecting your home is the primary concern, start there and work outward. Fire The Oregon Department of Forestry is burns 16 times faster uphill so start on the responsible for fire suppression on private forest downhill side of your home. Firebreaks do not lands. They regulate outdoor burning and have to sacrifice the scenic beauty or natural industrial operations on forest lands and help setting of your land. landowners by inspecting and offering advice on fire-prone rural properties.

The US Forest Fire Season Preparation Service and Bureau of Land Management are During fire season both public and industrial responsible for fire suppression on public lands. operators must follow Oregon fire prevention

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Soils Jefferson County has extreme variations in soil types. Over 100 different kinds of soil have been sampled from the area. A soil test is essential for determining soil fertility on your rural property.

Soil Basics

Climate, water, temperature and parent materials all help create soil. Parent material in Jefferson County can include bedrock and volcanic ash. Local soils are fragile and are susceptible to wind and water erosion when not adequately protected. Soils have different textures including silts, sands and clays. The combination of these textures determines the characteristics of your soils. The depth of the soil to bedrock or the water table often determines land use. These characteristics and how they affect the potential of a soil are outlined in a document called a ‘soils survey’.

Erosion Control

Soils are precious and without deep, healthy topsoil, water and snow would not penetrate and percolate throughout the watershed.

One simple way to prevent erosion is to cover your soil with vegetation. Vegetation will protect the soil from erosion by rain, runoff and wind.

DID YOU KNOW? It can take up to 1000 years for natural processes to create one inch of top soil, and under certain conditions, one storm to remove it.

Soil Saving Tips

Soil Testing Soil testing is a good way to determine the nutrient level of your soils, as well as their acidity and alkalinity.

Soil Common nutrient Probe deficiencies in our area include nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The OSU Extension office can provide a list of soil testing labs.

When results are returned, the Extension staff can help you interpret them.

Irrigation The type and amount of irrigation required on your land depends on many factors, including crop, soil type, amount of acreage, and land use.

Fertile soils generally make more efficient use of water. Contact your Irrigation District or the Oregon Water Resources Department Watermaster for more information.

Keep all soils on your property well covered with vegetation.

Annual or perennial cover crops, sod-forming grasses, native plants and ground covers are excellent soil protectors. OSU Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners can help in selecting native plants suited to your property.

Reseed immediately with weed-free grass seed after any earth disturbing activity.

Grade and reshape roads and building sites to direct water to safe outlets and prevent standing water on soils.

Use conservation tillage: reduced tillage, direct seeding, subsoiling, chemical fallow.

Select crops that hold soil in place and enhance a crop rotation.

Seed early or double in critical areas.

Create and maintain sediment basins and vegetative buffer strips: riparian buffers, filter strips, grassed waterways, field borders, contour buffer strips, interception ditches.

Control weeds.

Consulting your soils survey is a great place to start when you want to know the general properties of the soils comprising your land. Soils information and maps are free and available from the NRCS and the Jefferson SWCD or online at

http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx.

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Water Rights Under Oregon law, the public owns most of the water. With some exceptions, a water right is necessary for anyone to use the public’s water whether it be from a stream, a lake, a reservoir, or even a well. This water right permit is obtained from the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD). Generally speaking, landowners with water flowing past, through, or under their property do not automatically have the right to use that water without a permit from OWRD. Oregon’s water laws are based on the principle of prior appropriation. This means the first person to obtain a water right on a stream is the last to be shut off in times of low streamflows.

In water-short times, the water right holder with the oldest date of priority (“senior user”) can demand the water they are entitled regardless of the needs of junior users. The prior appropriation doctrine is the basis of water law for most of the states west of the Mississippi River.

East of the Mississippi, a different principle usually applies.

Irrigation District in Central Oregon In the Deschutes Basin and particularly around Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, and Sisters, most of the irrigation water diverted and used is conveyed by irrigation districts. The landowner may have a water right attached to their land but the irrigation district is the quasigovernmental entity that is paid by the landowner to deliver water to each specified, particular location within that irrigation District.

There are seven major irrigation Districts in Central Oregon that irrigate roughly 150,000 acres, however Jefferson County has only one (North Unit). Irrigation districts hold a water right just like any other water right holder and are in line with the other priority dates along the stream. The district can be shut off just like other water rights in times of shortages. The local Watermaster in Bend regulates among all water right holders in Jefferson County and can do research for water rights on your property.

Fundamental Principles Beneficial purpose without waste – use for what the right was intended without waste.

Priority Date – the date a water right was established.

Appurtenancy – Generally, a water right is attached to the land described in the right, as long as the water is used. If the land is sold, the water right goes with the land to the new owner, Must Be Used – Once established, a water right must be used beneficially at least once every five years. With some exceptions established in law (ORS 540.610), after five consecutive years of non-use, the right is considered forfeited and is subject to cancellation.

Season of Use – the time of year during which water tied to a water right is legally allowed to be used.

Source of private landowner water right

Groundwater Exempt Uses (Uses without the need of a water right)

Water Rights Outside of Irrigation Districts Trout Creek and upper Willow Creek are outside the North Unit Irrigation District. Landowners in these areas should work directly with the OWRD to obtain information regarding water rights along these streams.

