About Us
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Our Story & What We Do
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, as well as the land owner.
Our Mission
TO PROMOTE COOPERATIVE WATERSHED RESTORATION ACROSS JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES, TO ENHANCE LAKE COUNTY’S WATERSHEDS FOR PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS.
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 represent the LCUWC on the Lake County Cooperative Weed Management Area Board and the Network Board of Oregon Watershed Councils.
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.
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.
Riane Miles
Colleen Withers
Colleen Withers
Watershed Assistant
Riane lives in Christmas Valley, Oregon where she works part-time as a contractor for the Lake County Umbrella Watershed Council. Riane is a former high school Business Teacher. She also works alongside her husband and his family on their alfalfa hay farm. Riane coordinates education and outreach projects as well as provides support in grant tracking and field work.