We believe that developing partnerships in communities across the West takes time, trust and credibility, and relationship building among public and private partners. The IWJV and its partners are investing in people in priority landscapes to develop lasting conservation partnerships in the form of community-based conservation capacity. The following individuals are helping to coordinate conservation efforts, break through bottlenecks and challenges, track projects and success, and facilitate forums that bring partners together.

Carlton Strough is a Conservation and Agriculture Specialist assisting with field delivery of the SONEC Working Wet Meadows Initiative in Harney County, Oregon. This position is hosted by the Harney County Soil and Water Conservation District. Carlton has been working for the District since February 2018. Harney County is an important area for migratory birds and is home to the Malhuer National Wildlife Refuge. Waterfowl use the refuge and adjacent private irrigated lands in the Silvies floodplain, Donner and Blitzen watershed, Silver Creek watershed, and surrounding areas for foraging and staging during spring migration. Carlton’s responsibilities include: providing technical assistance to agricultural producers and landowners to enhance migratory bird habitat on irrigated hay and pasture lands, marketing and implementing Farm Bill conservation programs, and collaborating with local partners on habitat conservation projects. Carlton also assists the Harney County Soil and Water Conservation District with monitoring riparian areas on private lands. Carlton can be reached by phone (541-573-6446 ext. 112) or e-mail (Carlton.strough@or.nacdnet.net).

In 2019, Cody Hamilton joined the SONEC Working Wet Meadows Initiative as a Conservation and Agriculture Specialist in Lake County, Oregon. Lakeview is Cody’s hometown and he is excited to be working in his community. Lake County has an assortment of wetlands like Summer Lake Wildlife Area, the Chewaucan Marsh, Warner Valley and Goose Lake Basin that attract waterfowl. Flood-irrigation on pastures and hay fields in historic wetlands sustains important foraging habitats for birds. Cody’s responsibilities include: providing technical assistance to agricultural producers and landowners to enhance migratory bird habitat on irrigated hay and pasture lands, marketing and implementing Farm Bill conservation programs, and working with local partners on habitat conservation projects. Cody can be reached by phone (541-947-2367 ext. 110) or e-mail (Cody.Hamilton@or.nacdnet.net).