Stock watering Not more than ½ acre of non-commercial garden or lawn Single or group domestic purposes not exceeding 15,000 gallons per day Single industrial or commercial purposes not exceeding 5,000 gallons per day Down-hole heat exchange uses Firefighting

Water Resources Department

http://www.oregon.gov/OWRD

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Irrigation Water If your property runs adjacent to a canal or ditch; that water is not available for use unless there is an irrigation water right for your property. North Unit Irrigation District manages irrigation water delivery in Jefferson County. tenth of an acre of water rights to almost 960 acres of water rights.

North Unit Irrigation District North Unit Irrigation District supplies irrigation water to 58,891 acres of farmland. The District lies east of the Deschutes River, north of the Crooked River and surrounds the cities of Madras, Culver and Metolius. It is the second largest irrigation district in the state of Oregon and is governed by a five-member board of directors, who are elected by landowners in

North Unit’s primary water rights are from the Deschutes River and are stored in Wickiup Reservoir, located west of LaPine. The supplementary rights are pumped from the Crooked River. The main canal is 65 miles long; starting in Bend and traveling to the north end of the Madras plains. The reregulating reservoir, Haystack Reservoir, is south of Madras. Although North Unit water right owners are reimbursing the federal government for the cost of building Wickiup and Haystack reservoirs, they are both open to the general public for recreational use. Both have campgrounds maintained by the Forest Service.

North Unit has installed several pipelines, The canals are unsafe with funding for recreational use from various and are not open to grants, the public. All service throughout roads along the ditches/canals are the project. closed to the public.

The pipelines Any activity in the canal prove to be a or along the service valuable roads could result in a means for trespassing citation saving water since these are located on private property. since piping eliminates evaporation and seepage loses. A large lining project on the first 12 miles of the main canal was done in the1990s that added to water savings for the District, garnering recognition from the Bureau of Reclamation for our water conservation efforts.

the district. The project is operated and maintained by 26 employees, including the ditchriders who measure and deliver the irrigation water, dam tenders, mechanics, managers, office personnel, and maintenance workers. There are approximately 1100 waterusers on the project that own from one-

To help prevent accidental drowning, North Unit provides canal safety classes to the second graders of Jefferson County each spring.

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Minimize irrigation return flows through the use of cover crops, straw mulch, grass filter strips Install backflow devices Grade and slope property to retain runoff whenever possible Confirm nozzle sizes and water pressure throughout the system

Canal water is non-potable and is not for human consumption. The District has easements through the Bureau of Reclamation for delivery and maintenance purposes. If you have any questions about an easement that may be on your property, please feel free to come by the District office to obtain a map. Equipment, fences, trees and/or buildings cannot be placed within North Unit’s easements.

North Unit does not deliver water outside the irrigation season.

Drip irrigation system for water savings

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/agrimet/.

Water orders are based on a demand system. For this reason, accurate ordering practices are important to ensure that water is not being wasted. It is also important that landowners call the District to turn water delivery off.

Different irrigation systems such as flood, gated pipe, big gun, hand line, wheel line and pivot vary in efficient use or control of the water and cost to the landowner. Flood irrigation is the least efficient, in Central Oregon it is generally 30-45% depending on how much time the landowner spends controlling the water flow, the soil holding capacity, intake rate, depth and restrictive layers. Sprinkle irrigation application efficiencies vary between 55-85% and drip irrigation is 90% efficient depending on the soil, irrigation equipment and the operator.

Recommended irrigation water management techniques include: Schedule irrigation based on crop needs, soil type, climate, topography, infiltration rates Improve irrigation efficiency Pipe or line mainline and delivery systems

Irrigation water management will: Prevent excessive use of water for irrigation Prevent soil erosion Reduce labor Minimize pumping costs Maintain or improve quality of ground water and downstream surface water Increase crop biomass yield and product quality

North Unit Irrigation Delivery Ditch and Access Road

Irrigation Water Management Agricultural soil erosion and pollution are controlled by applying irrigation water uniformly and efficiently. Irrigation water is applied to crops at rates consistent with soil characteristics and in accordance with crop needs. Irrigation scheduling techniques include knowing climate data for your location via the “Agrimet� station in Madras or observing soil moisture in the field at several locations.

Current weather data and crop watering needs are available on the web at

NUID nuid@northunitid.com Bureau of Reclamation: 389-6541

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ditch and

Keeping Water Clean Clean water is critical to all Jefferson County residents: people, wildlife and aquatic life. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District, Jefferson County officials, and local citizens are working together to protect water quality in a number of ways. Ultimately the responsibility for improving water quality rests on the shoulders of everyone who lives, works or recreates in the watershed.

ODEQ is responsible for making sure that Oregon’s waters are clean. The Deschutes River, the Crooked River, and Trout Creek have been identified as being too warm and carrying too much sediment to support fish species and other aquatic life that live and spawn in the area.

Willow Creek is also too warm. These rivers and many of their tributaries flow through Jefferson County.

irrigation runoff from fields, eroding rangelands, and poorly designed and maintained roads and culverts. You must prevent soil from eroding into streams. You may also need to prevent excess soil from entering irrigation ditches, depending on where the water is going.

