Valley Soil & Water Conservation District

Valley Soil & Water Conservation District Valley Soil and Water encourages cooperation among landowners, government agencies and private organizations to improve and conserve natural resources.

The University of Idaho Extension Pasture Management Tour is an exceptional opportunity to connect with professionals vi...
09/25/2025

The University of Idaho Extension Pasture Management Tour is an exceptional opportunity to connect with professionals visiting Valley County to support local stakeholders in managing their pasture properties. Don’t miss this informative workshop! With funding opportunities becoming more limited, we are pleased to offer this workshop FREE of charge, thanks to our sponsor, Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.

This learning experience consists of a virtual class Wednesday night (via Zoom) and in-person pasture tours located in McCall, Cascade, and Emmett.

Presenters:

-Emily Bedwell – Extension Specialist, Kimberly Research and Extension, specializing in precision agriculture and irrigation technology

-Jemila Chellappa – Extension Area Educator, specializing in cropping systems

-Cheyanne Meyers – Extension Educator, Canyon County, specializing in livestock nutrition

-Rebecca Mills - Gem/Boise Educator, Small Acres Pasture Management

-Tyler O’Donnell – Extension Educator, Washington County, specializing in livestock and rangeland management

-Jenn Smith – Extension Educator, Owyhee County, specializing in livestock and range. She has experience with virtual fence technology and is an excellent resource for locals interested in learning more about this innovative approach.

- Matti Schmidt- Resource Conservationist, NRCS, Range Specialist

Learn More at https://www.trumba.com/calendars/cals?eventid=188219755

Health advisory issued for Van Wyck Boat Ramp on Lake Cascade in Valley County. The Van Wyck Boat Ramp is located on the...
08/18/2025

Health advisory issued for Van Wyck Boat Ramp on Lake Cascade in Valley County. The Van Wyck Boat Ramp is located on the southeast side of Lake Cascade. Recent samples from the water showed high amounts of toxin-producing cyanobacteria. The toxins they produce (cyanotoxins) can be harmful to people, pets, and livestock.

When recreating near this body of water, take the following precautions while the advisory is in effect:

- Avoid swimming, wading, or other contact with the water. Take extra care to ensure children do not drink or get the water on them.
-Ensure pets and livestock do not drink or go into the water. If they have contact with the water, clean skin, hide, or fur with clean water right away.
-Do not drink or cook with the water. Boiling or filtering the water does not remove the toxins and can increase the risk of becoming sick.
-Wash hands thoroughly in clean water after handling fish or objects from the water.
-f you choose to eat fish from the water, clean and wash fish thoroughly in uncontaminated water. Fillet the fish, and remove all fat, skin, and internal organs before cooking. Cyanotoxins can build up in fish, and the risk to people is unknown.
-Watch for symptoms. If you touch or swim in the water or breathe in water droplets, you might experience a rash, hives, red eyes, wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath. If you swallow the water, you might have stomach pain, diarrhea, or vomiting. -You might have a headache, muscle weakness, or dizziness. If your liver is damaged, your skin might turn yellow, and you will have dark urine. If you think you might be sick from cyanotoxin, consult your healthcare provider or call the poison center at 1- 800-222-1222. Notify [email protected].
-Monitor media reports and DHW’s website for health advisories.

Did you know you can use our no till drill for fire mitigation? Here are just a few ways you can utilize this incredible...
08/13/2025

Did you know you can use our no till drill for fire mitigation? Here are just a few ways you can utilize this incredible tool:
-Creating or Enhancing Firebreaks
-Planting Fire Resistant Vegetation such as cool season grasses within firebreaks
-No till approach increases organic matter and soil moisture, minimizes soil disturbance, preserves soil structure
-Revegetation after wildfires
Use the District’s Frontier GS1148 Cultipacker and trailer for transport to create a property fire boundary. A community asset made possible through the generous contribution from the Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation. Don’t wait until fires are at your doorstep or fence line!

Thanks for putting on this event. Tomorrow (August 1) is the last day to participate in this community event this summe...
07/31/2025

Thanks for putting on this event. Tomorrow (August 1) is the last day to participate in this community event this summer.

