The Rural Living Resource Guide is a tool for anyone owning or looking to buy acreage in Columbia County, Oregon. Every property, no matter how small or how large, comes with its own set of unique challenges and opportunities that can often take new owners by surprise.

This booklet provides information on topics that may be new to you and will guide you to additional resources on those subjects. That way, you can plan, evaluate conditions, and identify options that are right for you, your family, and your land.

Throughout the guide, an underlying focus will become clear – the importance of protecting water sources in a rural setting. From Farms to Homes, from Nature to Forests, there are many ways that you can become a steward of this vital resource.

The Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District is here to help you.

We are a non-regulatory agency that offers you free technical assistance for almost any issue you have on your property that relates to soil or water, or simply to prevent potential issues. Solving these problems will improve the health of your land, forest, livestock and horses, wildlife, stream quality, and landscape.

Our free services, including workshops, technical assistance, and site visits, can help you implement your goals on your property. We trust you will find this handbook helpful and informative.

We provide technical assistance to help you:

· Manage livestock, pastures, manure, and water run-off

· Identify plants, control weeds, add native plants, and improve soil nutrients for your land

· Manage streams and wetlands

· Support wildlife habitat

· Improve conservation and natural resources

Pick up a copy of your own at our office located at 35285 Millard Road, St. Helens, OR 97051