Nutrients

Nutrients are elements like nitrogen and phosphorus that are found in manure and fertilizer. They help plants grow, but in excess they can cause algae blooms that remove the oxygen needed by fish and water critters for survival.

Excess nitrogen can also pollute drinking water from wells. You must prevent your valuable manure or fertilizers from entering creeks and irrigation ditches.

Agricultural Water Quality Concerns ODA works with landowners to prevent water pollution from agricultural activities on private and state lands. Oregon’s Agricultural Water Quality Management Program includes both Area Plans and Area Rules. Area Plans describe water quality goals and how to meet them while Area Rules prescribe water quality requirements.

Pesticides

Improper application of pesticides can harm people, livestock, fish, and wildlife. Pesticides must be applied as indicated on the label.

The Middle Deschutes Area Plan applies to Jefferson County.

It strives to minimize agriculture’s contribution to the following concerns: Sediment: keep soil on the land and out of streams (minimize soil erosion and amount of soil-laden runoff; maintain adequate streamside and upland vegetation) Nutrients: keep nutrients on site and out of streams (apply at appropriate rates; minimize amount of nutrient-laden runoff and percolation to groundwater) Toxics: keep pesticides and municipal sludge on site and out of streams (apply pesticides and municipal sludge at appropriate rates; prevent runoff) Bacteria: keep livestock waste and municipal sludge on the land and out of streams encourage efficient Low stream flows: irrigation

Bacteria

The bacteria known as E. coli can harm humans.

You should prevent manure from entering groundwater, creeks, and irrigation ditches to protect yourself and your neighbors. If you have a large number of animals confined in a dirt lot or stable, you may need a Confined Animal Feeding Operation permit from ODA. Streamside Vegetation

Plants help stabilize streambanks, filter potential pollutants out of water flowing over the ground, and shade the water. Agricultural activities must allow plants to provide these functions.

Non-Agricultural Water Quality Concerns Leaking septic systems, improper pesticide applications on lawns and gardens, inappropriate off-road vehicle use, and suburban runoff can contribute to water quality concerns in Jefferson County.

Soil erosion

Excess soil in streams can silt in fish habitat and clog irrigation pumps. Soil most likely enters streams through eroding streambanks, soil-laden

Agricultural Water Quality Management Area Plan and Rules

http://oregon.gov/ODA/NRD/water_quality_front.shtml#Agricultural_water_quality_mangement_plans_and_rules

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Managing Land for Livestock Health Many people move to Jefferson County so they can have room to raise some cows, horses, sheep, or other livestock. But, raising animals takes more than just giving them some space and feeding them. Raising animals takes careful management to ensure that pastures are as productive as possible and that manure dies not cause problems for people or wildlife.

Throughout Central Oregon, it is common to see too many animals in too little space. Sometimes this may be too many horses in a dirt pen, where the pens become mudholes in the winter and dusty in the summer. Or you may see too many animals in an over-grazed pasture.

systems need to allow for this seasonal cycle.

That means pastures can’t be grazed as heavily in the summer and often need to rest all winter.

Healthy Pasture

A healthy irrigated pasture consists of a wellbalanced mixture of grasses and legumes (clovers) that provide forage throughout the growing season. Healthy dryland (non-irrigated parcels) contain sturdy grasses and some shrubs.

Seed mixes for both irrigated pastures and dryland are available from local seed suppliers.

A healthy pasture also has few weeds and no soil erosion.

Over-grazed pastures lead to soil erosion, surface water runoff, and less forage every year.

Animals suffer from inhaling dust and eating less desirable forage. Consequences can be as severe as colic or neurological problems from eating weeds.

How Grass Grows Plants use their leaves to receive energy from the sun, and their roots to get nutrients and water from the soil. If leaf area is reduced, roots are lost. Grasses store their food reserves in the lower 3-6” of their stems. Short grass plants can’t regrow as quickly as tall ones.

For maximum growth, plants need sufficient leaves, roots, and stems. Lack of any of these will cause plants to grow more slowly. The bottom line: grass shorter than 3-4” takes longer to regrow from grazing.

Many pastures in Jefferson County are overgrazed because people put too many animals on a pasture for too long a time. Dryland pastures especially are sensitive to grazing and should be thought of more as an exercise area than a source of forage.

The Rule of Thumb

Graze at 8,

Grasses should be neither over Leave by 3 nor under-grazed. For optimal forage production, graze when grass is 6-8 inches tall and take livestock when it is 3-4 inches tall to allow the grass to regrow.

Most grasses in Central Oregon grow in the spring and fall, are very slow growers in the summer, and dormant in the winter. Grazing

Number of animals per acre of pasture, April-October. Alternate feed will be required in the winter. Source: Crook Co. Extension.

Species Irrigated pasture Non-irrigated parcel of fewer than 50 acres Sheep 5 Should be used only as a part-time exercise area, NOT as a feed resource, Goats 5 because it is easily converted to dust, Alpacas 3 rocks and weeds by overuse.

Llamas 2 Horses 1 Cattle 1 Pigs Not recommended

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Pasture Management

Manure Management

Timing, intensity, and duration of livestock grazing dramatically affect plant vigor and overall pasture productivity.

