New Ag Drainage Channel Program Announced
The Agricultural Drainage Channel Maintenance Program at the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture oversees maintenance of agricultural drainage channels to protect aquatic resources. Landowners who want to maintain their channels can request a user-friendly, fast, and free “Notice” from ODA. Once a Notice is valid, it is good for five years. This Notice is an alternative to permits from the Oregon Dept. of State Lands.
Landowners and water districts must have a valid Notice or Department of State Lands permit prior to maintaining most channels. Eligible channels include ditches and streams that:
- Have been historically maintained and provided drainage in the past five years
- Dry at the time of work
- Not designated essential salmonid habitat
For more information, visit the ADCM webpage at https://oda.direct/AgChannelMaintenance
or contact program specialist, Brittany Mills at brittany.mills@oda.oregon.gov
Phone: 971-218-1409.