Cascade Business News: Deschutes County Voters Approve Measure #9-176, Advancing Local Conservation Efforts
Voters in Deschutes County have officially passed Measure #9-176, marking a significant milestone for local conservation initiatives. The measure provides a stable funding source for the Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD), expanding services and conservation projects in both urban and rural areas. The approval reflects the strong commitment of residents to funding essential programs in water conservation and drought resilience for farmers and ranchers, forest health and wildfire risk reduction, and neighborhood and urban green spaces.
With the approval of Measure #9-176, Deschutes SWCD will expand current projects and launch new initiatives to address environmental challenges, increase resources and assistance for landowners, communities, and partner organizations, and enhance educational programs. This stable funding will allow the district to move beyond short-term grants and provide sustained support for conservation efforts across the county.
The passage of Measure #9-176 ensures that DSWCD can provide technical and financial assistance for conservation projects, including boosting irrigation efficiency, improving forest management, and enhancing urban green spaces. The permanent tax rate of $0.06 per $1,000 assessed property value will generate necessary funds to support these programs, with full transparency and oversight from an elected Board of Directors.