Rotational grazing is one of the best ways to intensively graze pasture and keep it productive. Cross-fence pasture into at least 3 smaller pastures. Rotate your animals through the pastures, providing at least 1821 days of rest between grazings to allow grass to regrow. Start grazing a pasture when the grass is 6-8” tall. Move the animals to another paddock when the grass is eaten down to 3-4”. Let the grazed pasture rest until the grass is again 6-8” tall. Resting also helps reduce parasite larvae in manure by exposing them to the sun and dry air.

Manure contains both valuable nutrients and potential pollutants. Manure should be kept away from streams and ditches, regardless of the type of livestock.

Horse manure seems to accumulate at astronomical rates, especially in an all-weather paddock.

The average 1000-pound horse produces 50 pounds of manure per day! That’s 9 tons per year!

An “all-weather paddock” is a key part of most wellmanaged horse properties and is useful for other livestock.

You keep your horses here to allow pasture grass to regrow, protect saturated ground, and manage the amount of grass they are eating. Think of it as the horse’s “living room”, with the pasture as the “dining room”.

Drag or harrow pastures at least once a year to break up and evenly distribute manure.

This helps to incorporate manure into the soil, which prevents bacteria and nutrients from entering water. This also exposes parasite larvae to sunlight. Harrowing especially encourages horses to graze pastures more uniformly. Without harrowing, they tend to designate one area as a “bathroom” and then under-graze it while over-grazing other areas.

Keep livestock off of wet or dormant pastures, as soil compaction and plant damage can result from grazing livestock on saturated soils.

Livestock feet can be harmed by standing in water.

To reduce mud and dust, use wood chips, sand or some other surface to provide adequate drainage.

Regularly clean the paddock. Horses shouldn’t stand in their own waste! A well-managed paddock will have little or no contaminated runoff or nutrient leaching to shallow groundwater, ditches, or canals. Direct runoff to a vegetative buffer or filter strip.

Divert rainwater and snowmelt around the paddock with gutters and downspouts on the buildings.

Composting reduces the volume of waste, and the heat generated from this process kills weed seeds and parasites. Composting is easy to do on-farm and provides valuable nutrients when applied to pasture or garden. But, remember to cover your pile during wet weather to keep nutrients from leaching out.

Drylots Convert a large drylot into a smaller all weather paddock and replant the rest of the former drylot with drought-tolerant grasses. Graze carefully and control weeds.

Poorly-managed pasture “Managing Small Acreage Horse Farms in Central and Eastern Oregon “ at

Well-managed pasture

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/ec/ec1610.pdf

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Backyard Wildlife One of the benefits of living in the country is having abundant wildlife. While most wildlife do not pose a threat, some predators can become nuisances. They can destroy property, livestock, and pets. The section below discusses attracting wildlife and how to avoid predator problems.

Wildlife Habitat = Food + Water + Cover

Predators and Pests

Food requirements vary by wildlife species, from seeds and berries for birds to the grasses, forbs and shrubs preferred by deer Chukar and elk. Water on or near your property in the form of a pond, stream or developed stockwater will increase the variety of wildlife you will attract. Cover is needed for hiding from predators, traveling, nesting, and shelter.

Predators, including bears, cougars, bobcats, and coyotes, are common in Jefferson County. Keep in mind that many species have “territory” that you are moving into. While most wild animals will avoid humans, their natural instinct is to kill easy prey, which often includes livestock and pets. Precautions can be taken to avoid or minimize conflict. While larger animals are rarely attacked, smaller animals are more vulnerable. All animals need shelter from the elements with smaller animals needing protection at night when most predators are active. A solid barn or other sturdy enclosure that can’t be entered by predators protects your animals. Skunks and other small predators can enter through small spaces and kill chickens.

Creating Good Wildlife Habitat is Easy

You can increase the amount of wildlife habitat by making a few simple changes to your backyard environment. Growing a diversity of native vegetation and maintaining a water source will provide the necessary elements of good wildlife habitat. The types of plants you use Quail determine what wildlife species are attracted to your property.

Pets Avoid attracting predators and pests by not leaving pet food outdoors. Also, keep pets in at night. So keep cats indoors and don’t let pets roam. Free roaming cats can be a major predator of songbirds, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Larger dogs can sometimes become predators, especially if roaming in packs, and can be legally shot if found chasing livestock.

Dead, Dying, Hollow Trees and Logs Many people are unaware of the value of dead, dying and hollow trees or logs for wildlife. Dead trees provide homes to over 80 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians in our area.

Fish, plants and fungi also benefit from dead and dying trees. Consider leaving snags and downed, woody material on your property.

Internet Center for Wildlife Damage

http://wildlifedamage.unl.edu/

Tips

Dealing with Pests

Consider planting native plant species first.

Wildlife prefer them to non-native species.

Plant a diversity of vegetative types and heights.

Bat boxes and bird houses can encourage these species that often feed on insects Select plants that flower and bear fruit at different times of the year.

Leave snags and some downed, woody material for perching, hiding and nesting.

Plant small grains or large-seeded grasses for wildlife food.

Develop ponds, stockwater tanks or other watering facilities.