Lawn care and Landscaping near waterways can have a BIG impact! Here are a few things to think about: - Plant deep-roote...
07/28/2025

Lawn care and Landscaping near waterways can have a BIG impact! Here are a few things to think about:
- Plant deep-rooted, woody vegetation native to the lakeshore when possible
- Preserve natural topography and drainage when working near the lake
- Fertilizers and Pesticides – avoid or sparingly near the lake
- Kind of Fertilizer ( Phosphorus Free!)
- Form of Fertilizer (granular or encapsulated)
- Timing and Rate of Application
- Watering – Don’t over water!
- Buffer Strips, Revetments and Bulkheads Stewardship Ethics
- Minimize soil disturbances near the lake Clean up after your pets
- Keep leaves branches or any organic matter out of the lakes and streams
- Campfires or slash fires well above the high-water line

Wildfire season is here. It's time to think about how well you are protecting your property.Things to think about around...
07/25/2025

Wildfire season is here. It's time to think about how well you are protecting your property.
Things to think about around your home:
- your home's defendable space
- landscaping zones and planting firewise species only
- tree and brush thinning projects

Have questions about a firewise project?

Samantha Wittell [email protected], Private Forestry Specialist with Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), (208) 634-7125.

Mara Hlawatschek [email protected], (208) 382-7145 ext.1404 Director for Valley County’s Fire Mitigation Program

John Lillehaug, VSWCD Supervisor
[email protected]
And learn more at Idaho Firewise https://idahofirewise.org/

Please note that our regularly scheduled board meeting has changed dates. Join us August 21st at 9am (via zoom or in pe...
07/24/2025

Please note that our regularly scheduled board meeting has changed dates. Join us August 21st at 9am (via zoom or in person). Reach out for details.

Idaho Statute Title 22-Chapter 24 makes it your duty and responsibility to treat noxious w**ds on your land and property...
07/17/2025

Idaho Statute Title 22-Chapter 24 makes it your duty and responsibility to treat noxious w**ds on your land and property. Landowners who fail to treat noxious w**ds will be billed and must reimburse the County for work done on their behalf.
Key Reminders:
Treat noxious w**ds annually - don't skip a year
If you see it, report it or treat it
Know what you grow
Current W**d Alert:
Oxeye Daisy is ending its bloom cycle but should still be treated
Keep an eye out for Knapw**d and Canada Thistle - they are becoming more prominent
Resources Available:
Free w**d identification books are available at the District office.
Product and backpack sprayer available through the County W**d Department.
Have questions or need support in managing noxious w**ds? Contact the District or Steve Anderson ([email protected]) for assistance.

Lake Cascade Water Quality Update – Early July:Summer’s in full swing, and Lake Cascade is holding strong with good cond...
07/07/2025

Lake Cascade Water Quality Update – Early July:

Summer’s in full swing, and Lake Cascade is holding strong with good conditions for outdoor fun. While warmer surface temps (above 65°F) encourage seasonal changes in the lake’s marine plankton biology, satellite imagery confirms very low levels of potentially toxic producing cyanobacteria—and no health advisories are currently in effect.

💧 What’s in the Water? Cyanobacteria taxa like Woronichinia, Gloeotrichia, and Dolichospermum are present at low levels, with only trace amounts of Microcystis and Aphanizomenon. These patterns are becoming typical for this time of year, increasing in mass density through the summer and fall.

🚣‍♂️ Tips for Enjoying the Lake Safely:
• Head for the deeper central areas—water clarity and circulation are highest there
• If you spot greenish mats or cattle near the shore, pick a different spot
• Use suntan lotion—it can help ward off swimmer’s itch
• Always rinse or shower after swimming
• Consider leaving pets at home to avoid exposure risks
• If in doubt, keep out

🌞 Looking Good for Summer With clear skies and open water, Lake Cascade remains a fantastic destination for early summer swimming, boating, and family outings. Water quality information is periodically posted at https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Lake-Cascade.

Photo and Information Courtesy of Lenard Long and Friends of Lake Cascade

Have fun and be safe out there this weekend! Remember to use caution with fireworks, be on the lookout and report any f...
07/03/2025

Have fun and be safe out there this weekend! Remember to use caution with fireworks, be on the lookout and report any fires you see.

Address

209 N Idaho Street
Cascade, ID
83611

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12083823317

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Valley Soil & Water Conservation District posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Valley Soil & Water Conservation District:

Shortcuts

Share