Harney County Watershed Council

03/03/2026

What is next on the agenda for Division 512 Rules? With the Serious Water Problem Management Area (SWMPA) designation, all those with irrigation permits will be required to have flow meters installed on all irrigation, take measurements monthly and report yearly to OWRD by 2028.
Do you need to install a flow meter? There are grant programs available to help you with purchase and installation. Let us know at the Watershed Council or Harney SWCD to find help!!

01/09/2026

The Oregon Water Resources Commission, at their December meeting accepted the proposed Division 512 Rules as adjusted and presented by the Department. One of the changes will "classify" the Harney Basin (see map below) for any NEW uses in the future. The Department will NOT accept any new irrigation applications. Exempt uses that include Domestic, Stock Water and geothermal heating wells can still be implemented.

12/24/2025

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the office greeters and staff!

12/10/2025

The Water Resources Commission will be meeting tomorrow and Friday in Salem. Online participation is also available and will be attached below. The Division 512 Rules and the Petition discussion is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

Meeting Location and Procedures
Meeting Format: Members of the public may join in-person or virtually.
In-Person: 725 Summer St. NE, Rooms 124A & B, Salem, OR 97301
Virtual Meeting Information – Day 1
Attend By Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87317780175?pwd=Fk1VHE9tMLD5nLHmli77ZaIbabro9y.1
Attend By Phone: (669) 444 9171 Webinar ID: 873 1778 0175 Passcode: 302496
Virtual Meeting Information – Day 2
Attend By Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84332121875?pwd=C0sLr5Ky2qsncdaYOgcCO6RMbq3weX.1
Attend By Phone: (253) 215 8782 Webinar ID: 843 3212 1875 Passcode: 891655

12/08/2025

The Groundwater Advisory Committee will be meeting tomorrow morning at the Rogue Conference Room in the Oregon Water Resources Department. 9:00am to 11:00am. Agenda items include updates on Legislative updates, static water level measuring and reporting requirements and an update of the proposed Division 512 Rules. You can join the meeting remotely by Zoom, or audit the meeting on YouTube. Log in information included below....

Remote Meeting Options:
Virtual Meeting Information – December 9, 2025
Observe By YouTube (no public comment option):
https://www.youtube.com//live
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96850829723?pwd=uv6Pe0h0Ab7sy3UbE4iGkpI98obyJC.1
Meeting ID: 968 5082 9723
Passcode: 582873

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

11/25/2025

Are you wanting to research presentations that the Community Based Water Planning Collaborative worked on over the years the Plan was Developed???? Head to the Watershed Council website and click on the link below to find all presentations given over the years.

You will find Full Collaborative presentations listed by Surface Water and Groundwater, and also presentations given to Work groups.

Topics include:
Harney Water Budget
Groundwater Market Feasibility Studies
Voluntary Agreement Analysis
Groundwater CREP development.

https://hcwatershedcouncil.com/cbwp-relevant-presentations-2/

11/19/2025

Christmas tree permits now available for the Malheur National Forest

JOHN DAY, PRAIRIE CITY and HINES, OR (November 19, 2025) – Christmas tree permits are available to purchase online through Recreation.gov beginning. Details about designated cutting areas, dates, and types of trees that may be cut may be found here.

To purchase a Christmas tree permit, visit Recreation.gov and search for Malheur National Forest Christmas Tree Permits. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. To purchase permits in person, visit any Malheur National Forest office or one of this year’s Christmas Tree Permit vendors:

Bear Valley Store, Seneca
John Day Hardware, John Day
Harney County Chamber of Commerce, Burns
Reid’s Market, Burns
Hines Market, Hines
Riley Store, Riley
Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).

Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health. The permit system helps thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Local forest health experts identify areas that benefit from thinning trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide forage for wildlife.

10/30/2025

Using water efficiently is becoming more and more important! AgriMet stations provide real-time weather data to optimize available water for your crops!! Use what you need and conserve the rest!!

AgriMet stations locally include: Crane, Eastern Oregon Ag Research Station, Catlow Valley, Fields and Riley!!!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

10/24/2025

The Harney Domestic Well Fund is opening a new grant cycle to help improve or replace wells in the Harney Basin. Watch the informational YouTube video for more information. Applications will be accepted until January 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg896ZFQ1DI

09/28/2025

Please review the petition and provide comments.

OWRD opens public comment on rulemaking petition, extends comment on Harney Basin rulemaking Oregon Water Resources Department sent this bulletin at 09/17/2025 05:30 PM PDT Have trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. OWRD opens public comment on rulemaking petition, extends comment on Ha...

09/18/2025

Hello small forestland owners! If you want to reduce wildfire risks on your land and in your community, read on.

ODF’s Small Forestland Grant Program application period opens soon. The program helps landowners reduce wildfire risk and improve forest resiliency.

Grants typically range from $10,000-$300,000. The program prioritizes work on high-risk areas. Priority areas are set forth in the 20-year Landscape Resiliency Strategy.

Competitive applications often have multiple landowners. This partnership approach helps connect the broader landscape. With responsibly managed lands across ownerships, we expect to reduce wildfire risks around communities.

You can find more program information here: https://ow.ly/ZviE50WTzR1 Check back in the coming weeks to apply.