While deer are beautiful to watch, they are also attracted to gardens and landscaping. Netting can be draped over plants as a deterrent, but you can also select plants that deer do not prefer to eat (see the Sunset Western Garden book). A tall fence around a vegetable garden is not recommended unless it is at least 8 feet tall. .

Ground squirrels and other small animals can create problems in gardens and pastures by digging holes and eating plants.

Common rodent pests include marmots and small ground squirrels. Lethal and non-lethal methods are available for dealing with these problems.

For tips, consult Wild Neighbors: the Humane Approach to Living with Wildlife, by John Hadidian or contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

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Weed Management Letting “nature run its course” on your property is a recipe for disaster when it comes to weeds. The fact is that undesirable weeds will harm landscapes that are not managed to exclude them. Weeds at their worst pose a serious economic threat, increase the likelihood of catastrophic fire, are a hazard to people and animals, and hinder the enjoyment of land ownership. The most important step in managing weeds is choosing a goal for your land, and then following through with the resources to achieve that goal. professional consultant, your Jefferson County Weed Supervisor, or OSU Extension.

Noxious Weeds Noxious weeds permanently degrade agricultural lands and the natural environment. Not all weeds are noxious weeds, though. Noxious weeds are non-native plants that have been legally designated by the state or the county as serious pests because they are injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, or any public or private property. A list of state and county noxious weeds is available from the Jefferson County Weed Control Department.

Noxious weed control efforts in Jefferson County cost the public approximately $125,000 annually. Weeds that are not noxious might be designated by the county as problem weeds. Landowners have a legal obligation by state and county law to control noxious and problem weeds on their property.

These laws are enforced!

“A-List” for Jefferson County (weeds of greatest concern) Rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea) Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium) Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Musk thistle (Carduus nutans) Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) Mediterranean sage (Salvia aethiopis) Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) Meadow knapweed (Centaurea pratensis) Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) Dalmation toadflax (Linaria dalmatica) Squarrose knapweed (Centaurea virgata) Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) Wild carrot (Daucus carota) also known as

Weed Management A healthy stand of desirable plants can prevent many weed problems—this is the most effective tool for managing weeds. Weeds are opportunists that utilize available resources to proliferate.

Disturbing soil and removing or suppressing established vegetation creates opportunities for weeds. Foot traffic, wheel traffic and cultivation disturbs soil, while excessive mowing, grazing, or fire can suppress established vegetation. Land used for high traffic activities will require extra efforts to manage weeds.

Queen Anne's Lace Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) Buffalobur (Solanum rostratum) Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) north of Haystack Reservoir and Round Butte Dam

Herbicides can be an effective, necessary, and environmentally sound tool to manage weeds.

Selective herbicides can control broadleaf plants without injuring grasses. Selective herbicides are particularly effective when used to reduce competition from weeds with desirable plants.

Weed Science Society of America

http://www.wssa.net/

Center for Invasive Plant Mngmt

http://www.weedcenter.org/

PNW Weed Management Handbook

http://weeds.ippc.orst.edu/pnw/weeds Profiles of state noxious weeds

Nonselective herbicides like Roundup® (glyphosate) control almost all plants. Use of nonselective herbicides can create an opportunity for weeds and should be done in conjunction with a plan to establish desirable plants. Always follow the instructions on the herbicide label. For advice on how to use herbicides contact a

http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/WEEDS/

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Identifying weeds is essential to developing a successful management strategy. Here are a few of the most threatening noxious weeds in Jefferson County.

Spotted knapweed

Yellow Star thistle

Queen Anne’s Lace

Yellow flag iris

Dalmation Toadflax

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Managing Range and Forest Property If you own range or forestland, have you thought about managing it? You might ask, “Why would I want to manage my property, I just want to enjoy it.” People own range or forest land for a various reasons including: o o o

A retreat or get-away For recreation (hiking, fishing, hunting) Passing on a legacy

o o o

Timber income Grazing Investment

Actively managing your property in the right way can enhance the very things you enjoy or care about by protecting your property from insects, disease and wildfire. In recent years, wildfires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres of private and federal forestland in central Oregon. Can your property and rural home resist wildfire? forest floor. A lightning strike ignites a wildfire and the forest is consumed. Seeds contained in cones on surviving trees help to reseed the area with young lodgepole pine.

Rangeland Rangeland consists primarily of dry-adapted grasses and shrubs. Many rangelands also contain juniper. Historically, wildfires confined juniper to rocky ridges and outcrops. Due to suppressing wildfires for the past several decades, juniper has taken over rangelands and dramatically changed plant communities, mostly by reducing the amount of water available to other plants.

Because of the detrimental effect of these ‘post-settlement’ junipers, more and more landowners are removing junipers to restore native grass and shrub communities. Dense stands of juniper may look like forests, but are classified as rangelands.

Unthinned lodgepole pine

Young junipers invading rangeland Lodgepole pine recovering from fire

Contact OSU Extension in Prineville for help with managing rangelands and juniper.

Ponderosa Pine Forests

What Type of Forest Do You Have?

The type of forest determines your management strategy. In Jefferson County, we have three basic types of forests.

Lodgepole Pine Forest

Pure lodgepole pine forests are found in cold air drainages, along high elevation rivers and creeks and surrounding cold meadows, as well as in higher plateaus. Lodgepole pine forests are created by fire.

