About Us
Our Story
- Established in the mid 1990s, five independent Watershed Councils were formed to represent each distinct watershed in Lake County. The Councils (made up of local residents) assisted landowners with watershed projects to improve and promote watershed health. Over time, the Councils merged to become the Lake County Umbrella Watershed Council.
- With the aid of many partners, the Council plans, secures grant funding, implements, and monitors watershed restoration and enhancement projects.
Our Lake County Home
- Lake County is made up of multiple, diverse watersheds, each of which have characteristics the State of Oregon recognizes as having priority significance. These characteristics provide the foundation for our restoration and enhancement efforts. Understanding and appreciating our working landscape in Lake County, we help design and implement projects that are beneficial to the land, water, and wildlife...but to the landowner as well.
Our Mission
- TO PROMOTE COOPERATIVE WATERSHED RESTORATION ACROSS JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES, TO ENHANCE LAKE COUNTY’S WATERSHEDS FOR PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS
Council/Board of Directors
- Tom O'Leary, Chair, Silver Lake Watershed
- John Taylor, Vice Chair, Warner Basin Watershed
- Pete Talbott, Secretary/Treasurer, Goose Lake Watershed
- Matt Withers, Upper Sycan Watershed
- Jack O'Leary, Chewaucan Watershed
- Pete Talbott, Goose Lake Watershed
- Jayna Ferrell, Crooked Creek Watershed
Contracted Staff
Autumn Muir
Colleen Withers
Brandi Neider
Project Manager, Uplands Coordinator
Autumn lives in Lakeview, Oregon where she brings over 20 years of experience as a Wildlife Biologist to her contracted position with the Lake County Umbrella Watershed Council. Autumn consults, secures funding, plans/designs, and manages implementation for all activities surrounding forest health and
Project Manager, Uplands Coordinator
Autumn lives in Lakeview, Oregon where she brings over 20 years of experience as a Wildlife Biologist to her contracted position with the Lake County Umbrella Watershed Council. Autumn consults, secures funding, plans/designs, and manages implementation for all activities surrounding forest health and uplands restoration/enhancement. She also continues to represent the LCUWC on the Lake County Cooperative Weed Management Area Board.
Brandi Neider
Colleen Withers
Brandi Neider
Project Manager, Stream & Riparian Coordinator
Brandi lives in Lakeview, Oregon where she works as a contractor for the Lake County Umbrella Watershed Council. Brandi is a former Science Teacher and joined the Council in 2019. She also works alongside her husband and kids on her family's cattle ranch. Brandi consults, plans, secures fundi
Project Manager, Stream & Riparian Coordinator
Brandi lives in Lakeview, Oregon where she works as a contractor for the Lake County Umbrella Watershed Council. Brandi is a former Science Teacher and joined the Council in 2019. She also works alongside her husband and kids on her family's cattle ranch. Brandi consults, plans, secures funding, and coordinates implementation for all activities surrounding stream and riparian restoration or enhancement. She serves as the Vice President and Government Relations Committe Member on the Network of Oregon Watershed Council Board.
Colleen Withers
Colleen Withers
Colleen Withers
Program Manager, Fiscal Administrator
Colleen lives in Paisley, Oregon where she works part time as a contractor for the Lake County Umbrella Watershed Council and part-time with her husband and daughters on their cattle ranch. Colleen is responsible for Council coordination, website development, youth and adult education programs, as well as the Council's fiscal activities /bookkeeping.