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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend July 13, 2006 Tax increase would aid land improvements By Damian Mann Mail Tribune A surge in interest from residents who want to be better land stewards has prompted the Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District to seek a hike in property taxes this November. The district wants to raise $640,000 annually through a property tax of 5 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. An average house with an assessed valuation of $167,000 would pay an additional $8.35 yearly if voters approve the tax. Manager Randy White said the district currently has a $120,000 budget that comes from state and local revenues as well as grants. White said the district had 170 contacts with local landowners three years ago, but last year that number jumped to 550. These landowners want advice on everything from managing irrigation and erosion to creating buffer zones near urban areas, protecting riparian areas and improving forest stands and wildlife habitat. "It's getting to the point now that I'm chasing my tail," said White, who is the only technician in the two-member staff. The other person performs administrative duties. White said he wants to hire an additional five technicians with expertise in such fields as soil, hydrology and riparian zones. One of the technicians would be dedicated to urban areas, helping homeowners understand that what they do — from dumping oil in the backyard to using pesticides improperly to putting too much fertilizer on lawns — can have an affect on the environment. White, who often sees star thistle growing near homes, wants to conduct weed management programs in urban areas. The district works with the county, the Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a weed-containment program. Keith Corp, who has a 200-acre ranch near Emigrant Lake, said district technicians have come to his assistance over the years. "They are very, very helpful," said Corp, whose family first settled on the ranch in 1947. He said he needed help containing runoff that was contaminated by manure from flowing into creeks. To correct the problem, he said the district helped design filtration ponds and grassy areas that also filtered the water. Corp, 65, said he also needed a plan to convert from flood irrigation to a sprinkler system and assistance in securing grants to help pay for it. He said the system is designed to allow water to soak into the ground rather than running off. With new landowners moving in from other areas who may not be familiar with taking care of rural property, Corp said the district is needed more than ever. Charlie Boyer, one of seven members on the district board, said the federal government has cut back on the local staff of the U.S. Natural Resource Conservation Service in recent years. "Somebody needs to pick up the slack," he said. The district responds to a variety of issues that affect the quality of life in this area as well as the economic viability of farming and ranching, he said. The district was involved in the creation of the "Jackson County Rural Living Handbook" and also put on a 10-week management training course for 4-H students. Boyer said the district realizes it's a difficult time to ask voters for money, particularly because schools and other government agencies also will be looking for money from property owners this November. "People have to make a choice where the best place is to put their vote," he said. The district can be reached at 734-3143 for information about the property tax or its services. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or [email protected] . Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com