Old decadent stands are usually attacked by bark beetles, which kills the trees and creates fuel on the

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Ponderosa forests are found just above the junipers and below the mixed conifer forest, often on south-facing slopes. Historically, old-growth ponderosa pine forests were kept very open by repeated surface fires, which maintained large diameter old-growth trees. Much of the oldgrowth was logged in the 1920s and 1930s, so most private forestland is comprised of young ponderosa 70-80 years old.

Mixed Conifer Forest

Unthinned young ponderosa pine

Keeping Your Forest Healthy and Productive

Active management is needed to maintain a healthy forest. Over time trees increase in size and compete for water, nutrients and sunlight. In addition, many forest stands are much denser than they were historically, mostly because fire is no longer allowed to burn through the forests, in essence thinning the forest. Weak, diseased, damaged or smaller trees should be removed periodically, regardless of forest type, to improve tree growth and value, safeguard against bark beetles, and reduce the risk of wildfire.

Old growth ponderosa pine forest.

Mixed-Conifer Forests

This type is comprised of several tree species including ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, grand fir, western larch, and lodgepole pine. The mixed conifer forest is grows above the pure ponderosa pine forests and often on cooler and moist north slopes and in higher elevation creek bottoms.

Mixed conifer forests are the most productive forests in Central Oregon. Because they contain a mix of species, they are somewhat more complex to manage. It is important to keep a good balance of tree species. Allowing a mixed conifer forest to become dominated by grand fir and Douglas fir can lead to severe insect and disease problems. These species are also more susceptible to drought, making them prime targets for bark beetles and root disease.

Laws to be Aware of The two most important laws that govern private forestland in Oregon are the Oregon Forest Practices Act (OFPA) and the Fire Protection Regulations. Logging and forest practice activities on private lands and adjacent to streams and creeks is governed by the OFPA and overseen by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). The law also governs reforestation requirements after harvest and the application of chemicals on forestland. Fire Protection Regulations address fire prevention, burning permits, operation of machinery (including chainsaws), and designating fire season.

For questions regarding logging practices, permits, and timber harvesting on private lands, contact ODF in Prineville. For fire regulations, contact ODF in Prineville or in Sisters. www.oregon.gov/ODF/

Oregon Small Woodland Association (OSWA) – OSWA is an association of family forestland owners from across Oregon.

They provide educational information and promote and advocate for family forestland owners. They also host tours and other events and produce a newsletter and magazine called, Northwest Woodlands. There are local OSWA Chapters around the state, including Central Oregon. If you are interesting in joining OSWA, contact them by phone, or email: (503) 588-1813 HU

www.oswa.org.

UH

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Your Public Neighbors The Bureau of Land Management, Ochoco and Deschutes National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and State of Oregon manage the majority of public lands in Jefferson County. Many of these lands are adjacent to or intermingled with rural private properties.

Much of the beautiful landscape that contributes to the quality of life in Central Oregon consists of public lands. These lands provide open space, recreation, wildlife habitat, and natural resources that support local economies.

timber and forage to promote economic stability within local communities and industries.

Prescribed Burning (i.e., controlled fires) is often used as a tool to reduce hazardous fuels that can carry wildfire, as well as a method for restoring historic plant communities and habitats to an area. These are usually conducted in the fall after the wildlfire season.

Thinning and Commercial Timber/ Firewood/Biomass Harvest: o Reduce fire fuel loading o Restore historic vegetation o Enhance wildlife habitat o Promote natural functions and processes o Maintain productivity of the land Seeding of Native Plant Species Invasive Plant Control Livestock Grazing Development of Recreational Facilities and Opportunities

The US Forest Service manages the Ochoco National Forest in the headwaters of Trout and Willow Creeks, the Crooked River National Grasslands sprinkled throughout the juniper/sage lands around Madras, and the Deschutes National Forest in the foothills of the Cascades.

Lands managed by the US Bureau of Land Management primarily line the Deschutes River and include the ridge between Antelope and Ward Creeks.

The State of Oregon manages one park in Jefferson County: the Cove Palisades State Park located at Lake Billy Chinook, just west of Culver. The State also has parcels, usually one square mile in size, scattered throughout the county as a result of historical land trades.

OPRD also maintains properties and management responsibilities on the Deschutes River.

Be Informed and Get Involved Find out what is happening on the public lands in your area. Ask to be included on mailing lists for land management activities. Attend public meetings, scoping sessions, and other forums offering public participation and educational opportunities on your public lands.

Know the Restrictions and Get a Permit

What Types of Land Management Activities should I Expect?

To maintain the character and health of public lands for future visitors, there are restrictions on certain activities. Restrictions associated with motorized vehicle use, fire, and use of firearms vary by season and location. Certain activities (road and trail building, mining, and collection of forest products, etc.) require a permit.

Public land management agencies manage their lands and natural resources in various ways. If you have not lived in this part of the country before, you may not be aware of the types of land management activities that occur on neighboring public lands. These lands are actively managed to reduce the risk of wildfire, restore healthy ecosystems, protect rare plant and animal species and produce natural resource commodities such as

The US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management welcome questions regarding uses of their lands.

