Harney County is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in conservation, thanks to a transformative $18.4 million award to High Desert Partnership (HDP), our partners in Oregon, from the NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This federal program supports collaborative projects across the U.S., addressing critical environmental challenges through partnerships with local stakeholders. With this grant, HDP will tackle pressing issues such as water scarcity, wildfire risk, and drought, ensuring a stronger future for the county’s agricultural landscapes and unique wildlife habitats.
With nearly two decades of collaboration behind them, HDP and its partners are ready to roll out innovative conservation efforts that prioritize local needs. Key projects include water conservation, wetland restoration, invasive species control, and establishing conservation easements, all aimed at strengthening the resilience of local ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.
Harney County is home to the extraordinary greater sage-grouse, which depends on the sagebrush ecosystem and is considered threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
“The climate challenges facing Harney County require coordinated solutions and unprecedented cooperation,” said Brenda Smith, Executive Director of High Desert Partnership. “This initiative builds on our legacy of bringing together private landowners, government agencies, and conservation groups to achieve meaningful results across private and public land boundaries.”
This initiative is not only a significant step forward for Harney County but also an inspiring model for conservation partnerships nationwide. The level of collaboration—uniting private landowners, local communities, and a diverse array of partners—is a powerful example of what’s possible when everyone works toward shared goals. We are hopeful that this approach will spark similar initiatives elsewhere, encouraging communities to build robust landscapes through cooperation and innovation.
Starting in Spring 2025, HDP will be working closely with local landowners to bring these projects to life, with on-the-ground work beginning in Summer 2025 and continuing through to 2030. Together, HDP and its partners are setting a new standard for collaborative, climate-focused conservation that will benefit Harney County for generations to come.