alpaca photo Cascade Pacific logo
May-June 2009

In this issue:
CPRCD Annual Meeting
~ September 17, 2009~

grapes photoThe CPRCD Annual Meeting will be held September 17, 2009, 4:30 - 7:30 pm at Tyee Wine Cellars.

The evening will begin with wine tasting (4:30-5:00) and a tour of the solar installation at Tyee Wine Cellars (5:00-5:30), a project facilitated by CPRCD’s Energy Program. The meeting, held during dinner (5:30-7:30), will include highlights of the past year, award presentations & election of new Board members.

Dinner will be catered by Valley Catering, with live music by Latin jazz group The Gomez Trio. There is a $15 charge for dinner.

Register by September 11. There are three ways to register:

1. Register online using our secure server. Our staff will contact you to find out your choice of entree (BBQ chicken or Gardenburgers).
2. Print & mail an RSVP card.
3. Call Debbra at (541) 967-5925 x102.

See the invitation for more.

See a map to Tyee Wine Cellars.

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CPRCD Releases Annual Report
Peregrine Falcon photo by Kevin Smith
Peregrine Falcon. Photo by Kevin Smith

CPRCD will release its 2009 Annual Report at the annual meeting on September 17.

The Report includes accomplishments and financial information for the 2009 fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. Among the programs highlighted in the Report:

  • The Energy Program, started in April 2008, changed its scope and direction last December under the leadership of Energy Program Manager Terry Johnson. Originally focused on energy audits and grant writing for energy efficiency projects, the program now includes renewable energy projects (such as solar) and a comprehensive approach that includes on-site needs assessments, feasiblity studies, cost estimating, grant packaging, helping clients obtain and compare contractor bids, and serving as the client's advocate throughout the construction process.
  • The Willamette Valley Birding Trail, a self-guided tour of 138 birding destinations, many accessible by bicycle or public transit. The project was guided by Jackie Nichols of CPRCD and Joel Geier, Project Coordinator. The Trail Guide is available online at www.oregonbirdingtrails.org/wvtrailguide.htm. Printed Trail Guides will be available in late 2009.
  • Horning Native Plant Materials Center, a partnership with the Bureau of Land Management to provide propagated native plant materials for restoration projects. The program promotes improved conservation and use of locally adapted native plants in northwest Oregon. Karen Strohmeyer worked with Claire Hibler, Salem District BLM botanist, to bring together potential partners for the project.

When completed, the 2009 Annual Report will be available online at www.cascadepacific.org.

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2009 Calendar
 
Oregon State Weed Board Meeting
Astoria
Sept. 10 - 11
 
36th Natural Areas Conference
Vancouver, WA
Sept. 15 - 18
 
USDA Biomass Meeting
Hood River Co. Library
502 State Street
Hood River, OR
Sept. 16, 9:00 - 2:00 (approx)
 
CPRCD Annual Meeting
Tyee Wine Cellars
Corvallis
Sept. 17, 5:00 - 7:30 pm
 
Workshop: Wind Power for Communities
La Grande, Sept. 23
The Dalles, Sept. 24
$35; Register by Sept. 9
 
Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
Molalla
Oct. 10, 9:00 - 1:00
 
2009 Watershed Council
Gathering
Klamath Falls
Oct. 27-30
 
Grants & Announcements
  • NFWF Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment

Pre-proposals are due on October 9.  This round of funding will focus on projects in the Willamette River Basin, John Day River Basin and Oregon Coast, that meet the following purposes:

(a)   develop and implement strategies to eliminate and/or reduce pollution and otherwise restore the quality of Oregon rivers, streams and coastal areas;
(b)   restore and conserve fish, wildlife, and plant resources critical to Oregon rivers, streams and coastal areas;
(c)   identify continuing sources of pollution of Oregon rivers, streams and coastal areas; or
(d)   improve state and local criminal enforcement of environmental and wildlife protection laws intended to protect Oregon rivers, streams and coastal areas.  

The complete RFP and a link to the online pre-proposal application can be found at http://www.nfwf.org/orgovfund.

  • Value Added Agriculture Grant Program Available

The federal value-added agriculture grant program is up and running, and proposals are due November 30th, 2009. The program supports five eligible "value-added" activities: commodity processing, nonstandard production methods, commodity segregation, on-farm renewable energy, and locally-produced food products.

Find information about this year's round of proposals, including links to templates to assist you with proposal preparation, at the Center for Rural Affairs web site: http://www.cfra.org/resources/vapg/fact_sheet.

  • USDA/NRCS Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP)

AWEP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers in applying agricultural water enhancement activities that conserve ground and surface water and improve water quality on agricultural lands.

Agricultural producers, soil & water conservation districts, tribes, government entities, associations and others may apply for AWEP assistance. For information, contact Karen Strohmeyer at (541) 967-5925 x128 or karen.strohmeyer@or.usda.gov.

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