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Outdoor Recreation Many people move to Central Oregon because of its fabulous recreational opportunities. The Deschutes River beckons boaters and fisherfolks, while the forested hills and mountains lure hunters, hikers, and campers. However, as a recreationalist, you have responsibilities to protect both the natural resources and your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Public Lands

River Rafting

Public lands within Jefferson County provide tremendous recreational opportunities from hunting and hiking in very primitive settings to boating, waterskiing, developed camp sites and riding off-highway vehicles.

Jefferson County also has extensive private timberlands, which may seem indistinguishable from public lands.

Due to its popularity for rafting, Boater Passes are required all year for use on the Deschutes River from Pelton Reregulation Dam to its confluence with the Columbia River. Any individual using a watercraft or any other floating device must possess a Boater Pass.

Obtain a map from your local USFS or BLM office Passes and information so you can have fun without trespassing or are available at violating laws.

Always respect private property.

Always leave gates the way you found them (open or closed)!

http://www.boaterpass.co m/ and from a number of

vendors throughout Oregon. Access may be restricted to a limited number of boaters on sections of the river during peak use periods.

Hunting & Fishing Jefferson County is a popular place to hunt species such as deer, elk, quail, and chukar.

Hunting is available on public lands, and on private property with landowner permission.

Blue Ribbon Redband trout and steelhead fishing attract numerous anglers. Bull Trout, while listed as an endangered species, are robust enough to support a popular fishery in Lake Billy Chinook. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife sells hunting and angling licenses, and sponsors hunter education programs.

Rockhounding Agates, petrified wood, jasper, and thundereggs are concentrated around Ashwood.

Some private landowners make their lands available to the public: http://www.madraschamber.com/

rockhounding.cfm

Arrowheads

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/

Arrowheads and other cultural artifacts are found regularly in Jefferson County due to the extensive use of this area by Native Americans.

These items are protected by state and federal laws. http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/HCD/SHPO/

Camping Camping is allowed on most Federal lands outside of established campgrounds. The State of Oregon provides camping facilities at Cove Palisades State Park. It is popular for hiking, camping, and boating.

All Terrain Vehicles (ATV)

http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_32.php

Power Boating

The State Marine Board (http://www.oregon.gov/ OSMB/) regulates recreational boating in Oregon. If you are 70 or younger, you must carry a Boater Education Card when operating powerboats of more than 10 hp. Always clean your boat before launching, invasive mussels and other aquatic species cling to boats and are easily transported to clean waters.

The county has two official riding areas, both on US Forest Service land. Unauthorized ATV use is common on private lands, especially timberlands, where it has caused severe erosion, as seen in the above photos. Ride responsibly!

http://www.oregon.gov/ OPRD/ATV/ safety

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Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Options Jefferson Co. Box Canyon Transfer Station

Madras Sanitary Service (MSS)

Box Canyon Transfer Station is operated by Jefferson County Public Works and is located at 1760 SE McTaggart Road, just outside of Madras.

They are open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Friday thru Tuesday, excluding holidays.

Madras Sanitary Service provides trash services to all of Jefferson County with the exception of Crooked River Ranch. They are located at 1778 NW Mill Street in Madras. MSS provides curbside trash service as well as 20 yd and 30 yd drop boxes for construction jobs. In the city limits of Madras, curbside recycling services are provided for customers.

They accept household solid waste, construction debris, yard debris, tires, refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners for a fee. The following MSS operates a recycle facility are accepted at no charge: scrap located at the address listed above. metal, used motor oil (in plastic jug with lid), The facility is open 24 hrs a day 7 days a week. automobile batteries, rechargeable batteries, The following items are accepted at no charge: cardboard, newspaper (bagged or bundled), phone books, newspaper (bagged or bundled), magazines, tin and aluminum cans (cleaned and magazines, glass sorted by color, tin and flattened with the labels removed), milk jugs, s aluminum cans (washed labels removed, #1 thru #7 (lid and flattened), cardboard, Hours of operation vary depending on the time of year. If openings must be smaller milk jugs, and plastics you need additional information regarding these than the container – NO #1 thru #7 (lid and facilities, please call Jefferson County Public Works. margarine tubs, yogurt openings must be containers, etc.) Glass smaller than the sorted by color, phone books and motor oil (in container – NO margarine tubs, yogurt gallon jugs with cap on). containers, etc.)

Camp Sherman Transfer Station

Crooked River Ranch

Camp Sherman Transfer Station is operated by Jefferson County Public Works with staffing by volunteer residents of Camp Sherman. This transfer station is for Camp Sherman property owners only. Disposal costs associated with this site are paid for by property owners of Camp Sherman.

Crooked River Sanitary provides trash services to all of Crooked River Ranch. They are located at 13918 SW Commercial Loop in Crooked River Ranch.

Roadside service as well as recycling opportunities are provided

Deschutes Valley Water District Opal Springs and three artesian wells supply the domestic water for Madras, Metolius., Culver and the surrounding areas. The artesian spring is located 5 miles southwest of Culver at the bottom of the 850 foot deep Crooked River Canyon, less than 150 feet from the river. The wells are 300-600 feet south of Opal Springs. Currently, filtration or treatment of Opal Springs or the wells is neither done nor needed.

