The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oregon announces funding available for farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners in Wallowa County. The Wallowa North-Alder Slope Renewal project is funded through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Interested applicants should apply by June 5, 2025.

The Wallowa North-Alder Slope Renewal project addresses irrigation efficiency and forest health in high-priority Alder Slope areas. Available conservation practices include forest stand improvement, woody residue treatment, irrigation water management, prescribed grazing, and herbaceous weed treatment. 

The irrigation portion of this project aims to increase irrigation efficiency by 15%, reduce water waste and generate power in the Alder Slope geographic priority area.

The forest health portion of this project will create a defensible space from wildfire between public forests and private non-industrial forestland by reducing the density of overstocked stands, manipulating fuel arrangement, forest structure and significantly reducing the fuel load by an estimated 99,000 tons of fuel. A catastrophic fire on the Alder Slope would result in negative resource impacts to forest health, soil conditions, and endangered species such as bull trout, steelhead and salmon. 

NRCS and partners hope to assist landowners with restoring forest stands to healthier stocking rate, diversifying species composition, and eliminating current insect infestations to improve the health and resistance ability of the trees remaining. 

Key project partners include Oregon Water Resources Department, Oregon Department of Forestry, Wallowa Soil and Water Conservation District, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, U.S Forest Service, Farmers Conservation Alliance and Energy Trust.

To learn more and apply for available funding in your area, contact your local USDA Service Center or apply online at farmers.gov.