Agriculture drives Jefferson County's culture, economy, and land conditions.  How can agriculture stay viable as temperatures rise while water supplies decrease and becomes more erratic?  Since 2022, the SWCD has facilitiated a diverse group of over 40 members to develop, update, and implement a long-range plan to help agriculture thrive in spite of these challenges.  Come join us!

We assist with irrigation efficiency upgrades. Conserving irrigation water for the junior water rights holders of North Unit Irrigation District is a critical component of how we address water quantity issues. By implementing efficient irrigation systems, we improve the Jefferson County agricultural economy by ensuring that enough water is available for both producers and the surrounding fish and wildlife.

Although often overlooked, the health of Jefferson County soils is one of our top priorities. We provide expertise and technical assistance with cover cropping, no-till practices, nurturing soil biology, western juniper removal, native grass seeding, and much more.

No stream is too small or insignificant for us to devote our expertise towards restoring. We can assist with minor to major stream restoration projects. Past projects include stream reconstruction, planting streamside vegetation to stabilize banks, terracing incised streams, and installing fencing to prevent livestock from diminishing sensitive riparian areas.

To understand the quality of our waters, we must look in the drains, rivers, along the banks, and up into the headwaters.  Regional geology, hydrology, and climate play a major role in water quality and quantity, as does the management of the land and water. 

Noxious weeds are plants listed by the county as a menace to public welfare. Usually non-native, they excel at out-competing native vegetation and agricultural crops, causing destruction for farmers, ranchers, and our native ecosystem. ​ It is the responsibility of landowners to control the noxious weeds on their property. Although a challenging task, we can provide technical assistance, treatment expertise, and grant funds to control noxious weeds.