In late October, protect your water meter from freezing by covering it with fiberglass so the meter dial will slip through and will still be accessible by the meter reader. Check your meter cover to make sure it is not broken, missing or out of place. Any of these conditions will allow cold air and moisture into your meter and should be reported to the office.

If you have an after-hours leak Monday through Thursday call the Sheriff's department at 475-2201; on the weekend call the District at 475-3849. For further information, go to http://www.dvwd.org.

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Contributors to this Publication Many thanks to the following for contributing to this handbook: Rich Affeldt – Oregon State University Extension Jodi Eagan – former Jefferson County Commissioner; Jefferson County Historical Society Ellen Hammond – Oregon Department of Agriculture Kirk Holcomb – North Unit Irrigation District Marie Horn – Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District Bill Bellamy – former Jefferson County Commissioner Mylen Bohle – Oregon State University Extension Margaret Boutell – Jefferson County Community Development Director Mike Britton – North Unit Irrigation Fara Brummer – Oregon State University Extension Steve Davis – Jefferson County Public Works Tonya Dombrowski – Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Diana Ellis – North Unit Irrigation District Steve Fitzgerald – Oregon State University Extension Steve Gibson – United States Forest Service Kyle Gorman – Oregon Water Resources Department Marsha Keating – Deschutes Valley Water District Rebecca Mills – Oregon State University Extension Tom Nelson – Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Stu Otto – Department of Forestry Floyd Paye – Jefferson County Public Works Clay Penhollow – Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation Michelle Richwine – Natural Resources Conservation Service Jan Roofener – Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District Bob Sjolund – Jefferson County Fire Dept; Redmond Fire and Rescue Hollli VanWert – Madras-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Melanie Widmer – Madras Sanitary

Jackson County and Hood River SWCDs graciously allowed us to use their Rural Living Handbooks as guides.

Special thanks to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the following businesses for contributing to the printing costs.

Round Butte Seed 505 “C” St Culver, Or 97734

Central Oregon Seeds, Inc 1747 NW Mill St Madras, Or 97741

Cenex Harvest States 116 NW Depot Rd Madras, OR 97741

2347 SW Hwy 97 Madras, Or. 97741

2024 NW Beech St Madras, Or 97741

881 SW Culver Hwy Madras, Or 97741

AGWEST SUPPLY “ Serving Farmers and Ranchers Since 1932” 36 NW “A” Street, Madras, Or 97741

500 NW CHERRY LANE MADRAS OR 97741

Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District A Quick History The 1930s brought an ecological disaster known as the "Dust Bowl", when huge black dust storms blotted out the sun and swallowed the countryside. The U.S. Congress immediately declared soil and water conservation a national policy and priority. The idea for Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) was born. Today there are almost 3000 SWCDs nationwide - one in almost every county. A SWCD is designed to serve the conservation needs of that county, educate and help its local citizens conserve land, water, forests, wildlife and other natural resources. It accomplishes all of this while meeting the needs and concerns of local landowners.

lands and to serve your community.

Who We Are Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District serves the landowners of Jefferson County free of charge. We are governed by a Board that you elect members to every November. You may wish to consider becoming a Board member to learn more about managing rural

We are NOT A Federal, County, State or City Agency. We are a “special purpose” district, and operate similar to a fire control district; A regulatory or enforcement agency; An environmental activist group.

Community Connections of Jefferson County

One of the benefits of living in a rural area is the chance to be more closely connected to your neighbors, businesses, and members of your community. One way to do that is by staying in touch with the local happenings and getting involved in local events and organizations. The Madras-Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, www.madraschamber.com, is an excellent resource for ideas. Below is a crosssection of opportunities.

News and Current Events: The Madras Pioneer newspaper is published weekly and has current information about community events, politics, schools, real estate and much more, www.madraspioneer.com or call 475-2275. The Round-up is a weekly publication available for free at local businesses. It includes current events, advertisements, and volunteer opportunities, www.theroundupmadras,com or call 475-6868. Spilyay Tymoo (“Coyote News”) is the bi-weekly newspaper of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, www.wsnews.org or call 553-3274.

Youth Organizations: There are many things activities for young people. 4-H is a worldwide youth organization focused on development of life skills in positive environments. Adults can volunteer to lead a group to learn about specific project areas. Project areas in Jefferson County include livestock, home economics (sewing, cooking), horse, dog, and photography. Kids Club of Madras is an after-school program that offers structured activities – educational, artistic, and athletic programs – in a fun and safe environment.

Jefferson County Library in Madras offers a variety of services, including Internet access and regularly scheduled educational programs for all ages. For more information, call 475-3351 or www.jcld.org.

Fairs: Jefferson County hosts two fairs at the fairgrounds each year. You can experience the fun and excitement of the County Fair and Rodeo in late July. The Central Oregon Farm Fair happens in early February and provides in-depth information on land management. Call the fairgrounds at 325-5050 for more information.

High Desert Humane Society has no facilities of it’s own, but relies on volunteers to foster cats and dogs for adoption. They also offer free spayed/neutered, vaccinated barn cats for adoption. 548-0943.